Some folks think their work is done after they plant the plants or seed. And, maybe after giving the seedlings a small drink of water. But, don’t forget to fertilize. There usually are not enough nutrients in the soil itself to make the plants thrive and produce either a good crop of produce or nice healthy blooms of flowers.
Although it is a pain and large inconvenience, a gardener should have the soil of the garden analyzed before planting. It is suggested that the gardener visit the local Soil Conservation Service for advice and perhaps a little help in the soil testing process. This visit would best be done during late winter before the springtime rush and soil conservation office gets too busy to be of much help.
Once analyzed, the soil can be amended as needed for the gardening the gardener wants to do. And, it would be helpful to tack the soil analysis to the wall of the gardening shed or somewhere the gardener can find it the following year when he or she has forgotten everything about fertilization he or she found out the year before.
When planting a particular plant always check the information given with the plant for information about fertilization. Most commercial growers provide a plant label with the plants so the gardener can know the plant’s requirements and properly fertilize it. An old adage from years ago, “A well-fed child is a happy child,” also applies to plants, so don’t neglect to fertilize.
The best time to fertilize a plant is in the early spring. Fertilizer helps the plant leaf out, set good roots, and stimulates the blooming process. Applications of fertilizer should also usually be made in mid-season to promote healthy growth of the plant.
The question of how much fertilizer to apply often vexes the gardener. The instructions on fertilizer bags will sometimes say, “Apply a cup and a quarter to the plant.”
But, who carries around a measuring cup when also carrying a heavy bag of fertilizer and several plants? If the gardener finds this to be an onerous suggestion, it is suggested that the gardener apply a good hand’s full around, but not too close to the plant.
David Parmer is a retired attorney of Hinton. His two main hobbies are gardening and writing. He has gardened for over 50 years at his various homes. His wife, Barbara, a retired teacher, is also an avid gardener and both are Master Gardeners. David created the gardens at his former home, Greenbrier Cliffs, in Talcott. He is the author of four non-fiction books about his hometown of Burnsville in Braxton County and has five more books and short stories pending publication.
