My staff asked me if I would address fertilizing garden plants this week. Our office receives many emails and phone calls on this very topic. Customers and site members often send in pictures of their sick plants to see if we can work with them to figure out what is going wrong. Even before looking at the picture we need to know how the plants have been cared for, such as watering cycle, lawn care, and if, what and how often fertilize was applied.
Stressed plants will exhibit the same characteristics whether or not they have been over or under watered. It is a matter of realizing how often the plants are being watered and/or checking the soil to see if it is dry or wet, and, then doing the opposite.
Lawn care is necessary to know as many people plant trees and shrubs in the middle of their lawn. All herbicides, pesticides, and fertilize applied onto lawns to make them green and grow soaks down into the root system of these plants and they are directly affected by these chemicals.
Fertilize, ah to fertilize! This is the one thing that I feel is most commonly misused or should I say abused. Maybe it is due to lack of knowledge on it. To a new homeowner or new gardener, I am sure looking at shelves full of so many different products is overwhelming and somewhat intimidating. Before I go into what can be used, I want to begin with what one should not do.
Never, ever, ever, never:
1.Fertilize without watering in afterwards
2.Allow fertilize or the dust to settle and stay on any part of the plant (always wash off)
3.Spray water soluble fertilizers, such as Miracle Grow, over the tree or shrub with the reasoning that it will be absorbed through the leaves
4.Fertilize trees, shrubs, or perennials during the heat of summer or drought periods
5.Dump fertilize on the ground near a plant with the attitude that “Oh, it will eventually soak in”
6.Apply multiple fertilizers
7.Begin a fertilize program without first testing your soil’s pH
8.Fertilize plants year round
I know, no one wants to hear it, but
soil testing is a necessary evil if fertilizing is part of your routine. They should be run about every 3 to 5 years so the soil structure can be amended properly.
Remember the 3 R’s on fertilizing:
Right blend
Right amount
Right time of year
Now, you ask, “But, Cheryl, if I can’t just dump fertilize onto the ground, how will I know if, when and how I should fertilize?” Not to worry, I have taken care of that for you. This link to the North Carolina State University Extension Site gives everything you always wanted to know about fertilizing, but were afraid to ask. It also covers natural fertilizers with enough information so you can decide if and when you might use them.
Bookmark it or print out this pdf for keeping on file for referencing.
http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/a-gardeners-guide-to-fertilizing-trees-and-shrubs
Until next time……Cheryl
Visit www.GreenwoodNursery.com for a wide selection of shade trees,
flowering shrubs, perennial plants, ground covers, grasses, strawberry plants, raspberry & blackberry bushes, and more.
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