In the beginning, I had no idea how to fertilize. I probably damaged or killed plants rather then feeding them due to my lack of knowledge. Amidst the never-ending array of products at the big box stores, I just assumed I needed all of it. So I bought it all. Brought it home. And threw it down. After reading the label of course. Funny how the directions were almost identical on every bag. Add 1 cup, or something per 100 Sq. Ft. Nope.
After years, and much study, I’ve learned not only how to apply and what to apply when, but more importantly how to read the plants and the soil. They will tell you what they need. This could be a soil sample, but I think for most gardeners, that’s scary and too involved. No, its easier than that. Observing your veggies, and inspecting the soil can tell you pretty much all you need to know. Matching up those observations with an action plan takes some learning though.
For example, one of the most common problems that will show up as tomatoes begin to set fruit on the vine is blossom end rot. You notice brown bottoms on all your tomatoes. The answer is calcium. The plant needs more calcium than the soil is providing. The solution is to add calcium by adding Lime. I like to use Espoma Garden Lime. Lime can be calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. Calcium carbonate is what is used in the garden. What’s great about Espoma’s line of Organic amendments is all the other components in the analysis. Simply toss some pellets around each of your tomato plants and water in. Or, if in dire situations, add a handful or two of pellets to a 5-gallon bucket of water and drench the soil around each plant to help facilitate the uptake of the calcium by the plant. You should see a result in the next formation of tomatoes. You won’t see a change in the tomatoes on the vine. They should be removed to allow the plant to set new fruit.
Another basic staple of vegetable garden fertilization is the general broadcast of 10-10-10 fertilizer (12-12-12 can be used also, but I tend to only use that early in the season). This can be done every two weeks or 10 days or more depending on how you like to feed. I also use a variety of other products depending on the plant and the phase of the growing cycle. In this instance, 10-10-10 is the most basic and easiest way to feed you plants. A poor man’s fertilizer if you will. Well, that’s before you check the price! Here is another 10-10-10 fertilizer that is often found at nurseries and big box stores. And there is no shame in using this. It makes a big difference even if this is all you use. As long as you water it in, or even better, apply before a rain, and you’ll see the difference within a week or two. Just walk around your garden, and throw (general broadcast) handfuls of fertilizer at and around your plants. Take note not to leave any pellets on your plants leaves, but that takes care of itself when it rains or you water it in.
This will be the first in a series on garden fertilization, since it’s a much asked about topic.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post. See my full disclosure statement here.
