Knowing when and how to apply fertilizer can make all the difference in vegetable gardens.
And when you finally decide on a product, figuring outhow to apply fertilizercan be even more confusing.
Do a soil test.
Credit: Gabriela Herman
Before you apply any fertilizer to your garden, its always a good idea totest your soil.
Pick the right fertilizer.
Dont place granular fertilizers against plant stems because this can cause plant tissue burn.
This means that they act quicker in the garden, but they will need to be applied more often.
Depending on the key in of fertilizer you use, you may need to wear protective equipment during utility.
This can include gloves, eyewear, and a mask.
Liquid fertilizers usually need to be applied either with a watering can or a garden sprayer.
Some fertilizers can also be added to handy hose attachments, which will make fertilizing your garden a breeze.
Keep an eye on your plants.
Apply fertilizer at the right time.
The best time to apply granular fertilizers is usually right before a heavy rain is expected.
Rain will wash the fertilizer into the soil and make it more readily accessible to plants.
Or apply granular fertilizer to the soil right before you’replanning to water your vegetable garden.
Know when you shouldnt fertilize.
During the summer, you may want to dial back the amount of fertilizer you use.
You may also want to avoid fertilizing someperennial vegetablesin autumn because this can affect their dormancy period.
Use fertilizer with compost.
Using these two products together can improve your soil even more and produce healthier plants too.
Then when the growing season starts, begin applying fertilizer and a dose ofcompost tea.
Combine fertilizer with companion planting.
Certain plants can improve soil and enhance the growth of nearby plants.
Some of the best companion plants to improve soil naturally are legumes, such asbeansandpeas.
Growing these plants in a mixed vegetable garden can reduce how much fertilizer you better apply throughout the season.
