It’s almost time to start thinking about planting your outdoor garden. Let’s get started with the planing stage.

Plants always need additional feeding, especially in a garden where the plants are close together. So, always use a fertilizer and plenty of nutrients. The correct timing for using a fertilizer is important. If you feed them late in the season you may promote a weak growth and make them vulnerable to any early frost.

Choose a fertilizer that is best for the specific needs of the plants you are feeding. The time of the year should also be taken into consideration when fertilizing plants. Keep a separate watering can to use for fertilizing.

The fertilizer you choose will depend on the needs of your plants and how often you will apply it. Granular fertilizers usually contain a balance of major nutrients. Slow release fertilizers release the nutrients into the soil according to temperature changes.

Liquid and soluble fertilizers are diluted with water and are applied to the roots most times, but can be applied to the leaves in some cases. Sticks and tablets are pushed into the soil or the soil mix after planting has taken place.

You can fertilize during an active period of plant growth as long as it is not too late in the season. You don’t want new growth at the end of the season.

Add a layer of crushed eggshells to the bottom of a planting hole to provide the plant with calcium and to improve it’s drainage. Because eggshells are alkaline, don’t use them on plants that need an acidic soil.

Take care. I’ll talk to you soon!