Plant Food Instructions

Plants need a properly balanced diet to grow healthy and beautiful. If your plants are in a garden or grouped together in large pots, they will extract nutrients from the soil. Over time these life sustaining nutrients need to be replaced.

The three major sources of plant food are nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Nitrogen is essential to the healthy growth and leaf production of the plant. Potassium is how our plants get healthy flower and fruit growth. Finally phosphorus is the food that promotes healthy roots.

Here is a great way to make sure your plants are getting the essential foods they need.

Fertilizer

In the spring you should give your plants a top layer of good quality fertilizer. Make sure that any fertilizer you use has the three basic plant foods already in it. Using a spreader or even by hand, spread a thin layer of fertilizer over the soil. Afterwards lightly water as you want the fertilizer to mix in the soil not wash away. Look for fertilizers that are matched to your plants needs. Most gardeners will opt for a slow release formula.

Add Mulch

About mid spring you want to add mulch. Make sure the weeds are removed before placing mulch in your garden. Mulch is an organic layer that you want to spread over your garden area. It will help keep in moisture by reducing evaporation. It will also help to keep the nutrients from being washed away during heavy rains.

Mix The Mulch

As the mulch rests in your garden it starts to break down. This organic breakdown is providing your plants with healthy nutrition. Water down the garden to moisten the soil and turn your soil mixing the mulch in it. Be careful around your plants and their root systems. This will aid in the breakdown of the mulch and also loosen the soil to encourage more root growth.

Feed Again

In the late spring through early summer you should feed your plants about every three to four weeks. The best way to accomplish this is by using an all purpose plant food in a fast acting liquid spray. There are a wide variety of plant food mixes at your local hardware store. Talk with a clerk to make sure you have the correct balance for your plants needs. Read the directions carefully to make sure you do not overfeed and otherwise harm your plants.

Taking care of your plants by making sure they have the food they need. The plants will be lush and full and provide good fruits and vegetables throughout the year.