Boosting Iron

Leaves that turn yellow between their veins indicate a soil that's low in iron.

There are products on the market today that will boost the iron in your soil. The truth is, most soils have plenty of iron, but occasionally some soils are deficient, and since iron is one the elements necessary in the formation of chlorophyll, it's important that you verify the iron content of your soil just to make sure it's adequate. One way to do that is to prepare a soil sample and send it to a lab for analysis. An easier way is to let your plants tell you when they don't have enough iron.

The leaves of plants grown in iron-deficient soil--particularly the new leaves--develop a condition called interveinal chlorosis, which is a yellowing of the tissue between the leaf veins. This condition can be caused by other factors, but if you suspect an iron deficiency, you can easily correct it by applying one of several products known as iron chelates. Just follow the recommended application rates for either granular or liquid products and within two or three days, you should see noticeable improvement in the health of your plants. Fortunately, most plants don't suffer from iron deficiency, although broad-leafed evergreens and turf grass--particularly centipede grass--are susceptible.

Also in this Episode

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-624
•	Transition to Summer
•	Shapes and Shades
•	Garden Folklore
•	Boosting Iron