Hey everyone! This year, I've caught the gardening bug, and I've gone all out with a big backyard setup, complete with four raised beds! I'm diving into tons of resources to learn more, but I've hit a snag when it comes to fertilizing. We filled our beds with topsoil that has compost mixed in, and I'm planning to add some manure. I also got some organic granular fertilizer and am thinking about trying fish emulsion because I've heard great things! I'm also interested in the old-school methods like using crushed eggshells and buried banana peels. My question is about how often I should fertilize my plants. I know there's some nutrition in the soil already, so do I fertilize regularly or switch between types? I might be a bit of a helicopter gardener at first! I'm growing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchinis, squash, corn, beets, radishes, watermelon, peas, and trying to squeeze in some heat-tolerant lettuce. If there are different rules for different plants, any resources you'd recommend? Thanks in advance!
1 Answer
Have you thought about getting your soil tested? It helps you understand the nutrient levels and whether you should focus on organic or inorganic methods. In my area, the county conservation district offers free testing! Plus, making your own compost from kitchen and yard scraps is a fantastic DIY solution. Look for local Master Gardener programs, too—they often have great resources and advice tailored specifically to your local conditions. Good luck!