Applying Fertilizers

When should one fertilize the garden - fall or spring? For lawns, permanent plantings of shrubs, evergreens, and flowers, fertilizers may be applied in the fall or spring with equal success. It is best to apply fertilizers to annual crops at, or just previous to, planting time.

Is it better to place fertilizer on the garden in the fall and turn it over in the spring? Or turn the soil first, and then apply the fertilizer? Commercial fertilizers for the most part are best applied after spading or plowing, a week or 10 days before planting, and raked into the upper 2 to 3 ins. of the soil. Superphosphate may be spaded in in either fall or spring.

Should I plant first, and then fertilize? Or vice versa? Fertilizer can be applied and worked into the soil just before planting, or at planting time. One or more subsequent applications may be necessary during the growing season.

For a new garden, do I have to fertilize the ground before I plant? Usually it is necessary to fertilize. A soil analysis will indicate what is needed.

Are better blooms obtained when fertilizer is used at time of setting out plants, or at time buds form? For best results apply the fertilizer at the time the plants are set. Make a subsequent application at or previous to bud formation.

Do you advocate putting fertilizer in the rows under the seeds; or between the rows? Recent experiments show that it is best to apply the fertilizer 2 to 3 ins. to the side and 1 to 2 ins. below the seed.

My soil is very rich but no fertilizer has been added sine last fall. Is it necessary to apply any when ground is so good? No. Except to make sure the soil is maintained in that condition.

What is the best fertilizer to use for soil that has been cleared of trees and in which it is desired to make a vegetable garden? Any good mixed, complete fertilizer designed for vegetables.

How do you fertilize plants that remain in the same spot in the garden? Apply the fertilizer between the plants and hoe it into the upper few inches of soil without disturbing or injuring the roots of the plants. If soil is dry, water thoroughly.

How often during the season should the flower garden be fertilized? When? Once or twice a season. Apply fertilizer in the spring as growth starts, and again in midsummer if growth is not satisfactory.

What kind of fertilizer is best for peat soil which is turning acid? Peat soils usually become less acid as they are cultivated. A soil test would be advisable. If soil is acid, use a non-acid fertilizer.

Is it good practice to use a commercial fertilizer on acid-loving plants? Yes, if it is needed. Use a fertilizer specifically recommended for acid-loving plants.

I am draining a cedar swamp for a garden. Soil is black swamp muck, highly nitrogenous, about 2 ft. thick; white sand subsoil. What fertilizer should be used? The fertilizer to apply will depend upon the nutrient test of the soil and the crops to be grown. A cedar swamp would be acid. For most crops lime would be necessary.

How much water should be applied to garden after fertilizing? Soil is sandy and both commercial and fresh manures are used. Water garden when needed as indicated by tendency of plants to wilt.