Plants need a mixture of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and other micronutrients to grow healthy and thriving. Many of these nutrients occur naturally in the soil, but over the years and by planting new flowers, grass or vegetables each spring, they become depleted and need to be replaced. Read on to learn about the different approaches to feeding plants.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Commercial Fertilizers
Step 1. Feed the grass and gardens with granular fertilizer
The fertilizer that comes in granular form is easy to spread in lawns and gardens. Since there is no need to work it directly into the ground, it must be reapplied every 2 or 3 months. To help the fertilizer last longer, you can use a garden rake and spread it across your garden soil.
- Commercial fertilizers are labeled with a proportion of N-P-K indicating the level of each substance they contain. If you just have to fertilize grass, choose a fertilizer that is particularly rich in nitrogen, as this is the nutrient that helps plants grow lush and green. If you are fertilizing flowering plants or bulbs, choose a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus, as it helps the flowers bloom.
- For a rich lawn, use granular fertilizer immediately after planting new grass seeds. You can sprinkle it by hand or use a tool to distribute it evenly throughout your garden.
- A controlled release of granular fertilizer can be beneficial if you have a large lawn and don't want to worry about fertilizing it more than twice a year. The granules are designed to release the fertilizer slowly and gradually.
Step 2. Use liquid fertilizer for potted plants
Fertilizers in bottles that are sprayed or poured are suitable for all potted plants.
- Pour or spray the recommended amount around the plant roots. The plants absorb the fertilizer immediately and you should see results within a few days.
- Too much liquid fertilizer can be harmful to plants, so don't use more than the amount indicated on the package.
Method 2 of 3: Feeding Plants with Organic Material
Step 1. Use bat or chicken manure or droppings
Cow manure has long been one of the most popular ways to fertilize plants. You can also purchase boxes of bat guano, which contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, at many nurseries and agricultural supply stores. Poultry droppings are also a common choice among farmers and gardeners. Sprinkle the substance around the roots of the plants you want to feed.
Step 2. Use bone or blood meal
These substances, made from animal bones and blood, contain high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. They are available at agricultural supply stores and nurseries in bags or boxes. Sprinkle the nutrient around the roots of your plants.
- You can fertilize plants while you are planting them by spraying fertilizer into the holes you dig when you sow.
- Test a mix of fertilizer in the plant bed before placing the seeds or seedling, then add more to the soil you use to cover them.
- Most farmers and gardeners find that using an animal substance provides the best nutrition for plants, but if you are hesitant to use bone or blood fertilizers, you can also try cottonseed meal.
Step 3. Feed the soil with compost
Compost in the garden or in the ground works in the long run to keep plants nourished and healthy over time. It is always a good idea to fertilize plants from time to time, but the nutrients contained in the compost provide a good foundation for plant health.
- You can make your own compost by storing vegetable peels and other food scraps in a compost bin.
- Compost is also on sale at nurseries.
Method 3 of 3: Knowing When to Feed Plants
Step 1. Feed the plants when you plant them
Whenever you are sowing a new plant in the garden or potting a houseplant, it is a good idea to fertilize it to give it support from the start. Work compost into the soil, sprinkle compost into the holes you dig, or sprinkle granular fertilizer over freshly plowed soil.
Remember that nitrogen helps stems and leaves grow strong, phosphorus promotes healthy roots, and potassium gives plants a healthy look with beautiful flowers. Each type of plant has different needs, so do your research or ask an expert at your local nursery if you are unsure what is right for your plants
Step 2. Feed the plants every 2 to 3 months
Don't wait to feed them only after you see a problem arise. Keep track of when they were last fertilized and make a fertilization plan every 2 or 3 months during the growing season.
Step 3. Fertilize your plants when you see them in trouble
If they have yellow or brown spots, floppy leaves, or other problems, they are probably suffering from malnutrition. You can purchase fertilizer spray which is intended to immediately revive plants that are in trouble.
Advice
- Preparing plant food yourself is not difficult. Try combining eggshells, dried leaves, and some apple, orange and / or banana peels and your plant will get its nourishment from everything.
- Worms in your garden are welcome. They help make decomposition faster.
