Fertilizing, When and How?
Fertilizing our plants is like having a coffee or a treat—it depends on when, why, and how we need it. For example, I need my morning brew to get going, but I also know my limits. Too much coffee can lead to dehydration or a crash, just like over-fertilizing plants can cause root burn. If fertilizer is applied at the wrong time, it can do more harm than good. In this post, I'll explain the best time to fertilize your plants and how much to use for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Let’s get into it!
Why Do We Fertilize?
Fertilizing is especially important for indoor plants because many potting mixes don’t contain nutrients—they're often just coco coir, peat moss, or other inert materials. If your plant only gets water with no added nutrients, it will struggle to grow and thrive. While plants naturally produce hormones for growth, these are limited, so giving them a nutrient boost is essential.
When Should We Fertilize?
The best time to start fertilizing seedlings is about three weeks after they sprout their cotyledons (the first leaves that emerge from a seed) and develop at least two sets of true leaves. At this stage, they don’t need too much fertilizer, just a small dose of liquid fertilizer higher in nitrogen to support early growth.
I personally use Bionik algae fertilizer (0.36-0-0.22) from a great Quebec-based company (not a promo, just a solid choice if you need one). It has a good balance of nitrogen and potassium for foliage health and root development. For young plants, I mix one to one-and-a-half tablespoons per cup of water and feed them roughly every two weeks. Be cautious not to overdo it—too much too soon can lead to root burn and weak plants.
Fertilizing Mature Plants
Once your plants are fully mature and ready to bloom or produce fruit, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium. These elements support flower and fruit development. Again, moderation is key—it's better to under-fertilize than overdo it.
What About Outdoor Plants?
Outdoor fertilizing is a bit different. To prepare your garden bed for the best results, mix compost with a slow-release nitrogen-rich fertilizer, like hen manure pellets, about two weeks before planting. This ensures that nutrients are available as plants start growing.
For general use (flowers and vegetables), apply 100g per square meter. If you're growing fast-growing plants, increase to 200g per square meter, and for trees and shrubs, use 300g per square meter. Throughout the growing season, apply an all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to keep plants healthy and thriving.
Additional Fertilizing Tips
Water Before and After: Always water your plants before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn. Watering afterward helps nutrients absorb more effectively.
Watch for Signs of Over-Fertilization: Yellowing or burnt leaf edges can indicate excessive fertilizer use. If this happens, flush the soil with water to dilute excess nutrients.
Use Organic Options When Possible: Compost, worm castings, and fish emulsion are great natural fertilizers that enrich the soil without synthetic chemicals.
Adjust Fertilizer by Season: In winter, most plants enter dormancy and need less fertilizer. Cut back on feeding to prevent stress on the plant.
Rotate Fertilizer Types: Different fertilizers offer varying nutrients. Rotating between balanced, nitrogen-rich, and phosphorus-heavy fertilizers can help maintain soil health.
Final Thoughts
Fertilizing your plants the right way can make a huge difference in their health and productivity. Remember, plants are just like us—they need the right food at the right time. By understanding what nutrients they need and when to apply them, you’ll set yourself up for success with a lush, thriving garden.
If you're looking for quality fertilizers to get started, feel free to check out my shop by clicking here!
Happy Gardening!
Issac
