fertilizing

This weekend is supposed to be beautiful so it’s GARDEN TIME! I’ve been reviewing fertilizers and how I need to proceed with the care and feeding. I realize as I wander around out there that I’ve got some deficiency issues on some of my plants. Here are some symptoms of plant deficiencies to be aware of. Fertilizing doesn’t have to be complicated, a good all-purpose brand is usually enough, but it is nice to know when it’s a good idea to tweak your plant feeding more specifically when problem areas do arise.

Nitrogen: Leaves are pale green, plant growth is stunted. Leaves are smallish, stems are thin.

Phosphorus: Stunted growth, thin shoots. Root are stunted, and flowering or fruit development is poor.

Potassium: Leaf tips and edges turn yellow, eventually looking scorched. Fruit is inferior in taste and color.

Calcium: Plants are weakened, with buds and young leaves dying back. Young leaves can turn yellow.

Magnesium: Leaves turn yellow between the leaf veins. Leaves might drop abnormally, growth is stunted.

Sulfur: Young growth is pale green or yellow. Poor growth.

Boron: Young leaves are twisted and thickened. Buds die off, leaves might develop yellow spots.

Copper: Shoots die back. Plants can be pale and yellow. Leaves might now grow.

Iron: Leaves are pale or yellow between leaf veins. Growth is stunted.

Don’t overthink it, but use this info as a guide. Most importantly, just do it!

Pretty but a little nitrogen deprived, I think.....

Tagged as: fertilizer, fertilizing, minerals, nitrogen, npk, phosphorus, potassium

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