Sprinkle granular fertilizer by hand around plants, then gently work into the soil with a trowel.
Gardening expert Don Engebretson offers tips on when and how to use fertilizer .
Don't be intimidated by the three-number code on bags of fertilizer. It indicates the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the fertilizer.
Nitrogen is responsible for the intensity of the color green in the plant.
Phosphorous is good for maintaining the root system as well as the plant's blooming and fruiting.
Potassium is necessary for the general vitality of the plant.
A local county extension service will analyze soil samples to determine what kind of fertilizer the soil needs. Usually an extension service will send the materials necessary to collect the sample and they usually charge between $5 and $10 for the service.
A good blood-meal fertilizer should be applied to gardens lacking nitrogen. A number of 12-00-00 indicates the fertilizer is pure nitrogen. Look for a high middle number if potassium is needed, and if the soil is fairly balanced go for a good all -purpose fertilizer.
Water-soluble fertilizer is good for annuals planted in containers. Annuals love the fertilizer and this type of fertilizer mixes very well into watering cans, making it easy to apply the fertilizer to the plant. Water-soluble fertilizer will wash away when it rains, but in that case just reapply fertilizer.
Granular fertilizer works well for perennials and vegetables. It penetrates directly into the soil, releasing small amounts of its nutrients every time it rains or the plant is watered.
Open-mouth buckets make great granular fertilizer containers, as it's easy to scoop the fertilizer out.
Make sure to follow the label instructions on the fertilizer. Different types of plants require different amounts of fertilizer.
To fertilize with a granular fertilizer, grab the required amount and lightly sprinkle around the base of the plant. Lightly beat the fertilizer into the soil using a trowel, then gently water the soil to complete the process.
