Growing the Perfect Vegetables

Plants must have light, moisture and nutrients to grow. The sun provides light. Moisture comes from rainfall or irrigation. Nutrients come from fertilizers, compost or manure.

If plants are not growing well, fertilizing them will help only if a lack of nutrients is the cause of the problem. Plants grown in poorly drained soils, in excessive shade, or in competition with tree roots will not respond to fertilizer.

Fertilizers are either organic or inorganic. Examples of organic fertilizers include manure (poultry, cow or horse), bone meal, cottonseed, or other naturally occurring materials. Inorganic fertilizers are man made products. They usually have a higher nutrient content.

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Methods of Applying Fertilizer
 

Fertilizers are applied four ways: Broadcast before planting. The proper amount of fertilizer is spread evenly over the garden and mixed with the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches before rows are made. This method is the least likely to cause plant damage and usually is best for home gardeners.

Band or row applications. The fertilizer is applied in a strip to the side of the row before planting (Fig. 4). With this method you must be careful to prevent the roots from coming in contact with the fertilizer band, which can kill plants.

Starter solution. This is used only on transplants such as tomato, pepper, eggplant and cabbage. Mix 2 tablespoons of garden fertilizer in 1 gallon of water and stir well. Pour 1 cup of the mix into the hole and let it soak in before transplanting.

 

Figure 4. Band or row application of fertilizer.

Application to growing plants, or side dressing. This is especially helpful on sandy soils or when there has been a lot of rain that may have leached nutrients from the soil. Fertilizer is sprinkled along the sides of rows and watered into the soil (Fig. 5). About ½ cup of garden fertilizer for every 10 feet of row usually is enough. The amount and timing of fertilizer needed varies according to the type of vegetable planted. Sidedressing increases the yield of most vegetables.

Fertilize fall gardens in the same way as spring gardens. If a fall garden follows a well fertilized spring garden, you’ll need only about half the spring fertilizer rate at planting. Apply 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet.