Fertilizer is a vital part of your garden. Choosing the correct one and the amount necessary can determine success or failure. Plants need 16 nutrients to grow well. Many of these nutrients--like carbon, hydrogen, potassium sulfur, magnesium, oxygen and calcium--are found in soil, air and water. Fertilizers have three main components: phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. All vegetables need full sun, water and fertilizer. The frequency and type of fertilizing is dependent on the type of plants and your soil.

Frequency of Fertilizing

There are two times that you need to fertilize--first as you plant, in the spring and the second about a month later. Scatter the first application very evenly on top of your soil, working it down about 6 inches. The second application needs to be around 4 weeks after seeding. For tomatoes, eggplants, cole crops, peppers and corn, fertilize about 4 weeks after planting. Crops like melons, squash and cucumbers should be fertilized as their vines spread and then again when they bloom. You can use 1 to 2 tbsp. per plant for a small garden. Older vegetable gardens will need 2 lbs of fertilizer for every 100 square feet.

What to Use

To begin the fertilizing process, choose a complete fertilizer ensuring your plants a strong start. Also, consider that you will be eating these vegetables, so look closely at the components. Determine if you want to use organic fertilizer and not herbicides. If you are only dealing with a few plants, using a soluble fertilizer like houseplant food is advisable. Make sure you do not burn the roots by using too much. Lawn fertilizers are not meant for vegetable gardens. If tomato plants or potatoes are given too much nitrogen, they will not bear fruit. Using slow release fertilizers or manure growth will continue through the summer. The type of soil determines the frequency of application. If you have sandy soil, you will need more applications of nutrients and nitrogen. Nitrogen works best in the three to four weeks after you have applied it. Plant close together vegetables that have the same need for fertilizer. Extension services offer soil testing if you need to determine the type of soil and fertilizer specific to your garden.

Source:

National Gardening Association

University of Rhode Island

Magnolia Tree Earth Center