Hey, fellow garden enthusiasts! I've been diving deep into my gardening lately and realized that while my automated watering system is a total game changer, fertilizing remains a bit of a manual chore for me. I'm still mixing and applying fertilizers by hand, which got me wondering: how do you all feel about fertilizing? Is it something that feels like a hassle or do you find it enjoyable? I'm curious if you ever skip it, struggle with the measurements, or if it's a soothing part of your gardening routine that you wouldn't want to automate. Please share your experiences—good, bad, or anywhere in between!
4 Answers
I usually only fertilize in early spring before planting, using a 20-10-10 mix to help break down the organic material in my garden. I till in a lot of leaves and sometimes wood chips, so the soil ends up being pretty rich by planting time. It might seem tedious, but it's not too bad with a bit of preparation. Just plan it around a rain and it all works out!
I enjoy fertilizing! I use Jack's Bloom Booster on my potted annuals every weekend—it's rewarding to see the results! It’s just part of my gardening routine, and I make sure to give my raised beds a good mix of fish emulsion and compost. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it makes!
Honestly, I don't put much effort into fertilizing. I mix some organic fertilizer into the soil before planting and toss a handful in when transplanting. I rely mostly on compost and it's been working fine for me. Seems like a lot of gardeners worry too much about it! As they say, the rest is up to the good Lord and Mother Nature!
Exactly! I think people overthink it, but if you have good soil to start with, it's almost worry-free.
I find fertilizing to be a bit pricey, especially good stuff that can cost up to $30. I use Osmocote, which lasts for about six months, so once it's applied, I'm set for the season. It's not that time-consuming for me, but I do wish there were cheaper options!
I snagged a great deal on slow-release Osmocote at the end of the season last year. If you store it right, it lasts for ages!
You could also try Bokashi or green manure—those work wonders and cost next to nothing!
Same here! Compost does the heavy lifting for me too. Just keep it simple and let nature do its thing! ?