Spring is the right time to fertilize
A seasoned gardener knows just the right time to begin feeding plants in early spring. It is when the first buds begin to unfurl. These days, Japanese maples, blueberries and roses are pushing out new growth.
There are so many kinds of fertilizers on the market these days. Choosing fertilizers that contain natural materials like bone meal, blood meal, soybean meal, kelp meal and the like are the best to use. This is because as the fertilizer decomposes and becomes available to plants, the soil is also fed. A healthy soil full of microbes, beneficial bacteria and mycorrhizae is the foundation for growing robust plants. Most plants do well with an all-purpose 4-4-4 type of fertilizer. Here are a few that should be fertilizer this month:
BLUEBERRIES >> Now is the time to begin feeding established plants. Blueberries need a high nitrogen soil that is acidic. The simplest and cheapest fertilizer is ammonium sulphate, although this does not contain natural ingredients. The best fertilizers are natural materials that have cottonseed meal and blood meal. There are many packaged acid type natural fertilizers available. Use them. Avoid manures as they can raise the pH of the soil.
ROSES >> Roses do well with an all-purpose 4-4-4 scratched into the soil every four to six weeks during their growing time. They also benefit from an application of alfalfa pellets and Epsom salts.
JAPANESE MAPLES >> Although there are fertilizers on the market labeled specifically for Japanese maples, an application of 4-4-4 all-purpose now and then again in six weeks is sufficient. Established trees in the ground could use the tree fertilizer spikes in the soil around the drip line. With container plants, top dress with 4-4-4 and then add a thin layer of fresh potting soil.
RHODODENDRONS >> Like blueberries, rhododendrons, prefer an acid type fertilizer. Using a 4-4-4 or 4-3-2 combination natural fertilizer will keep plants happy. Apply this month, then again in late spring, early summer.
STRAWBERRIES AND CANE
BERRIES >> An all-purpose 4-4-4 fertilizer works well for strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers with these berries. Too much will cause extra-large leaves and few fruits.
CONTAINERIZED PLANTINGS >> Shrubs, trees and perennials in containers should be fertilized beginning this month. Again, a 4-4-4 blend works well. It is also important to add some extra iron and a fertilizer containing micronutrients at this time. Much is leached from the soil during the rainy winter, so adding these back in will keep plants full and healthy.
There are many kinds of natural fertilizers available that contain seaweed extract and kelp meal, which are full of micronutrients like boron, zinc, manganese, copper and molybdenum. Seaweed-based fertilizers are also excellent for vegetable and fruit plantings, as well as annual and perennial beds.