Fertilizing Seedlings and Plants

<h2>Understanding Plant Nutrition</h2> <p>Plants need three primary macronutrients (N-P-K) plus secondary nutrients and micronutrients. Seeds contain enough energy for initial growth, but once true leaves develop, plants need external nutrition.</p> <h2>N-P-K Explained</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Nitrogen (N):</strong> Leaf and stem growth — essential for green, leafy growth</li> <li><strong>Phosphorus (P):</strong> Root and flower development — important for fruiting</li> <li><strong>Potassium (K):</strong> Overall health and disease resistance</li> </ul> <h2>When to Start Fertilizing</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Seedlings:</strong> Wait until 2-3 true leaves appear (not seed leaves)</li> <li><strong>First feeding:</strong> Quarter-strength liquid fertilizer</li> <li><strong>Established plants:</strong> Every 2-4 weeks during growing season</li> <li><strong>Trees and shrubs:</strong> Once in spring, once in early summer</li> </ul> <h2>Types of Fertilizer</h2> <table> <thead><tr><th>Type</th><th>Pros</th><th>Cons</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td>Liquid (dilute)</td><td>Fast acting, easy to control</td><td>Needs frequent application</td></tr> <tr><td>Granular slow-release</td><td>Feeds for months, easy</td><td>Less precise control</td></tr> <tr><td>Organic (compost, manure)</td><td>Improves soil structure</td><td>Slow release, variable nutrients</td></tr> <tr><td>Fish emulsion</td><td>Complete nutrients, organic</td><td>Strong odor</td></tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>Fertilizing Schedule</h2> <h3>Vegetables</h3> <ul> <li><strong>At planting:</strong> Mix compost into soil</li> <li><strong>2 weeks after:</strong> Begin liquid feeding</li> <li><strong>Every 2 weeks:</strong> Continue through growing season</li> <li><strong>When fruiting:</strong> Switch to higher phosphorus formula</li> </ul> <h3>Trees and Shrubs</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Year 1:</strong> No fertilizer needed if soil was amended</li> <li><strong>Year 2+:</strong> Balanced slow-release in spring</li> <li><strong>Established:</strong> Annual feeding sufficient</li> </ul> <h2>Signs of Nutrient Deficiency</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Yellow leaves:</strong> Nitrogen deficiency</li> <li><strong>Purple leaves:</strong> Phosphorus deficiency</li> <li><strong>Brown leaf edges:</strong> Potassium deficiency</li> <li><strong>Stunted growth:</strong> General nutrient shortage</li> </ul> <h2>Over-Fertilizing</h2> <p>More is not better. Over-fertilizing causes:</p> <ul> <li>Salt buildup in soil</li> <li>Root burn</li> <li>Lush foliage but poor fruiting</li> <li>Environmental damage from runoff</li> </ul> <p>If over-fertilized, flush soil thoroughly with plain water.</p>