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1- Test Your Soil:
Before adding any amendments, conduct a soil test to understand its current nutrient content. You can perform a home test, send a sample for professional analysis, or seek guidance from your local cooperative extension office.
2. Consider What You’re Planting:
Different plants have varying nutrient needs. For example, leafy greens require more nitrogen, while flowering and fruiting plants need additional phosphorus. Understand the specific fertilizer requirements of the plants you intend to grow.
3. Look for Specialized Fertilizers:
Many fertilizers are preformulated for specific plant types, such as lawns, houseplants, trees, or flowers. These mixes are often designed to match common nutrient needs, but you should adjust based on your soil’s specific analysis.
4. Read the Fertilizer Label:
If you can’t find a fertilizer with the exact N-P-K ratio recommended by your soil test, select one that comes as close as possible. It's crucial to get the nitrogen level right and avoid excess phosphorus, which can impact water absorption.
5. Choose the Right Fertilizer Form:
For new lawns, a quick-release liquid fertilizer may be ideal, while granulated fertilizers provide slow, steady nourishment. Your choice between quick or slow-release and liquid or dry forms should be guided by your plant's growth requirements.
6. Use Compost if Unsure:
If you’re uncertain about your soil’s condition and haven’t done a test, consider using compost or a slow-release fertilizer. These are gentler options and less likely to cause harm to your plants.
Each plant has unique fertilizer requirements, meaning that some may need more while others require less or none at all. Typically, adhering to a regular fertilization schedule will keep your plants healthy and thriving. However, excessive fertilizer can harm your plants, often causing leaf and root burn if applied too quickly or directly onto the foliage.
To determine the correct usage and frequency of fertilizer application, follow the guidelines on the product label along with the specific care instructions for your plants. Additionally, consult your local extension office for regional fertilizer recommendations, as soil acidity can vary significantly from one area to another. For instance, during spring, lawns often benefit from nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
A common recommendation is to apply one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. If your lawn measures 1,000 square feet and your fertilizer contains 20 percent nitrogen, you would need to evenly distribute 10 pounds of that fertilizer across your entire lawn. Generally, lawns benefit from monthly fertilization from April to November, with a break during the peak heat of July and August, though this can vary based on the soil's nutrient content. Therefore, conducting a soil analysis is crucial to avoid over-fertilizing whenever possible.
WARNING
EXERCISE CAUTION TO PREVENT OVER-FERTILIZING YOUR PLANTS, PARTICULARLY LAWNS. EXCESS NUTRIENTS THAT PLANTS DO NOT ABSORB CAN RUNOFF INTO SEWAGE SYSTEMS AND RIVERS, RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT POLLUTION ISSUES.
It’s best to apply fertilizer when the sun isn’t directly shining on the plants. The timing of application may vary depending on whether it’s before or after rainfall or watering, and it also depends on the type of fertilizer used. Fertilizers come in various forms, including granules, liquids, powders, and spikes.
Granular fertilizer:
This dry fertilizer, typically in pellet form, is commonly used for lawns. Most granular fertilizers are slow-release, gradually providing nutrients to grass over time. They can be applied using specialized fertilizer spreaders, such as broadcast, drop, or hand-held spreaders. It’s advisable to apply granular fertilizer before rainfall since it relies on rainwater for effective nutrient dispersal. Avoid applying it on wet grass, as the granules may adhere to the foliage, increasing the risk of burning.
liquid, powder, or crystal fertilizer:
These fertilizers are often sold as liquid concentrates, dry powders, or crystals that need to be diluted with water. Most liquid fertilizers are quick-release, delivering nutrients to the plant immediately. Sprayers and hose attachments simplify the application process. For best results, spray this type of fertilizer on grass that is already wet to minimize the risk of chemical burn.
Spikes:
for a more straightforward approach, consider using fertilizer spikes. Although they tend to be more expensive, they are among the easiest to use. Spikes provide slow-release nutrients over time, gradually filtering from the spike into the soil. They are designed for trees, shrubs, outdoor plants, and houseplants. To use them, plant the spike in soft, damp soil at the drip line (the area where water drips from the plant towards the roots).
