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• The Importance of Fertilizing

  Fertilizer to plants is equivalent to food for people. They need it to survive and thrive. Fertilizer is a broad term that is used to describe organic and inorganic forms of fertilizer.

  The Nutrients…

  Macronutrients: These are the nutrients that plants use in large amounts.

  • Nitrogen
  • Phosphorous
  • Potassium

  These are the three numbers you’ll see on the containers of fertilizers. For example, many all-purpose fertilizers will say 20-20-20. This means there is 20% Nitrogen, 20% Phosphorous and 20% Potassium.

  Soil Type

  It’s important to know what type of soil you have for multiple reasons. First, different kinds of soils will have hold onto nutrients better than others. For example, if you have a sandy soil the fertilizer will leach out faster than if you have a clay or loamy soil. Second, Different types of soils provide different amounts of nutrients.

  Soil Tests

  One of the best ways to find out what kind of soil you have and what kind of nutritional value it carries is to get a soil test. You can get a soil test from the University of Minnesota at http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu. It is common in some areas to find that your soil may actually have too much of certain nutrients. This is sometimes the most important information so you can avoid adding more.

  How do I add what my soil needs?

  Finding out what your soil needs is often the most challenging part. Adding any supplemental nutrients can be simple. Once you found out what your soil is lacking in, find a fertilizer that contains the missing nutrient. Follow the directions on your fertilizer!

  Fertilizing is different for different kinds of plants. Annuals will take more fertilizer than Perennials. Perennials typically need more fertilizer than trees and shrubs. Vegetables, like tomatoes, also need fertilizer. You’ll find specific fertilizers made especially for vegetables and tomatoes.

  When growing plants in containers, fertilizers are crucial for keeping them healthy. Containers have to be watered more often due to the smaller amount of soil and a better ability to drain. Water containers about every 2 weeks with an all purpose fertilizer for the best success.

  Watch a YouTube Video on 'Fertilizing Flowering Baskets'

  Posted on June 11, 2012

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