Fertilization
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 of sludge that slowly release nutrients for growth. Remember, if it is green and growing you can skip a scheduled feeding without affecting plant growth. Keep in mind the following:
- 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 hat a thrid of th leaf surface is remove at one mowing
| Pounds fertilizer per 1000sq.ft. | ||||
| Examples of some fertilizer Grades/Analysis | April-May | June-July | August-Sept | Oct. Nov. Dec |
| 10-6-4 | 5 | 5 to 10 | 10 | 10-20 |
| 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 | ||||
| * | ||||
| Suggested feeding times for landscape plantings | |
| Annual Flowers | monthly |
| Perennials flowers | every other month |
| Citrus Trees | March, May, August & October |
| Container plantings | Every other week during warmer months |
| Deciduous fruit trees | February, June & August |
| Ground covers | February, June & September |
| Lawns | March & September |
| Orchids | Every other week, March - November |
| Roses | Monthly |
| Shade trees | March & June for 3 years after planting |
| Shrubs | February, June & September |
| Tropical fruits | March, June & September |
| For more horticultural information, you can visit your local college or library | |