START THE SEASON WITH HEALTHY SOIL

Healthy soil is the basis for any garden. It’s important to learn as much as you can about your soil, then create the right combination of nutrients to make it fertile.

Begin with soils that are rich in nutrients, such as Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil. This will get your plants off to a strong start and helps them put down healthy roots. To keep plants healthy and growing they need the nutrients in the soil replenished throughout the growing season. 

TEST

Identifying your soil’s deficiencies is best determined with a soil test. Home testing kits are available at most garden centers, and another option is to contact your local extension service and have them do the test for you. Tests will identify the nutrients needs, and the next step is to correct the nutrients in the soil.

FEED

Fertilizers are used to boost the soil’s nutrient content. Overfeeding or supplying the wrong balance of nutrients can be more harmful than not fertilizing at all. When shopping, look for fertilizers with the nutrients needed for your type of soil.

Check the three-number ratio on the label, such as 5-10-5 or 10-10-10. This describes the content by percentage of the three principal plant nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (often abbreviated as NPK). Refer to your soil test to be sure you are choosing the best fertilizer for your soil.

LIQUID vs GRANULAR

Use liquid fertilizers for a quick boost; granular ones break down more slowly, providing a more gradual, long-lasting release. I like Miracle-Gro Organic™ Plant Food for a liquid option and Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food for a granular application.

HOW OFTEN?

The plant food found in nutrient-rich soils (such as Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil) helps get plants off to a strong start and put down healthy roots, but to keep your growing plants healthy and more productive they need the nutrients in the soil replenished throughout the growing season.

Plants that are given regular feedings of plant food, in addition to the nutrients provided by your soil, are stronger and more productive than plants that are not fed. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer you select to determine the best feeding schedule.

Article by Martha Stewart, as part of the Growing with Martha Stewart partnership.