Last week I described the basic fertilizers that I use. This week I will add information about when and how often to fertilize different kinds of plants.
Lawns: Frequent fertilization is needed to keep lawns looking nice for the whole growing season. Lawn fertilization companies make applications at six-week intervals. If you apply fertilizer in September or October it will not only keep the lawn green through the winter but will carry over in the early spring so you can wait until May for a spring application. If you use a lawn fertilizer in which part of the nitrogen is coated for slow release, the May application will last through the summer. Without slow release nitrogen a third light application should be made in mid-summer.
Trees and shrubs: One fertilizer application in the spring is normally adequate for trees and shrubs. I usually apply lawn fertilizer at the same time I fertilize the lawn. Newly planted trees and shrubs should be fertilized with a general purpose fertilizer at the time they are planted.
Vegetables: I fertilize with a general purpose fertilizer at the time they are planted. Most root and leaf vegetables only need one application. Vegetables that are harvested over a longer period, like tomatoes, peppers, squash and cucumbers may need a second application about six weeks after planting. One application of Osmocote is usually enough. Osmocote is a timed release fertilizer that lasts three to four months.
