Fertilizing Strategies for Potted Plants to Promote Growth

Plants in containers have limited access to nutrients because they can’t reach deeper into the soil to find food. While watering potting soil frequently, nutrients are leached from it more quickly than from in-ground gardens. If the pot is smaller, this counts twice. The plant can be repotted into a new container, but fertilizing the existing pot is easier and more efficient. The patio garden focuses on growing edible plants in containers such as herbs and vegetables. A healthy, plentiful crop depends particularly on these plants receiving the right nutrients.

Fertilizing Strategies for Potted Plants

Types of Fertilizers Used for Potted Plants

Water-soluble fertilizer: You can easily and conveniently feed container garden plants with a water-soluble fertilizer. In a watering can, mix the fertilizer according to the label directions and use it instead of water. Water-soluble fertilizers that plants can absorb quickly are generally applied every two to three weeks. Alternately, mix this fertilizer half-strength and apply it weekly.

Dry (granular) fertilizer: You can use dry fertilizer by sprinkling a small amount evenly over the surface of the potting mix, then watering well. Avoid dry lawn fertilizers that are stronger than necessary and quickly flush them out using a product labeled for containers.

Slow-release (time-release) fertilizers: A slow-release fertilizer, also known as time or controlled release, releases a small amount of fertilizer into the potting soil mix every time you water. Most container plants benefit from slow-release fertilizers that last three months, although tree and shrub plants benefit from longer-lasting fertilizers. Planting time is the best time to mix slow-release fertilizer into the potting mix or scratch it into the soil with a fork or trowel.

3-Step Fertilizer Program for Potted Plants

Add Fertilizer to Your Potting Mix when You are Filling Your Containers

Fertilizer pellets should be incorporated into your potting mix before you start your containers. The pellets should be coated with a polymer that allows them to dissolve at varying rates; the thicker the coating will lead to the slower the release of fertilizer into the soil. Some brands provide a steady stream of nutrients for up to 120 days, which is longer than 60 days. You can find this data on the label of any product you buy.

Organic slow-release foods are also available. A fish meal pellet is formulated similarly to synthetic fertilizer. Other organic slow-release options include cottonseed meal, feather meal, and alfalfa pellets. It takes about 60 days for all feed plants to mature. Besides triacontanol, alfalfa contains other hormones that promote plant growth.

During Plants Growing in Containers

Water-soluble (liquid) fertilizers can be applied to supplement slow-release fertilizers. In addition to being easy to apply, water-soluble fertilizers deliver nutrients directly to plant roots. Dissolve them in water and pour the solution into the container for a nutritional boost. The package instructions regarding dilution rates should determine the amount of fertilizer in each container.

There are various liquid fertilizers available on the market. Plants need equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). A balanced fertilizer contains equal amounts of each nutrient, as shown on its label (e.g., 10-10-10). Nevertheless, fruiting crops like tomatoes and peppers require more phosphorus (P) in their liquid fertilizers. In leafy plants such as lettuce and spinach, more nitrogen is fine to produce foliage, but leaves would replace the fruit in any other plant.

If Plants Appear Stressed

Plants stressed by extreme temperatures or drought should be fertilized directly on their leaves or fruit if they produce many flowers or fruit. Using a water-soluble fertilizer, spray the leaf tops and undersides after deadheading old blooms and trimming damaged foliage. Photosynthesis is facilitated by foliar sprays, which deliver nutrients directly to the site of photosynthesis. Growth or renewal occurs almost immediately; results are dramatic. Plants that look under the weather can often be cured with diluted seaweed solution sprayed directly onto the leaves.

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10 Pro Tips for Fertilizing Your Potted Plants

Indoor gardens benefit from granular fertilizers, pills, sticks, and other slow-release forms of fertilizer. As they dissolve slowly in the soil, they can supply nutrients long.
In the first few months after repotted plants, they can obtain nutrients from the fresh soil without fertilizer.
Fertilizer application instructions should always be followed.
If your pot is small, you may have to feed twice at half the strength to meet the nutrient requirements.
It is best to feed plants regularly in the growing season to ensure optimum growth.
If there is no growth or very slow growth in the fall and winter, lower the temperature and stop feeding.
Fertilizing houseplants with slow-release fertilizer is a good idea.
Most house plants do not require fertilization during short days and winter since they receive little light and rest.
Fertilizers should not be applied on dry soil.
Make sure you do not over-fertilize. The less you have, the better.

Signs Your Potted Plants are Over-Fertilized

A fertilizer crust on the soil surface
Browning leaf tips and margins
Yellowing and wilting of lower leaves
Limp and browned or blackened roots
Defoliation and Lack of blossoms
Very slow or no growth

How to Save Your Overt-Fertilized Potted Plants

To remove excess fertilizer, you should remove as much as possible. If a crust of fertilizer remains on the soil’s surface, remove it carefully, taking no more than 1/4 of the soil. Our goal is not to stress the plant any more than it already is. The next step is to remove the wilted and burned leaves.

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A nice, long watering will allow the fertilizer to leach out of the soil. Once the water has run out of the drainage holes, empty the trays immediately. This might need to be done three or four times to separate the fertilizer from the roots. Don’t apply fertilize the plant for at least a month after leaching. Soon, you should see your plant grow again.

Conclusion

It can be very fulfilling to grow your herbs and vegetables. Understanding fertilizer for container gardens is important to maximize your growing season. Understanding basic concepts like NPK ratios and fertilization frequency doesn’t require a degree in biology. If you want to know deeper, you can succeed with a few simple tests and a little knowledge of fertilizer bags.

Fertilizing Strategies for Potted Plants to Promote Growth