This depends entirely on the
type of plant and the circumstances. The numbers on the bag (6-6-6,
10-10-10, 16-4-8, etc) represent the percent of nitrogen, phosphorous, and
potash in the product. It is also recommended that the fertilizer also
contain trace or micro-nutrients such as iron, manganese, sulfur, etc. These
nutrients are listed on the label as secondary plant nutrients. For a "long
lasting" fertilizer, select one that contains "slow-release" nutrients.
What is the best fertilizer for spring garden plants?
A 10-10-10
or a 5-10-5 for most spring annuals and vegetables.
What does "100% Organic" mean?
When the term "organic" is used on
a fertilize label, it means that all or part of the nitrogen is in an
organic form. This form must be identified as synthetic-organic and/or
natural-organic, and the respective percentage or each must be specified
(for example:70% synthetic, 30% natural). Synthetic organics are organic
compounds which are chemically synthesized such as Urea Nitrogen. Synthetic
organic nitrogen is identified in the guaranteed analysis as Water Soluble
organic nitrogen and/or Urea Nitrogen. Natural organic nitrogen comes from
natural sources such as manure, seed meal, sludge, dried blood, etc. The
percent of natural organic material is listed under Water Insoluble
Nitrogen. Recently, many forms of water insoluble nitrogen have been
developed (sulfur-coated urea, ureaformaldehyde, Isobutylidine dilurea-IBDU,
etc.). These sources act like natural forms in that the nitrogen is slowly
released.
How do I know what type of soil I have?
Pick up a handful of moist
garden soil and squeeze it. If it sticks together like cookie dough it is
probably clay. If it doesn't hold together in a ball and it feels gritty, it
is probably sandy soil. If it holds together in a ball but crumbles if
tapped lightly it is loamy soil. Or you can bring a sample to the local
Master Gardeners' Office.
What is pH?
pH is a measure of soil acidity (sourness) or soil
alkalinity (sweetness). pH is expressed by a number on a scale from 014. A
neutral reading is 7. Any reading below 7 represents an acid soil and the
lower the number the more acidic the soil. Any number above 7 indicates an
alkaline condition and alkalinity increases as the number on the scale
increases.
What is the best pH and why is it important?
Optimum pH will vary
from plant to plant, but a pH between 5.0 7.0 is generally accepted as the
best range for most plants. The pH of the soil governs what nutrients are
available to plants. If the soil pH is above or below the recommended range
(5.5 - 7.0), nutrients may not be soluble (absorbable by plants) or they may
be so soluble that they become phytotoxic. Therefore, a plant can show signs
of nutrient deficiencies or toxicity even when the correct amount of
fertilizer is applied to that plant.
When should Lime be used?
Lime is added to soil when a soil test
determines that the soil pH is too acid. Lime reacts with water and releases
calcium which neutralizes the acidity of the soil, thus raising the pH of
the soil.
Are Dolomite and Lime the same thing?
Dolomite is a type of lime:
There are various forms of lime used to increase soil pH. Standard lime
contains calcium. Dolomitic lime contains calcium and magnesium. Whenever
lime is recommended, dolomite is suggested since it will adjust the soil pH
and also add magnesium which is usually deficient in Florida's sandy soil.
My soil is too alkaline (sweet or basic). How can I lower the pH?
Alkaline soils are a result of natural soil characteristics or excessive
applications of lime. The pH of over-limed soils can be lowered by adding
sulfur, iron sulfate, aluminum sulfate, or ammonium sulfate. Naturally
alkaline or calcareous soils are common in coastal counties. It is
difficult, if not impossible to lower the pH of these soils. Nutrient
deficiencies in plants growing on calcareous soils should be treated by
nutrient foliar sprays.
How do I take a soil sample correctly?
Using a trowel or shovel,
dig a V-shaped hole in the soil four to six inches deep. Remove the entire
soil wedge. Collect similar "wedges" from several spots in the area you wish
to plant. Mix all the individual "wedges" together. One pint of this mixed
sample is sufficient for testing purposes. The sample should be free of all
plant debris and rocks. It is also very important for the soil to be
completely dry.
What is the best pH value for most spring garden plants?
Between 6
and 7. Most garden plants prefer a slightly acidic soil.
My soil test pH 4. What does this mean?
A pH of 4 means your soil
is very acidic. It is unsuitable for most gardening. Add lime to raise the
pH. The amount added depends on what you want to grow there because some
plants like a slightly acid soil and some do not.
I have recently moved to a new home with an established yard. When
should I fertilize?
Your plants will benefit from two feedings per
year, one in March and another in September. Remember that fertilizing
equals more branches, more stems, more leaves, more roots, therefore, more
maintenance cost, more cutting, more clipping and more pruning. If you are
happy with the size and appearance of your plants, why encourage it to
change?
I have heavy clay soil. Will just adding sand improve it enough so I
can have a garden?
This might work in small areas, however, adding
organic material would be much more beneficial.
What makes some hydrangeas blue and some pink?
The acidity of the
soil causes the color difference. Blue is produced by acid, and pink by
lime. Aluminum sulfate for blue and lime for pink.