The Importance of Fertilizer

To look their best, most perennials require regular fertilization.

Statistics have shown that gardeners—less than half—use any kind of fertilizer on their lawns or gardens. The most unfortunate thing about this fact is that by not using fertilizer, most people are having less-than-terrific results. They aren't getting as many flowers or as much produce as they should. And they're probably struggling with a host of disease and insect problems.

Plants need to be fertilized because most soil simply does not provide the nutrients required for optimum growth. Even if you are lucky enough to have inherited great garden soil, your plants absorb nutrients as they grow and leave the soil less fertile. By fertilizing, you ensure that your plants have the proper nutrients to flourish, day in and day out, year after year.

So why do so many people deprive their plants of the nutrients they need for healthy growth and optimum performance? I suspect it's because they're confused by the what, when and why of it all. Here are my keep-it-simple recommendations:

Go Organic: Plants use nutrients at different rates and at different times during the growing season. For best results, ensure that the nutrients are available on a consistent basis. Organic fertilizers are like an insurance policy. Most contain rock powders and complex proteins that are not very water-soluble. This means organic fertilizers persist in the soil for many months or even years. They become part of the soil, improving its texture and long-term fertility.

Organic fertilizers (including compost) also feed the diverse food web of bacteria, fungi, earthworms and other beneficial soil life. These organisms convert soil minerals into available nutrients that can be absorbed by plant roots. These organisms also improve the texture of the soil by creating passageways for air and water and aggregating soil particles into "crumbs." Beneficial bacteria and fungi also release many disease-inhibiting substances.

Use a Granular Fertilizer: I begin each new gardening season by applying an all-purpose, granular, organic fertilizer. Just scoop and spread. Unlike chemical fertilizers, most organic fertilizers release their nutrients slowly. This means you don't need to worry about burning your plants' roots or foliage. Applied on a regular basis, granular organic fertilizers make it easy to maintain a highly fertile soil. Your plants get the nutrients they need, when they need them.

Spread Compost: Working in a one-inch layer of compost each year will improve the texture of your soil and provide your plants with complete menu of macro and micronutrients. Best of all, compost innoculates your soil with billions of beneficial soil microbes. This complex web of soil life feeds and protects your plants in ways scientists are only beginning to understand.

Vegetable crops and lawns will still need additional nitrogen, which can be provided by a granular fertilizer or a water-soluble fertilizer. Don’t have enough compost? Buy some from your local nursery or composting facility. The benefits will last for several years.

Spray on a Body Builder: Water-soluble fertilizers, such as compost tea, seaweed or fish emulsion, and humic-acid blends, such as our Plant Health Care, can be absorbed immediately through roots or foliage; you can usually see results within a day or two.

I apply water-soluble fertilizers at least twice during the growing season: Once at planting time to counteract the stress of transplanting and early-season weather extremes; Then again as the plants begin to flower or set fruit. I hit them a third time during peak production if the weather is particularly stressful (too much or too little water, too hot or too cold, too windy or too sunny), or for plants that are particularly susceptible to problems (in my garden that includes potatoes, eggplant, columbine and delphiniums).

I fertilize my garden because I don't like wimpy plants. I don't like how they look, and I don't have time to deal with the pest and disease problems that inevitably follow. Fortunately there's a simple solution. Feed your plants and your soil with organic fertilizers. It's the easiest way I know to keep your garden looking great all season long.

Kathy LaLiberte has worked for Gardener's Supply since it began more than 25 years ago. She lives and gardens in Richmond, Vt. Read more of her Innovative Gardener essays.