How to Fertilize Plants in Containers

Plants grown in containers have different nutritional needs than those grown in the garden. Potting mix designed to be lightweight and porous is an artificial mix that is void of any real nutrients.The very soil that makes them lightweight and easy to move may be starving them of the nutrients they need to flourish. To promote lush new growth in your container plants, you must take special care in applying adequate fertilizer. Read on to learn how to fertilize plants in containers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Liquid fertilizer
• Plant spikes
• Water

Choosing Fertilizers

1. Decide which type of fertilizer you will use for your container plants. Although you can use traditional granular fertilizer this becomes a bit more difficult for plants in containers. Granular fertilizer must be worked into the soil. You can work granular fertilizer into the top few inches of the soil in container plants, but you run the risk of disturbing the root system and the fertilizer can burn tender roots if it comes in contact with them.

2. Purchase the desired form of fertilizer. The best options are a good liquid fertilizer that is mixed with water and fed to plants on a regular schedule or fertilizer spikes that can be inserted in the soil. Fertilizer spikes contain time-released fertilizer that will dissolve with each watering releasing the proper amount of nutrients. Liquid fertilizer allows you to tweak the timing and amount for each application. Both will provide a continual supply of nutrients and prevent valuable nutrients from being washed away with repeated waterings.

3. Consider the size of the container and the nutritional needs of the plants you are growing. If you are in doubt about the needs of your particular plants, consult with the greenhouse or nursery for growing and fertilization needs.

Liquid Fertilizer

4. Mix a good quality liquid fertilizer to half the recommended strength. A weaker solution allows you to feed your plants frequently and provide a constant source of nutrients. See Resources section for link to liquid fertilizers.

5. Pour liquid fertilizer over the foliage and onto the soil. Nutrients will be absorbed through the leaves, as well as, by the roots in the soil.

6. Apply every seven to 10 days during periods of rapid growth. As the season winds down and the plants decreases growth rate, feed fertilizer every 14 days.

Fertilizer Spikes

7. Purchase fertilizer spikes at your gardening supply store. Jobe's produces organic fertilizer spikes for vegetables. These spikes are inexpensive and are made of organic compounds that are slow release. Follow the instructions for container size. See Resources section for links.

8. Insert the recommended amount of fertilizer spikes into the soil so that it the spike rests below the surface of the soil.

9. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

Tips & Warnings

• Container plants can dry out quickly. Always provide adequate water to promote healthy plants and vigorous growth.

Resources

• Jobe's organic fertilizer spikes
• Miracle Gro liquid fertilizer/spikes