Fertilizer—the when, the why, and the what of it all.
Fertilizing your garden is a true art. With fertilizer, it’s ‘what should I use?’ or ‘how much should I use?’, and while those are both great questions (that will be answered as you read), it really is all about the timing to fertilizing.
During the spring, as new growth emerges on the plants in your garden, it’s the perfect time to fertilize. Follow the directions on the container, as each product varies slightly, but usually every 4-6 weeks is an ideal interval for fertilizing. As a rule of thumb, we suggest your last fertilizing be no later than mid-July, to prevent soft growth from coming onto the plant, as there is not time to harden by winter.
It's so tempting to grab a bottle of fertilizer that promises ‘fast action’, but try to think of it as an energy drink; it rapidly pumps you up, and then drops you like a rock. So acts the ‘fast acting’ fertilizers to your plants. It gives your plant a ‘big hit’ of growth, providing satisfying, and great, visual results, but like the energy drink, it expends all the energy from the plant, and leaves it basically worn out. Remember, your plants are living creatures as well!
Plants need an organic fertilizer that feeds the soil and the plant and, like everything else, think of the long term results, rather than the short term gain.
Did you know that every shrub and tree you buy from New Leaf Nursery comes fertilized for the season?
That is indeed a bonus. As a starter to promote root growth in the first year, we suggest Vitamin B1 and we carry it in a variety of sizes in the garden center.
There is always an exception to the rule, and in this case, if you have hanging baskets and potted annuals, those still need fertilizing with a time release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer, or a combo of both, to maintain those happy and long lasting blooms. The daily, or near daily, watering you give to hanging baskets and potted plants, flush the nutrients out of the soil, so continue the fertilizing according to the packaging until the seasons’ end.
We have lots of products in the garden center to help you all produce the most beautiful gardens! Next time you come by the nursery, take a look and, as always, if you need more info, we are most happy to answer any questions you may have! Our garden specialists are here to assist you!
What’s new at New Leaf Nursery. . .
We received a shipment of the cutest, most colorful, happy-go-lucky mushroom garden art you have ever seen! Better get here quick, they seem to be everyone’s faves! So cute and add some much fun and whimsy to your garden spaces!
Hostas have arrived!
The trucks continue to roll into the nursery loaded with terrific and unusual plants. Some of the most wonderful varieties of shade loving hostas arrived. Check out the list: Curly Fries, Dancing Queen, Fire & Ice, First Frost, Halcyon, Queen Josephine, Sorbet and Summer Breeze.
Dancing Queen Hosta, full shade to part shade, 18”H x 30”W
Fire & Ice Hosta, full shade to part shade, 14-16”H x 12-24”W
First Frost Hosta, full shade to part shade, 16”H x 36”W
Halcyon Hosta, full shade to part shade, 18”H x 36-42”W
Queen Josephine Hosta, part shade to full shade, 16-18”H x 32-40”W
Sorbet Hosta, part shade to full shade, 12”H x 34”W
Summer Breeze Hosta, part shade to full shade, 20-21”H x 35-47”W
Whether your garden needs that pop of a variegated white and green plant, a bright lime green, or that cool dusty blue green, we have them all!
In addition to the hosta parade, we received some really great new houseplants to add to your indoor garden and wait until you see all the fun pots and indoor plant accessories and plant accessories we have to go with them!
Thinking ahead. . .
Fall is right around the corner, and our Fall Festival planning has begun! Keep your eye on the EVENTS page on our website for information on the event, as well as upcoming classes for fall!
Every season brings something new, and we are happy to have you enjoy each season with us!
Happy gardening!
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