Plants need nutrients for
growth, especially in Florida with its varied soil conditions.
Much of the fertilizer supplied to plants is quickly gone in a month
or two. It is either used for growth, washed deeper into the
ground or it runs off.
There is
much concern about ground water pollution today and it is important
that the right amount of fertilizer be applied for plant growth and
not much more. Where possible, use slow releasing fertilizers
to feed your plants. They supply the nutrients over a period
of months. Many gardeners like to use manure or sludge
that slowly release nutrients for growth. Remember, if it is green and growing
you can skip a scheduled feeding without affecting plant growth.
And don't forget:
-
Keep fertilizers off walks and
roads.
-
Keep a fertilizer free zone of
20' from all bodies of water.
It is
advisable to return grass clippings to the lawn because they are a
valuable source of nutrients. Research has shown that when clippings
are removed, a third more nitrogen fertilizer is necessary to
maintain the same color and density as areas where clippings were
returned. Furthermore, and contrary to popular belief, grass
clippings do not contribute to thatch accumulation if the turf is
maintained at its recommended cutting height and not more than a
third of the leaf surface is removed at one mowing.
 Examples of some fertilizer Grades/Analyses Available*
| (Pounds fertilizer per 1,000 sq. ft.)
|
| Examples of some fertilizer Grades/Analyses Available*
|
April May
|
June July
|
August September
|
Oct. Nov.** Dec.
|
| 10-6-4
|
5
|
5 to 10
|
10
|
10 to 20
|
| 15-3-3, 15-5-10
|
3
|
3 to 7
|
7
|
7 to 13
|
| 19-3-3, 19-5-10, 20-4-8
|
3
|
3 to 5
|
5
|
5 to 10
|
| 24-4-8, 24-4-12
|
2
|
2 to 4
|
4
|
4 to 8
|
| 28-4-12, 28-3-3, 29-3-5
|
2
|
2 to 4
|
4
|
4 to 7
|
| 34-5-5, 34-5-10
|
2
|
2 to 3
|
3
|
3 to 6
|
| *Fertilizer ratios of 3-1-2 to 5-1-2 preferred
|
| **Earlier date for northern Ohio and later date
for southern Ohio |
|
Suggested feeding
times for landscape plantings: |
| Annual flowers |
monthly |
| Perennial flowers |
every other month |
| Citrus trees |
March, May, August and October |
| Container plantings |
Every other week during warmer months |
| Deciduous fruit trees |
February, June and August |
| Groundcovers |
February, June & September |
| Lawns |
March & September |
| Orchids |
Every other week, March thru November |
| Roses |
Monthly |
| Shade trees |
March & June for 3 years after planting |
| Shrubs |
February, June and September |
| Tropical fruits |
March, June and September |
For
more horticultural information, you can visit your local college or
local library
|
