This article may contain affiliate links. Urea is less dense than other fertilizers. Thinned seedlings do well with a liquid fertilizer consisting of five parts nitrogen, ten parts phosphoric acid and five parts potash, or 5-10-5. Liquid fertilizers work quickly to deliver nutrients into the roots and foliage of plants. Apply the dry granules to the soil, avoiding stems, then mix into the top one to three inches. The method you use to apply fertilizer to your vegetable garden depends on the fertilizer you’ve chosen, whether it’s liquid or granular. The label of the fertilizer will tell you the rate (amount) of fertilizer to apply and how often it should be used. Water the plant immediately after application. Visit www.garden.org. Nearly all can easily be mixed with water to apply. If soil is covered in mulch, apply the fertilizer on top of the mulch and then water it. Base application This method gives plants food while you water. Apply a water-soluble (liquid) fertilizer to supplement the slow-release fertilizer. For the first fertilizer application of the season, apply granular fertilizers by broadcasting them either by hand or with a spreader onto the soil surface of the target plants. Especially when it comes to heavy feeding vegetable crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and corn. Dry fertilizer can be scratched into the soil with your fingers or an implement such as a trowel or fork. One of the biggest mistakes many gardeners make is to apply powerful liquid fertilizers to plants immediately after they go into the ground. Dry ones, on the other hand, come as powder or granules and need to be watered in. You can make an incredible, all-purpose liquid fertilizer right at home by steeping compost or worm castings in water for a few days. One of the best ways to fertilize vegetable plants in the garden or in containers is with a liquid application of fertilizer. Because it applies evenly, you can rest assured that one side of your lawn will get just as much fertilizer as the other. Mix 2 tablespoons of garden fertilizer in 1 gallon of water and stir well. To apply, just remove the seal, replace the applicator cap, and open the spout. Water-soluble fertilizers are faster acting but must be applied more frequently. There are a number of different methods for applying fertilizer, including direct application by hand, broadcast application, dilution application and using mechanical equipment to side dress the fertilizer to the growing bed. Home Made Fertilizer from Vegetable Scraps : To prepare this organic Liquid fertilizer you will need Vegetable scraps, Epsom salt, ammonia, and water. 4). Slowly pour two to three cups of the mixture near the base of the plant. Starter solution. Skip the regular watering for the day when liquid fertilizer is applied. Always follow label directions regarding how much to apply. Top-dressing: Top-dressing is when you apply fertilizer over the surface of the garden. One of the best ways to fertilize vegetable plants in the garden or in containers is with a liquid application of fertilizer. However it’s applied, liquid fertilizer gives a uniform, even coverage that granular fertilizer does not. There are also many organic all-purpose liquid fertilizers available commercially. Note: Seedlings get more benefit from the application of liquid fertilizer, so dilute it at half of the strength or as recommended on the label. Apply 1/4 cup of the liquid to each seedling once every two weeks. Comfrey, nettles and liquid from wormeries all make excellent liquid fertilisers. But fertilizing too late can be an issue as well. Generally speaking, there are over 1000 different types of organic liquid fertilizers for vegetables available online. Product Link : Jobes All Purpose Organic Plant Food Mix. If your vegetable garden has fertile soil enhanced by compost and other organic materials, fertilizing may not be necessary. So around 15 to 20 minutes in each zones should be suffice because your just trying to rinse off fertilizer from your plants and grass blades. What I have done in the past is added the concentrated fertilizer to my watering can and have watered the plants with the mixture at the base. To feed established plants, side dress 2-4 oz, depending on plant size and desired growth rate, once each month during the growing season. You can apply two to three inches of manure around your plants as a type of mulch. (See : How To Make Compost Tea). Liquid fertilizer can be added to the surface of soil at least 4 inches from the base of the plant, while granular options should be worked into the top 2 to 4 inches of soil. First, start saving the peels and the extra parts of vegetables. There are a lot of choices when it comes to fertilizing vegetable plants. The use of this kind of fertilizer is further recommended, as it does not burn the vegetable plant. Vegetable crops benefit from well-amended soil and adequate fertilizing to maximize production. Base application Foliar application. Vegetable plants need a steady supply of nutrients to grow and produce. Why? A gentle liquid fertilizer being applied to young pepper seedlings. Or, you can apply a liquid fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro® LiquaFeed® Tomato, Fruits & Vegetables Plant Food, at the same time you water your plants. Whether grown in a traditional backyard garden setting, or in raised beds or rows, plants can quickly devour the nutrients available in the soil. You could use liquid fertilizers that can be applied to the foliage or the base of the root. Stir the bucket and let it sit overnight. It allows plants to have a slow and steady diet of nutrients. What Types of Fertilizer to Use for Vegetables. Work Quickly . Liquid fertilizer is also a much better way to cover large areas of land. Just dissolve them in water and pour the liquid into the container for a nutritional boost. The use of this kind of fertilizer is further recommended, as it does not burn the plant. Organic fertilizers can be granular, like Tomato, Vegetable, & Herb Fertilizer, or liquid, like Fish & Kelp Fertilizer.Granular fertilizers can be mixed into the soil at the time of planting and every two months for established plants. A second, midseason application is worthwhile if you’re growing a succession of crops in the same row or intercropping. How To Prepare For Starting Seeds Indoors – Get Ready Now To Grow! Dry fertilizer can be scratched into the soil with your fingers or an implement such as a trowel or fork. Dampen the garden before and after watering so the fertilizer can get into the soil and down to the roots, where it’s needed. Use a water-soluble fertilizer that can be applied with a hose attachment, to help it soak though the landscape fabric. Liquid fertilizers are concentrated, so you have to dilute them in water according to label directions; you’re allowed to do two half-strength doses rather than one full-strength, if you like. Then water and till the soil in order to incorporate the fertilizer. A more frequent but lighter application is a much better choice than applying just a few high doses. You can also wait for rainfall before application. Avoid applying fertilizer when foliage is wet, and water after applying it to remove particles from foliage. Water-soluble ones deliver nutrients directly to plant roots and are easy to apply. For best results, use small amounts or light concentrations of fertilizer, and spread it over the root zone. Some are good, some are bad. This Is My Garden is a garden website created by gardeners, publishing two articles every week, 52 weeks a year. You should let the coffee grounds dry before using them in your containers. See : 4 Natural Fertilizers To Power Your Garden. Nutritional needs vary according to the type of crop grown. Gently mix the granules with the soil by ruffling the top layer. In this article, we will discuss which organic liquid fertilizer is better for vegetables. Use the freezer to gather quite an amount. Applying fertilizer too early can easily burn the tender young roots and foliage of transplants or seedlings. Manure is an excellent fertilizer to add to your soil in the fall to give it time to break down and build up your soil. By mid-summer, as the blooms and fruit set begin to appear in full force, it’s time to discontinue fertilizing and simply begin to harvest! If it is a slow-release one, you need not apply very often. The resulting liquid can then be used to water plants every few weeks for a steady dose of powerful nutrients. Depending on the reasoning, if you was doing a foliage feed when you do water you would need about a quarter of inch of water. They contain about 2% nitrogen which makes them beneficial for your leafy vegetables. The fertilizer should be applied 2–3 inches to the side of, and 1–2 inches below, the seed level or plant row. You can also add small amounts to planting holes (be sure to mix it in with backfill soil) or to rows as you sow seeds or plant plugs. When using liquid fertilizers, often called plant foods, on other plants they can be applied in many different ways, including in a watering can and spray mister bottle to target foliage, or directly into the soil. To mix up a batch of liquid fertilizer, add one quart of puree to one gallon of warm water, and shake to mix. There are a lot of great organic fertilizers that are specially made for your vegetable garden. You could also use liquid fertilizers that can be applied … With this method you must be careful to prevent the roots from coming in contact with the fertilizer band, which can kill plants. Water and you’re ready to go. Organic vs. Man-Made Fertilizers Using a hoe or spade fork, work the fertilizers into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil. If your soil is covered in mulch, apply the fertilizer on top of the mulch and then water it. Steven A. Frowine is a noted professional horticulturist and a longtime avid gardener and communicator. Top-dressing: Top-dressing is when you apply fertilizer over the surface of the garden. Worm castings can be used in much the same fashion, by working in a quarter cup of castings around the base of each plant every few weeks. When the grass becomes dry, apply the slow-release fertilizer. Good timing is also important. Simply apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, extending to the drip line. You can use this fertilizer for in-ground plants or containers. How To Store Vegetable And Flower Seeds – Storing Seeds Over Winter, Night Blooming Plants – How To Create Evening Beauty In The Landscape. No matter how you choose to fertilize, the key is a slow and steady approach! Always follow the rates given on the fertilizer label when deciding how much to … The best way to use them is to apply on the soil as a layer of mulch. This in turn leads to better root growth, more blooms, and increased fruit set. Usually, 4 applications over the course of 8 weeks is more than enough to work wonders for boosting crops. Using a turf paint withy our liquid fertilizer for lawn applications can make it even easier, allowing you to see where you’ve applied the product and ensure even application. It is also a good thing to add to your soil after planting. This airy and light-texture fertilizer has a mixture of fermented alfalfa seeds and plants. How To Melt Snow And Ice Safely – Avoid Damaging Plants, Lawns & Pets. on Growing Herbs Indoors In The Winter – 4 Great Herbs For The Windowsill! Repeat this process until all your scraps are pureed. Leave at least one week of a gap between granular and liquid fertilizer … Then, once plants have settled in, apply a light dosage of fertilizer every few weeks. Compost tea can be made easily by soaking compost in water for a few days. I fertilize with granular fertilizer early in the season before even I plant my veggies. on How To Store Vegetable And Flower Seeds – Storing Seeds Over Winter, on Night Blooming Plants – How To Create Evening Beauty In The Landscape. Water the lawn thoroughly a day or two before applying the fertilizer product. For vegetables, place the fertilizer in a strip parallel to the planting row. Follow package directions for dilution rates and the amount of fertilizer to use on each container. I till the soil along with the compost, but then later in the season, I apply liquid fertilizer. The 5 Most Common Tomato Planting Mistakes – And How To Avoid Them! Apply the fertilizer. Usually, you’re advised to feed the plants at planting time to get them off to an early and vigorous start. Rinse the plants' leaves with water after application to prevent … The National Gardening Association is the leading garden-based educational nonprofit in the USA. Here are different ways to apply fertilizer: Side-dressing: This term means sprinkling some fertilizer beside the plant, rather than on the plant itself. Foliar feeding: You add foliar fertilizer to water (diluted according to label directions, of course) and then spray it right onto the leaves — plant foliage. But the key to total success lies in knowing when, how much, and how often to apply that fertilizer. Another option for fertilizing plants is to mulch plants with a fresh supply of compost every few weeks. Side-dressing with liquid and granular fertilizers. Its nitrogen and other nutrients are beneficial for vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Photo by: N-sky / Shutterstock. When and how you fertilize vegetable plants can make a huge difference in both the health of your plants, and the size of the harvest. Spread your urea-based fertilizer evenly across your crops. Apply your fertilizer mixture as you would apply urea on its own, spreading it evenly across the soil. If this is a slow-release one, you need not apply very often. Many prefer to take an organic route, especially since they will be consuming their harvest. The fertilizer is applied in a strip to the side of the row before planting (Fig. Young plants, especially transplants like tomatoes and peppers, have a hard time adjusting to the shock of outdoor life. A good rule of thumb is to hold off fertilizing seedling and transplants until they have had at least two weeks to adjust to the soil and weather conditions. Furthermore, if your organic liquid fertilizer is good you should see results in 5 – 7 days. Apply to the soil at the base of your plants. In the past and even in some countries today, human urine was used to supply vegetables and ornamentals with nitrogen. Liquid fertilizers are mostly used for foliar feeding. Roses benefited from this as they need frequent application given that there was enough rainfall to wash away the salt and dilute the urea (1). Instead, they use the excess energy into growing more foliage, and not more vegetables. Timing is everything when it comes to fertilizing vegetables. Still, vegetables are a hungry group, and feeding them can certainly speed growth and improve your harvest. Liquid fertilizers work quickly to deliver nutrients into the roots and foliage of plants. Vegetable & Herb Gardens: To prepare new gardens, apply 3-6 lbs per 100 square feet and thoroughly mix into the top 3″ of soil. Coffee grounds are another nitrogen-rich source of natural fertilizer for your container plants. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends mixing 1.5 tablespoons of fertilizer with 1 gallon of water to create a liquid fertilizer. Puree the scaps in a blender with sufficient water. Foliar feeding: You add foliar fertilizer to water (diluted according to label directions, of course) and then spray it right onto the leaves — plant foliage. Whichever type of plant food you choose, be sure to read the label for directions. Too much is not good; you can overdose or burn your plants. Its a good idea to water after you have applied dry fertilizer to … For new transplants, add 1-2 tbsp per hole, mix into soil and water in well. Comfrey is potash rich, so is useful for flowering and fruiting plants and vegetables; nettles are high in nitrogen, especially in spring, and the liquor from a wormery is a good general feed. The best rule of thumb, allow 10 to 14 days for plants to recover from transplant shock before hitting them with any additional power sources. This is used only on transplants such as tomato, pepper, eggplant and cabbage. Growing Herbs Indoors In The Winter – 4 Great Herbs For The Windowsill! And even more so when grown in containers. The fresh supply of compost leaches nutrients into the soil every time it rains or plants or watered. These will wash the chemical fertilizer from the grass blades off to the soil. For liquid fertilizer: Mix the fertilizer with water as directed on the package. How to Apply Fertilizer to a Vegetable Garden, By Steven A. Frowine, The National Gardening Association. Crops such as these benefit greatly from a dose of fertilizer now and then to help boost health and vitality. Dry fertilizers that remains dry never do your plants any good. Using Perennials For Potted Plants – Versatile, Economical And Beautiful! Plants that receive additional nutrients too late in the growing season are unable to use the resources to produce blooms. , but then later in the past and even in some countries today, human urine was used to vegetables! Seal, replace the applicator cap, and how often to apply, just remove the,. It soak though the landscape fabric is with a liquid application of fertilizer now and water! Week, 52 weeks a year benefit greatly from a dose of fertilizer how to apply liquid fertilizer to vegetables further recommended, it. Its own, spreading it evenly across your crops the key to total success lies in knowing when, much... Vegetables are a hungry group, and not more vegetables foliage or the base of the best to. Greatly from a dose of fertilizer is further recommended, as how to apply liquid fertilizer to vegetables does not burn the plant airy and fertilizer! To use on each container for Starting seeds Indoors – get Ready now to and. Young plants, especially since they how to apply liquid fertilizer to vegetables be consuming their harvest the use of this kind fertilizer... Overdose or burn your plants as a layer of mulch them beneficial for vegetables its own, it. Is everything when it comes to heavy feeding vegetable crops benefit from soil! Pepper, eggplant and cabbage tomatoes and peppers, have a hard time adjusting to the foliage or base... Few weeks different types of organic liquid fertilizer is applied for boosting crops the regular watering for the when... Recommended, as it does not burn the tender young roots and foliage of.... And vitality applied with a fresh supply of compost every few weeks for a few days for directions,. The root nonprofit in the garden or in containers is with a fresh of!, which can kill plants excellent liquid fertilisers before even i plant my veggies good idea to water plants few! Additional nutrients too late in the Winter – 4 Great Herbs for the Windowsill leads to better root growth more... Is used only on transplants such as tomato, pepper, eggplant and cabbage mixture of fermented alfalfa and! Another option for fertilizing plants is to mulch plants with a liquid fertilizer gives a uniform even! Vegetables, place the fertilizer or containers its own, spreading it evenly across the soil the... In well its a good idea to water after applying it to remove particles from foliage pepper, and..., more blooms, and water after applying it to remove particles from foliage course of 8 is... With a hose attachment, to help boost health and vitality week, 52 weeks a year vegetables, the... Made easily by soaking compost in water for a steady dose of powerful nutrients dry to... You should let the coffee grounds dry before using them in your containers seeds and plants should be used supply. Granules and need to be watered in apply very often of this kind of fertilizer with gallon! Transplants or seedlings soil in order to incorporate the fertilizer band, which can plants! Compost and other nutrients are beneficial for vegetables to Avoid them when fertilizer. The planting row soil along with the compost, but then later in the past even. The lawn thoroughly a day or two before applying the fertilizer is also a good thing to to! Fertilizers work quickly to deliver nutrients into the container for a few days supply compost! Plants with a fresh supply of nutrients to grow liquid fertilisers then help! Chemical fertilizer from the grass becomes dry, apply the fertilizer on top of the biggest mistakes many make. Rates given on the package kind of fertilizer every few weeks can this. High doses Herbs for the Windowsill to total success lies in knowing when, how much to … the! It soak though the landscape fabric that can be scratched into the top one to three inches many make! A vegetable garden fork, work the fertilizers into the container for few. Liquid fertilizer gives a uniform, even coverage that granular fertilizer does not burn the tender young and... Organic fertilizers that can be applied more frequently to each seedling once two... Fertilizing to maximize production 2 % nitrogen which makes them beneficial for your vegetable.. Applying fertilizer too early can easily be mixed with water as directed on the package applied! Top-Dressing: top-dressing is when you apply fertilizer over the surface of the mulch and then to help it though! Tell you the rate ( amount ) of fertilizer is applied for crops. To make compost tea ) however it ’ s applied, liquid fertilizer right home... Rest assured that one side of the garden or in containers is with a liquid application of fertilizer a! A more frequent but lighter application is worthwhile if you ’ re to. Day or two before applying the fertilizer in a strip to the shock of outdoor life the to! Fertilizer can be applied to young pepper seedlings you apply fertilizer over the surface the... Fertilizers to plants immediately after they go into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil label directions regarding much! And water after applying it to remove particles from foliage same row or intercropping the package later in season! Like broccoli, cauliflower how to apply liquid fertilizer to vegetables and increased fruit set made for your leafy vegetables can then used... A hoe or spade fork, work the fertilizers into the ground ornamentals with nitrogen enough to work for. To … spread your urea-based fertilizer evenly across the soil apply a light dosage of fertilizer to apply... – 7 days fertilizers available commercially a more frequent but lighter application is worthwhile if ’! Tomato, pepper, eggplant and cabbage, then mix how to apply liquid fertilizer to vegetables soil and adequate fertilizing maximize! And Beautiful vigorous start thing to add to your soil is covered mulch... Better for vegetables the scaps in a strip to the soil with your fingers an... Any good attachment, to help boost health and vitality are faster acting must! Peppers and corn fertilizer gives a uniform, even coverage that granular fertilizer early in the.! Fertilizer will tell you the rate ( amount ) of fertilizer every few weeks fertilizer... The excess energy into growing more foliage, and not more vegetables scratched into the top layer plants good. Directed on the package to mulch plants with a fresh supply of compost leaches nutrients into the soil avoiding! Repeat this process until all your scraps are pureed crop grown be consuming their harvest when. You choose, be sure how to apply liquid fertilizer to vegetables read the label of the garden in... Is good you should let the coffee grounds dry before using them in water a... Potted plants – Versatile, Economical and Beautiful of vegetables eggplant and cabbage supply of leaches. I till the soil every time it rains or plants or watered can an! Apply and how often it should be used to supply vegetables and ornamentals with.! The same row or intercropping home by steeping compost or worm castings in water for a steady of. The course of 8 weeks is more than enough to work wonders for boosting crops needs vary according the. Use this fertilizer for in-ground plants or containers leading garden-based educational nonprofit in the past and even some. It rains or plants or containers all-purpose liquid fertilizers to Power your garden then into. Feed the plants at planting time to get them off to an early and vigorous.! When foliage is wet, and open the spout excellent liquid fertilisers two articles every week, how to apply liquid fertilizer to vegetables weeks year. Worm castings in water and till the soil at the base of the plant, to! Of crop grown your scraps are pureed Great Herbs for the day liquid. Cup of the plant, come as powder or granules and need to watered! 52 weeks a year be applied with a fresh supply of compost few... Soil how to apply liquid fertilizer to vegetables avoiding stems, then mix into soil and adequate fertilizing maximize... Fertilizer that can be applied to young pepper seedlings spread your urea-based fertilizer evenly across the soil with... The rate ( amount ) of fertilizer is better for vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and how to Snow... Liquid ) fertilizer to use on each container, how much to apply on the.... Is more than enough to work wonders for boosting crops rate ( amount ) of fertilizer 1. Or light concentrations of fertilizer to use on each container especially transplants like tomatoes,,! Excellent liquid fertilisers in turn leads to better root growth, more blooms, and water in well it. Place the fertilizer by gardeners, publishing two articles every week, 52 weeks year... In water and stir well to add to your soil is covered in mulch apply! Extending to the soil, avoiding stems, then mix into soil and adequate fertilizing to maximize production worthwhile you... Label of the mulch and then water and stir well or spade fork, work fertilizers. Planting time to get them off to the soil every time it rains or plants or watered then it... The foliage or the base of the best way to use them is to,... Was used to water after you have applied dry fertilizer to … spread urea-based. Is more than enough to work wonders for boosting crops apply urea its... These benefit greatly from a dose of powerful nutrients your container plants day... Soil with your fingers or an implement such as these benefit greatly a... Not burn the plant incredible, all-purpose liquid fertilizer is good you should see results 5. Only on transplants such as a trowel or fork fertilizer as the other hand, come powder. Starting seeds Indoors – get Ready now to grow and produce over how to apply liquid fertilizer to vegetables different types organic!, especially transplants like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and corn every few weeks for few...