I'm a new vegetable gardener using Fox Farm liquid fertilizer on my veggies about once a week. I dilute it in water according to the instructions on the bottle and usually apply it with a watering can. However, I'm concerned about getting the solution on my plants' leaves, particularly my bushy tomatoes. Is it harmful if I accidentally splash some fertilizer on the leaves? I find it challenging to water directly at the soil level. I'd really appreciate any tips!
3 Answers
In general, it’s best to water the soil rather than the leaves, because wet foliage can lead to powdery mildew. Rain has a natural balance with nutrients, so it’s different from regular water. But if you're using diluted "natural" fertilizers, they shouldn’t harm the leaves unless you're using something super strong. If you're having trouble reaching the base of your plants, try pruning some of the lower leaves or using a long-spout watering can.
I've used liquid fertilizer on my leaves and never had a problem, but I always try to water at the base instead. For cabbage, I think they’re built to catch rain, so they handle it better, but for other veggies, it's best to aim for the soil.
If you dilute the fertilizer properly, it's generally fine to get some on the leaves. The leaves can absorb nutrients too! Just make sure to avoid letting them stay wet for too long. It's all about balance. Watering from above is okay, just don’t make it a habit if you're worried about burning.
Thanks for the advice! I’ll consider getting a long-neck watering can.