When Should You Fertilize Outdoor Plants?

Fertilizing outdoor plants is essential for ensuring healthy growth and maximizing their potential to produce fruit and flowers. The timing of your fertilizer application is critical, as applying fertilizer too often or too late can damage your plants. Knowing when to fertilize your plants will help you get the most out of them.

Spring

Fertilizing in the spring, before your plants begin to produce new growth, is a good idea. This will give the plants a boost after a long winter of dormancy.

Look for a fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as these are essential elements that help promote healthy growth. Liquid fertilizer applied directly to the soil or around the base of the plant is usually best.

Summer

During summer months, fertilize outdoor plants every 4-6 weeks with an organic slow release fertilizer. This type of fertilizer will release nutrients over an extended period of time providing continuous nutrition for your plants. Alternatively, you can apply a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks if you prefer.

Fall

As fall approaches it’s important to begin slowing down on fertilizer applications in order to prevent any new growth from being damaged by frost or cold temperatures. Generally speaking, stop fertilizing outdoor plants at least two weeks before the first expected frost date in your area.

Conclusion:

When it comes to fertilizing outdoor plants, timing is everything! Make sure to start fertilizing in early spring before new growth begins and then apply organic slow release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during summer months. As fall approaches, reduce applications until you stop altogether two weeks before the first frost date in your area in order to protect any new growth from being damaged by cold temperatures.

Photo of author

Chris Powell