Fertilizing Your Plants

In addition to light and moisture, all plants require a specific collection of nutrients to thrive. Many of the nutrients are within existing garden soils, but not always. The application of fertilizers can be necessary to support the growth of many plants, especially non-native selections. 

The determination of what to fertilize with is best determined by the information gleaned through a soil test. A soil test will provide you with not only the pH but also levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (the “NPK” on most product labels). Taking time to determine any deficient in one’s soil will help determine the type (and amount) of fertilizer to apply. 

The application of the fertilizer will typically be determined by the square footage of garden that requires the nutrient boost. While potted plants can be fertilized by mixing the product with water in a conventional watering can, for larger garden areas the assistance of either a drop or rotary spreader may be helpful. 

Gardeners needn’t always rely on synthetic fertilizers to support their plants’ growth and development. Organic fertilizers like leaf mould, animal manure, mushroom compost, worm castings, kelp-based liquid fertilizers and fish emulsion are often the best choice for most plants. Organic fertilizers tend to be gentler than their synthetic counterparts. Many organic fertilizers are better at “feeding the soil” as opposed to “feeding the plant.” Meaning that one should focus their energies on soil health as opposed to strengthening an individual plant. Enriching the soil will provide the garden with a longer-term solution that will support all the plants enjoy long, healthy lives. 

For more information about specific fertilizing requirements, new gardeners should reach out to their local Master Gardeners group for advice and additional considerations.