13. Feed Plants Appropriately
Proper nutrition is essential for healthy, vigorous plants. Organic fertilizers, like compost, worm castings, and bone meal, feed the soil and promote long-term fertility. Synthetic fertilizers provide quick nutrients but can lead to salt buildup if overused. Always read package labels to ensure the fertilizer’s nutrient ratio (N-P-K: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) matches your plants’ needs at different growth stages.
Leafy greens, for instance, need more nitrogen, while flowering and fruiting plants benefit from higher phosphorus and potassium. Over-fertilizing can harm plants and the environment, so follow recommended rates and schedules. For an authoritative guide to choosing and using fertilizers, visit University of Minnesota Extension’s fertilizer guide.