The Truth About Fertilizer: Debunking the Myths

There are a lot of myths created by marketing companies about fertilizer. Marketing has convinced people that it is some kind of magical substance that will make their plants grow big and strong overnight. The truth is, however, that fertilizer is just like any other tool- it can be used effectively or it can be misused. In this blog post, we will debunk the marketing myths about fertilizer and discuss how you can use it to improve your garden!

What do the fertilizer numbers really mean?

All growing plants need essential elements to grow to their full genetic potential. The NPK, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, makes up the primary nutrients plants need. The other elements needed by plants are called minor elements, micronutrients or secondary nutrients. These include: sulfur, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum and chlorine.

Fertilizer comes in different NPK ratios. The number on the bag or bottle is the percentage of how much of each kind of nutrient is in it. For example, 10-10-10 has 10% of Nitrogen, 10% of Phosphorus, and 10% of Potassium.

• Nitrogen is the most important nutrient and helps with leaf growth.
• Phosphorus helps plants to use and store energy.
• Potassium helps with overall plant health and plants’ abilities to resist disease.

Nitrogen comes in many forms, but can only be used by plants in ammonium or nitrate form. Urea, the cheapest form, must first be broken down to ammonium before plants can utilize it. Ammonium is fast-acting and can burn plants if not used correctly. Nitrate is the safest and most effective form of nitrogen for plants. Excessive amounts of urea can build up over colder months and burn plants once the weather warms up due to increased break down to ammonium form.

Phosphorus is essential for plant growth and is found in every cell of a plant. Marketing Myth: High levels of phosphorus make plants bloom more aka bloom booster. Fact: Phosphorus helps plants to use and store energy, but too much phosphorus can make plants weak and unhealthy. Excess phosphorus easily combines with minor elements and prevents their uptake by plants, leading to minor element deficiencies.

Potassium is found in all plant tissues and is important for overall plant health and the plant’s ability to resist disease. It is associated with the movement of water, nutrients and carbohydrates in plant tissue.

When to apply fertilizer?

The best time to apply fertilizer is when plants are actively growing. This is typically in the spring and summer, but can also be in the fall for certain plants. Applying fertilizer to late in the growing cycle can make plants more susceptible to cold damage and disease. Fertilizer applied to dormant plants can actually do more harm than good because the plant cannot utilize the nutrients and the excess nutrients build up in the soil. The excess nutrients can also leach through the soil and contaminate groundwater.

Plants can tell you when and what type of fertilizer to use. The location of yellowing leaves can indicate a lack of several types of nutrients, iron deficiency will show in newer leaves while nitrogen and magnesium deficiency will show in older leaves first. Older leaves turning purple can be a sign of low phosphorus.

Other factors that affect fertilizer

Soil pH plays a big part in the availability of nutrient up take by plants. Most nutrients are available to plants with a soil pH range of 5.6-6.2. Some plants grow better in the lower range and other prefer the higher range. Petunia and calibrachoa are two types of annuals that prefer the lower range and will quickly show iron deficiency above 5.8 pH. Geraniums and marigolds prefer the higher range and show iron toxicity below 5.8 pH.

When to Plant Peach Trees in Alabama

When selecting a peach tree to grow in your garden, it is important to choose the variety that is best suited for your area and purpose. Peach trees are originally from China and can be temperamental with their blossoms. Some peach trees are more suitable for fresh eating, while others are better for canning and making preserves. There are hundreds of peach varieties, each one adapted to a particular region or purpose. Peach trees are best planted November until March in Alabama.

Choosing the Right Peach Tree

Don’t bother with a tree that does not grow well in our Alabama climate. If possible, buy peach trees that were grown locally instead of mail-ordering peach trees for your garden. If you purchase peach tress through the mail, they are likely to have trouble adjusting to the climate changes upon arrival. They may also not do well in our hot or humid climate.

You’ll want a peach tree that produces flavorful fruit with a pleasing texture and color. You will also need fruits large enough to be worth picking and processing. Peaches should not fall from the tree before you have a chance to pick them either. Sugar content will vary between peach varieties as well as harvesting time.

Select peach trees that have low susceptibility for peach leaf curl. The peach leaf curl pathogen will damage peach leaves and stunt peach tree growth. Peach leaf curl is a disease that is very common in most peach-producing regions of the world . It’s caused by a fungus. Some peach varieties are resistant or less susceptible for peach leaf curl, but all peach trees can become infected eventually if conditions are right.

Avoid peach trees that are susceptible to peach tree borer. The peach tree borer is an insect pest of peach trees that can kill the peach tree if left untreated.

Growing a Peach Tree

Plant peach trees in full sun for maximum peach tree growth. Peach trees require well-draining soil that is neither too acidic or alkaline, but they also do great in any type of soil as long as it drains well. Add decomposed organic peach tree mulch around peach tree roots to maintain moisture levels during dry seasons and to help your peach tree survive the summer heat. Look for water-stressed peach trees by observing drooping leaves or wilting branches.

Pruning peach trees correctly is important in order to get the best harvest from your tree. Pruning also helps maintain the shape of the tree and keeps it healthy. In general, prune peach trees in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out the tree to allow light and air to circulate. Cut back inward-growing branches and remove any suckers (branches that grow from the rootstock). If your peach tree is not producing fruit, you may need to do more drastic pruning, including removing the entire top of the tree.

When planting a peach tree, be sure to use a high-quality, balanced fertilizer. A 10-10-10 fertilizer is a good option and should be applied at planting and then again every six weeks. In addition, you can also apply a layer of compost around the base of the tree each year. This will help to keep the soil healthy and promote strong growth.

When to Plant Strawberries in Alabama

Before you start planting strawberry plants, it’s important to check their hardiness zone. Strawberries are a perennial plant that can be grown year round in zones 5-9. For zones 4 & 10, strawberries are considered an annual plant which means they must be replanted each year. Alabama is Zone 7 and is an excellent location to grow strawberries.

In this blog post, we’ll look at how to successfully plant and care for strawberries. We will also discuss diseases, pest and why it is important to protect your plants from frost.

What type of soil should I use when planting my strawberries?

It’s best to use a soil that drains well yet retains enough moisture to keep the roots from drying out. Here are a few tips for preparing your soil:

1. Loamy Soil: Aim for a sandy loam or a loam that has a mix of sand, silt, and clay. This type of soil structure ensures good drainage while also holding sufficient moisture.
2. pH Level: Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. You can test your soil’s pH and amend it with lime if it’s too acidic or sulfur if it’s too alkaline.
3. Organic Matter: Mix in plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve the soil structure, enhance nutrient content, and maintain moisture levels.
4. Well-Draining: If your soil is heavy and clayey, consider raising your beds or adding sand and organic matter to improve drainage.

Preparing your soil with these characteristics will help your strawberries grow healthy and produce well.

How to Plant Strawberry Plants?

Planting strawberry plants effectively can ensure a bountiful and healthy crop. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant strawberry plants:

• Choose the Right Time
  • Plant strawberries in early spring, or in the fall in Alabama.
• Select the Right Site
  • Choose a location that gets full sun for at least six to eight hours per day.
  • Ensure the site has good air circulation and well-drained soil.
• Planting Layout
  • Space plants about 8-16 inches apart in rows that are 1-2 feet apart. This spacing allows for easy maintenance and harvesting.
  • For container planting, ensure there is adequate space for roots to spread.
• Planting Technique
  • Dig holes deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending or crowding them.
  • Set each plant so the crown (where the leaves emerge) is level with the soil surface. Burying the crown can cause the plant to rot.
  • Spread the roots downward and outward in the hole, then backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots.

By following these steps, your strawberry plants should establish well and lead to a successful harvest.

When and how should I water my strawberries?

Water strawberries regularly, especially if they’re planted in spring or summer. During periods of heavy rain, you may need to stop watering every day, but after a few weeks it should be back to normal. Too much water can lessen the berry flavor and cause the berries to burst.

How do I protect my strawberry plants from frost?

Protecting strawberry plants from frost is crucial to maintaining the health and productivity of your crop. Here are effective strategies to safeguard your strawberries during cold snaps:

• Mulching
  • Apply a thick layer of straw or pine needles over your strawberry plants. This insulation helps maintain a more consistent soil temperature and protects the roots and crowns from freezing temperatures. Remove the mulch in the spring after the last frost.
• Floating Row Covers
  • Use floating row covers, a lightweight, breathable fabric, to cover your strawberry plants. These covers trap heat and prevent frost from settling directly on the plants. Be sure to secure the edges of the cover with rocks or soil to keep the wind from blowing it away.
• Cloches
  • For smaller patches or individual plants, cloches can be very effective. You can use commercial cloches or make your own from materials like plastic jugs or glass domes. Place them over the plants in the evening and remove them during the day if temperatures rise to avoid overheating.
• Cold Frames
  • Construct a cold frame around your strawberry bed. This can be as simple as a wooden frame with a clear old window on top or more complex designs. Cold frames provide a microclimate that can shield plants from harsh conditions.
• Remove Covers During the Day
  • If you use covers (fabric, plastic, or cloches), remember to remove or vent them during the day to allow heat to escape and prevent overheating your plants.

By implementing these protective measures, you can help ensure that your strawberry plants survive through frosty conditions and continue to thrive.

Recipes:

• Strawberry Crisp