When and how often should you apply plant fertilizer: Tips, timing, more in Dan Gill's mailbag (2024)

FAQs

When and how often to fertilize plants? ›

Vegetable gardeners can fertilize their garden beds about once a month with a quick-release fertilizer or about once a season with a slow-release fertilizer. Some gardeners prefer to feed their flowers and plants with a liquid-soluble plant food once every one to two weeks.

Soluble fertilizers, for instance, are applied every two weeks during the growing season. Granular fertilizers are generally applied about every six to eight weeks. Slow-release fertilizers work for months, so one application is generally all that is needed for a growing season.

Early morning is a good choice so you can take advantage of the morning dew, which will help the fertilizer soak into the soil. If you've just had a heavy rain or are expecting that type of stormy weather, we recommend waiting until the lawn has had a chance to dry out a little before applying the fertilizer.

In general, feed trees and shrubs twice a year - Spring and Fall. Feed flowers and vegetables once per month throughout the growing season. Sprinkle 1 cup of Plant-tone around the drip- line of the plant (forming a circle under the plant's outer leaves).

Generally, you can fertilize your plants on a bi-weekly (every other week) or a monthly basis depending on the fertilizer you're using. Make sure to read the label provided, as the recommendations on dilution and timeline can vary by brand. Recently potted or repotted plants will not benefit from fertilizer.

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.

Most gardeners should use a complete fertilizer with twice as much phosphorus as nitrogen or potassium. An example would be 10-20-10 or 12-24-12. These fertilizers usually are easy to find. Some soils contain enough potassium for good plant growth and don't need more.

In general, fertilize plants when you start to see new growth - leaves, buds, roots, etc. - and when planting transplants. Don't fertilize when plants are very dry or drought-stressed. Water the root area before fertilizing.

Mid to end of APRIL – spring fertilizer – 32-0-6 slow release (fast acting) Early to mid JUNE (6 weeks later) – early summer fertilizer – 25-0-5 – 50% slow release. Mid to late JULY (6 weeks later) – late summer fertilizer – 25-0-5 – 50% slow release.

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.

Should I water after fertilizing? ›

At Master Lawn, we typically say to wait 24 hours before watering your lawn after fertilizing. But it is important to make sure that it does receive a good watering session soon after that 24 hour waiting period. Watering helps the fertilizer to activate and to break down and begin feeding nutrients to the lawn.

In fact, gentle showers following the treatment can even aid in better nutrient absorption, especially when using water-soluble granulated formulas. Heavy Rain Immediately After Fertilization: Heavy rain, on the other hand, can wash away the fertilizer, preventing your grass from benefiting from the nutrients.

Will over applying hurt my plants? We always recommend that users follow the recommended rates of application on each bag. However, as the tones are all blends of all natural and organic ingredients there is a wide margin of error built in. This is due to the slow release and low salt content of these ingredients.

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.

Apply early spring lawn fertilizer once between February and April, when your grass is starting to green up and begin to actively grow (around the time your lawn first needs to be mowed).

Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food instantly feeds vegetables, trees, shrubs, and houseplants to grow bigger and more beautiful than unfed plants. Simply feed them every 1-2 weeks. The formula is safe for all plants, and is guaranteed not to burn when used as directed.