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FEED YOUR WHOLE GARDEN
Martha’s tips on feeding every type of garden
Garden Maintenance
The best way to handle maintenance is to make it a routine, so that you anticipate needs. Devote a few minutes each week for inspection in the garden to look for insect infestations, thirsty plants, weed colonies, and other pressing needs as they develop.
The rounds you make in the garden can head off weeks of labor-intensive weeding, watering, and pruning. And you will be pleasantly surprised. What others will call your green thumb is mainly a matter of paying attention. Here are some helpful tips for July’s garden maintenance.
As I always say, you need food and water to live a healthy life – and so do your plants. They require nutrients to grow and bloom, but many soils lack the necessary essential ingredients. And while watering and feeding your garden is a year-round task, it is especially important in the warmer months. Remember that plants are actively growing in the summer season and need the nutrients in their soil replenished frequently.
In general, most feeding should be done before planting by working the granular fertilizer into the top several inches of soil. Many plants will appreciate another feeding after they’re established. And some, like roses, tomatoes, and annuals, are heavy feeders. They do a lot of work in a short time.
Choosing the right fertilizer
There are many types of fertilizers available, and the selections can be overwhelming. The key nutrients in fertilizers are often referred to as NPK, or nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients are crucial for your plant’s growth.
- Nitrogen is responsible for healthy foliage – shoots, stems and leaves
- Phosphorus encourages strong roots and flower or fruit development
- Potassium improves disease resistance and overall plant health
Liquid vs Granular - which to choose?
The two most common options for the application of fertilizers are liquid and granular. Your choice depends on your plants’ needs.
Granular fertilizers are spread on the surface of the soil and worked into the top few inches. They release nutrients over time and so provide a longer, steadier application.
Liquid fertilizers are usually diluted with water and provide a more immediate nutrient boost. This application method makes it easy to feed as you water, combining both tasks into one.
I find that two good all-purpose organic fertilizers to have on hand are Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food for slow-release granules and Miracle-Gro Organic™ Plant Food for a more immediate liquid boost.
Here is a general guideline on which type of fertilizer to use throughout your garden.
Plants That Benefit from Both Slow- and Fast-Acting Fertilizer
HANGING BASKETS
Given their airiness, hanging baskets don’t retain water as well as other containers do; they need frequent drenching, especially during the summer. A touch of droopiness means that they’re thirsty. But since frequent watering also washes out nutrients, baskets need regular feedings, ideally beginning with a slow-release organic fertilizer at planting time. When growth becomes visible, start feeding weekly with a balanced, water-soluble organic plant food.
CONTAINER PLANTS
Unlike in-ground plants, those in pots have fewer nutrients to draw on (because of the limited amount of soil). Add a slow-release organic fertilizer after planting, and then a diluted liquid organic fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (or as recommended on the plant’s tag).
Plants That Benefit from Slow-Release Fertilizer
TREES
Feed young trees and shrubs with a granular organic fertilizer designed for use at planting time. Mix in with the soil that surrounds the root ball being sure to avoid direct contact between the granules and the root ball to prevent burning.
VEGETABLES
If you are planting seedlings, it’s best to work a generous amount of fertilizer into the soil at the time you plant. Follow product directions for frequency after the initial feeding. Since your vegetable garden will be producing all summer long, an organic slow-release granular fertilizer is your best bet. Remember that harvesting a second or third crop from the same bed puts greater demands on the soil’s fertility.
Plants That Benefit from Fast-Acting Fertilizer
FLOWERS
It’s helpful to take advantage of liquid fertilizer’s benefit as a “feed while you water” product. Feed both perennials and annuals with an organic all-purpose liquid fertilizer every 7-14 days during the growing season.
HOUSEPLANTS
During the peak growing season (generally March through November) amend your houseplant’s soil with an organic all-purpose liquid fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro Organic™ Plant Food, added to your watering can. Be sure to follow label directions for feeding rate and frequency - remember your plants are potted in a confined space and over-feeding can result in a burned root system.
MARTHA’S TIP
After months of winter dryness, your indoor (and outdoor) plants may need a boost in the spring and early summer. My tip is to combine a few teaspoons of compost with water in a spray bottle and spritz the leaves with the mixture. The nutritious treatment will breathe new life into tired plants.
Holiday Entertaining
Try Martha’s easy garden-fresh ideas and tips for holiday grilling with friends and family.
Summer Pruning Tips
Pruning is essential for plant health and encouraging new growth. Follow Martha’s tips for how to do it.
What's Growing In My Vegetable Garden
July is one of the best months in Martha’s vegetable garden as the season’s plantings are ripening and getting ready for harvest. Here are some of the varieties she’s enjoying this summer.
Handling Pests In The Garden
A beautiful garden is a healthy garden. Take these steps to create the optimal environment for your plants.