Gardening 101: How to use fertilizers when growing vegetables (2024)

FAQs

How to use fertilizer in a vegetable garden? ›

Sprinkle fertilizer along the sides of rows and water it into the soil. The last method is application to growing plants, or side dressing. This is especially helpful on sandy soils or when there has been a lot of rain that may have leached nutrients from the soil.

One application every four to six weeks after planting is typically enough. Crops growing in organic soils may need little additional fertilizer—again, just use foliage color and plant vigor as guides.

"Generally, nutrients are best applied in the spring through mid-summer," Kleinguenther says, but there are nuances.

Always follow the manufacturers recommended rates and application methods. Fertilize outdoor plants in the coolest part of the day, such as early morning or late evening, especially in hot summer weather. Always water in fertilizers well to distribute nutrients throughout the soil profile and to prevent burning.

Tomatoes thrive when fertilized every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Harvesting your first tomato signals the last fertilizer application of the season. When should I add fertilizer to my tomato plants? Fertilize tomatoes at planting time with a water-soluble fertilizer high in phosphorus.

Some growers prefer to use a high-phosphorus fertilizer, indicated by a larger middle number. You can also keep things simple with a fertilizer especially formulated for tomatoes – usually with a ratio like 3-4-6 or 4-7-10. Most importantly, don't over-fertilize. Too little fertilizer is always better than too much.

A common recommendation for vegetables is to apply 1 pound of a 10-10-10 fertilizer or 2 pounds of a 5-10-5 (or 5-10-10) fertilizer per 100 feet of row.

When excess fertilizer is applied, it can lead to nutrient imbalances and harm the plant's health. Over-fertilization can cause leaf burn, stunted growth, and even plant death.

How Often Should You Water a Vegetable Garden? There is a tendency for gardeners to water a little each day. This is much less efficient than watering two to three times each week. Watering deeper on a less-frequent schedule will give the water time to seep into the ground.

Coffee grounds are packed with nutrients that tomato plants love, like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. They help improve soil structure and promote microbial activity, which can lead to healthier, more robust tomato plants. Plus, they may even help deter certain pests.

Can I use the same fertilizer for all my vegetables? ›

There is many kind of fertilizers available on the market: For tomatoes, vegetables and fruits, for flowers and multi-purpose, for example. They each have a unique NPK ratio (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium). As often as possible, you should use a fertilizer dedicated for the type of plant you're growing.

Light green foliage and yellowing mature foliage can be a sign that a plant needs nitrogen. Chlorosis (light green leaves with dark green veins) can be a signal that a plant needs potassium. If older leaves are turning purple at the base and other leaves are dull, dark-green, there could be a deficiency of phosphorous.

Fertilizing Cucumbers

Make your first post-planting feeding one week after your cucumber plants start blooming. Then feed your plants again three weeks later. Don't be tempted to overfertilize; too much fertilizer encourages more leaf and vine growth at the expense of your fruits.

Tomatoes, squash, peppers, cucumbers, and other vegetables (and herbs!) will thrive when they're fed every 7 to 14 days with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Plant Food for Vegetables & Herbs. For continuous-release feedings that last up to 3 months, choose Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable Plant Food.

You should water granular fertilizer immediately after it is applied to your plants. Granular fertilizer needs the help of water for it to activate, so it will have no effect on your garden if you forget to water after adding it. For liquid fertilizer, you should wait longer before watering your plants.

While there are pros and cons in terms of soil conservation, when it comes to fertilizer application, tillage is a good option for broadcast and other surface applications. Plant nutrients need time to react with the soil in order to reduce the potential for off-target movement.

Light green foliage and yellowing mature foliage can be a sign that a plant needs nitrogen. Chlorosis (light green leaves with dark green veins) can be a signal that a plant needs potassium. If older leaves are turning purple at the base and other leaves are dull, dark-green, there could be a deficiency of phosphorous.

It is important to follow the instructions on your fertilizer label to determine when it is safe to eat vegetables from your garden. Some fertilizers require a waiting period of a few days before harvesting, while others may require several weeks.