How to Fertilize Vegetables

mediumGardeningseasonal8 steps

Safety Warnings

Spreader — For even application of artificial fertilizers

Rotted Stable Manure — Natural organic fertilizer(Variable by crop)

Bone Meal — Phosphorus and nitrogen source(12 lbs per 400 sq ft)

Nitrate of Soda — Pure nitrogen source(Variable)

Wood Ashes — Potash source(Variable)

Acid Phosphate — Phosphoric acid source(Variable)

Hen Manure — Nitrogen-rich top dressing(Variable)

Sulphate of Potash — Potash source(Variable)

Identify the primary nutrient needs of the soil: nitrogen (for leaves), phosphoric acid, and potash.

Tip: Nitrogen stimulates leaf production; avoid excess for root or fruit crops.

Apply natural manure across the entire tract of land to establish a base level of fertility.

Tip: Rotted manure is preferred over fresh manure for new seeds.

Supplement natural manure with artificial fertilizers to stretch the supply over the whole area.

Tip: If using 'complete' fertilizers containing all three nutrients, reduce the total quantities used.

Incorporate phosphorus-rich materials like bone meal or acid phosphate to aid in the production of fruits and seeds.

Tip: Bone meal can be slow-acting and may not be fully available until the following year.

Apply potash sources such as wood ashes, kainit, or sulphate of potash based on soil requirements.

Tip: The choice between potash sources depends on the specific soil type.

Apply nitrogen-specific boosters like nitrate of soda or hen manure as needed.

Tip: Hen manure serves as an excellent top dressing for onion beds.

Adjust fertilization rates based on the vegetable type: use 'richer' applications for rank feeders like eggplants and asparagus.

Tip: Asparagus responds well to enormous quantities of first-class stable manure.

Ensure adequate moisture is supplied when using high-grade complete fertilizers.

Tip: This is especially important for high-demand crops like onions.

Leguminous crops like clover can provide the cheapest source of nitrogen for the soil.
Fresh manure should be applied as quickly as possible to the land to minimize nutrient loss through the air.

Synthesized from 2 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →