This valuable tool will help you optimize care for your garden and vegetable patch throughout the growing season. The calendar covers a wide range of crops: from vegetables and fruits to berries, providing precise recommendations on the timing, type, and method of fertilizer application.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure healthy plant growth, increase their resistance to diseases and pests, and significantly boost your yield.
Remember, fertilization is an art of balance, and our calendar will help you achieve the best results in your gardening.
Plant Fertilization Calendar
| Crop | Fertilization Period | Fertilizer Type | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetables | |||
| Tomatoes | 1. 2 weeks after planting 2. At the beginning of flowering 3. During fruit formation |
1. Complete mineral 2. Phosphorus-potassium 3. Potassium |
Root feeding |
| Cucumbers | 1. After 3-4 true leaves appear 2. At the beginning of flowering 3. During fruiting (every 2 weeks) |
1. Nitrogen 2. Complete 3. Potassium |
Root and foliar feeding |
| Potatoes | 1. When plants are 6-8 inches tall 2. Before flowering |
1. Nitrogen 2. Phosphorus-potassium |
Root feeding |
| Cabbage | 1. 2 weeks after planting 2. During head formation |
1. Nitrogen 2. Complete |
Root feeding |
| Eggplants | 1. 2 weeks after planting 2. At the beginning of flowering 3. During fruit formation |
1. Nitrogen 2. Complete 3. Potassium |
Root feeding |
| Bell Peppers | 1. 2 weeks after planting 2. At the beginning of flowering 3. During fruiting |
1. Nitrogen 2. Phosphorus 3. Potassium |
Root and foliar feeding |
| Zucchini | 1. When 3-4 leaves form 2. At the beginning of flowering 3. During fruiting |
1. Nitrogen 2. Complete 3. Potassium |
Root feeding |
| Pumpkins | 1. When 4-5 leaves form 2. At the beginning of flowering 3. During fruit growth |
1. Nitrogen 2. Phosphorus 3. Potassium |
Root feeding |
| Carrots | 1. When 2-3 true leaves form 2. One month after the first feeding |
1. Nitrogen-phosphorus 2. Potassium |
Root feeding |
| Beets | 1. When 3-4 leaves form 2. 3-4 weeks after the first feeding |
1. Nitrogen 2. Complete |
Root feeding |
| Onions | 1. When plants are 4-5 inches tall 2. One month before harvest |
1. Nitrogen 2. Potassium |
Root feeding |
| Garlic | 1. At the beginning of spring growth 2. During bulb formation |
1. Nitrogen 2. Phosphorus-potassium |
Root feeding |
| Peas | 1. When plants are 4-6 inches tall 2. At the beginning of flowering |
1. Phosphorus-potassium 2. Complete |
Root feeding |
| Beans | 1. When 2-3 true leaves form 2. At the beginning of flowering |
1. Phosphorus 2. Complete |
Root feeding |
| Fruits | |||
| Apple Trees | 1. Spring before flowering 2. After flowering 3. After harvest |
1. Nitrogen 2. Complete 3. Phosphorus-potassium |
Root and foliar feeding |
| Peach Trees | 1. Spring before flowering 2. After flowering 3. After harvest |
1. Nitrogen 2. Complete 3. Phosphorus-potassium |
Root and foliar feeding |
| Apricot Trees | 1. Spring before flowering 2. After flowering 3. After harvest |
1. Nitrogen 2. Complete 3. Phosphorus-potassium |
Root and foliar feeding |
| Cherry Trees | 1. Spring before flowering 2. After flowering 3. After harvest |
1. Nitrogen 2. Complete 3. Phosphorus-potassium |
Root and foliar feeding |
| Watermelons | 1. When 3-4 leaves form 2. At the beginning of flowering 3. During fruit formation |
1. Nitrogen 2. Phosphorus 3. Potassium |
Root feeding |
| Cantaloupes | 1. When 3-4 leaves form 2. At the beginning of flowering 3. During fruit formation |
1. Nitrogen 2. Phosphorus 3. Potassium |
Root feeding |
| Berries | |||
| Strawberries | 1. Spring after vegetation resumes 2. After harvest |
1. Complete 2. Phosphorus-potassium |
Root feeding |
| Raspberries | 1. Spring when shoots grow 2. During flowering 3. After harvest |
1. Nitrogen 2. Complete 3. Phosphorus-potassium |
Root feeding |
| Currants | 1. Spring before bud break 2. During berry formation 3. After harvest |
1. Nitrogen 2. Complete 3. Phosphorus-potassium |
Root and foliar feeding |
| Blueberries | 1. At the beginning of vegetation 2. During flowering 3. After harvest |
1. Nitrogen (for acidic soils) 2. Complete 3. Phosphorus-potassium |
Root feeding |
| Grapes | 1. Before flowering 2. After flowering 3. At the beginning of berry ripening |
1. Nitrogen-phosphorus 2. Complete 3. Potassium |
Root and foliar feeding |
Note: Fertilizer application rates depend on soil type, weather conditions, and plant health. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and consider soil test results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plant Fertilization
What is plant fertilization?
Plant fertilization is the process of adding supplementary nutrients to the soil to support healthy plant growth and development. This can include the use of organic and mineral fertilizers that provide plants with necessary macro and micronutrients.
What types of fertilizers are used for plant feeding?
Both organic fertilizers (compost, manure, peat) and mineral fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) are used for plant feeding. There are also complex fertilizers that contain several necessary elements in a balanced ratio.
When is the best time to fertilize plants?
The timing of plant fertilization depends on the plant type and stage of development. Generally, plants are fertilized in spring to stimulate growth, in summer to support flowering and fruiting, and in fall to prepare for winter. It’s important to consider the specific needs of each crop.
How can I tell if plants need fertilization?
Signs of nutrient deficiency in plants may include yellowing leaves, slowed growth, poor flowering or fruiting, and general plant weakness. Soil analysis can also help determine which elements the plants need.
What safety measures should be followed when fertilizing plants?
When using fertilizers, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, avoid overdosing, and ensure even application. Always use protective gloves and a mask to avoid contact with chemicals, and don’t fertilize plants during strong sun or wind to prevent burns or fertilizer drift.