Why should you fertilize?

Fertilizing promotes healthy plant growth including budding, flowers, fruit production and for some plants seed or nut production. It takes a great amount of energy for plants to flower and produce fruit, seeds or nuts. They also need to be able to develop a healthy root system and grow leaves for photosynthesis. All of these things are helped by applying fertilizer.

Too much however, can be harmful to the plant and environment. Fertilizer can burn the roots which eventually kills the plant.

It’s also important to fertilize at the right time and in the right way. You don’t want to apply it to a dry plant, so the root area should be watered before applying. If the area has been flooded wait until the excess water is gone. Finally, if the plant is dormant wait to fertilize so it doesn’t grow at the wrong time of year.

Fertilizers have three numbers on their label which stand for the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). These numbers are the macronutrients that plants use in large amounts as they grow. The only way to know the proper balance is to have your soil tested. It’s not necessary to do this yearly, but good to have done every couple of years so the correct fertilizer is used.

We offer excellent soil testing and can tailor a fertilization plan to fit your soil needs. Call New Horizon Property Management today to set up a time for a soil test or fertilization program quote! 269-558-8122