The weather warms, you’re itching to get outside and so something. So you go to the shed and see all of last year’s or maybe longer fertilizer bags sitting there taking up space.
Before you grab a spreader, here are some important things you should do and shouldn’t do before you go to work.
Granular Fertilizers
- Always Read The Label for correct dosage and plant use.
- Never use anything labeled for something else on your plants. For example, there’s a pretty good size bag of Weed & Feed there and your shrub and perennial beds need some food. You could be causing more harm than good by applying the wrong fertilizer to the wrong plant. Read The Label
- Always apply the recommended dosage. A little is good but a lot could be harmful. If your label calls for 1/4 cup per plant, you have to understand that a plant may be a 25′ oak tree and not a 2′ oak tree. Size does matter. Read the Label.
- Fertilizer does have a shelf life – even if it is closed. Fertilizers that sit can soak up moisture from the air. They could actually increase in strength, so be careful using old fertilizers.
- Always water fertilizer in, don’t let it sit on the foliage as it can cause burning.
- Be mindful of the seasons. Putting some fertilizers out too early or too late can cause the plant to start growing. If the plant is growing, and you have a freeze, it could damage plants.
- And did we mention…Always read the label!
Liquid Fertilizers
- Liquid fertilizers are designed to feed for short periods of time. When you choose to liquid feed, unless the label specifies, it lasts for 7-14 days normally. Feeding your plants once a year with liquid food is usually not doing much at all. Most liquid fertilizers need constant or regular feeding to give your plants the optimal nutrient levels.
- Read The Label – don’t give more than the recommended rate or interval or you could have a buildup in salts that can damage your plants.
- Pair your fertilizer with the right plants. A general all-purpose fertilizer is usually sufficient for most plants. But if you have flowering plants they may need a fertilizer that is suited for blooming plants.
Organic Fertilizers
When possible, we recommend using organics. They’re better for you, better for the environment, and better for your plants. Espoma makes a great line of organic fertilizers that can meet your needs. There are numerous liquid and granular choices when it comes to organics.
