# feed

Fertilizing is often the most confusing aspect of beginner gardening. There can be a lot of complexities if you want to go down that rabbit hole, but you can't really go wrong with a few simple guidelines. When in doubt, it's always safer to under feed.

• feed according to growth
  • plants usually grow more in the spring and summer months, thus requiring more feeding. However, grow lights and some indoor conditions make that less a hard and fast rule. Take notice of when plants are in periods of growth and feed appropriately. Don't over feed when plants are dormant.
• feed when soil is moist
  • plants may take up more nutrients than needed when rehydrating from dry soil.
• don't feed when plant is adjusting to new conditions
  • The stress of adjusting to new conditions is enough without force feeding
• don't feed when plant is recently repotted.
  • potting soil usually comes preloaded with feed.
• use half
  • houseplants usually do well with half the recommended amount.

# fertilizer analysis (the three numbers)

fertilizers will usually have a three number listing such as 10-10-10 and labeled "fertilizer analysis". These numbers stand for nitrogen - phosphorous - potassium. The numbers indicate percentage, and indicates not only the blend but also the concentration. Most houseplants can use a balanced fertilizer where the three numbers are roughly the same.

# nitrogen

nitrogen support new stems and leaves. Young and foliage plants benefit from more nitrogen. key to producing chlorophyll.

lack of nitrogen is the most common deficiency; causes stunted plant growth and yellowing of leaves.

too much nitrogen will produce overly abundant new growth susceptible to pests.

# phosphorous

phosphorous is responsible for promoting sturdy cell structure, root growth, and fruit and flower production. important for flowering plants. Flowering plant fertilizers usually have twice the amount of phosphorous than nitrogen.

some flowering plants will not bloom without enough phosphorous.

# potassium

potassium is important for photosynthesis and water and nutrient management. It also makes plants more resilient to pests. potassium improves roots and circulation.

# micronutrients

nutrients such as copper, calcium, iron, and magnesium are usually present in fresh potting soil.

magnesium and calcium is important for chlorophyll and cell growth. insufficiency can lead to deformed growth and yellow dotting of new growth.

sulfur acts with nitrogen to aid in new cells and brings out plant aroma.

Iron and zinc contributes to cell reproduction. insufficiency can lead to yellow dotting and chlorosis in citrus plants.

# feed schedule

not all plants have the same feed needs, especially if they are in different growth stages. Fertilizer from stores will usually have suggested feeding schedules on them. Under fertilizing is always better than over fertilizing. Take a look at the fertilizer analysis numbers and compare them against our plant needs to find a happy medium.

# fertilizer burn

if the soil around the plant receives too much food, the plant will exhibit signs of burn. Whole leaves will start browning and curling. Flushing and leeching, especially in indoor plants, can be a helpful preventative measure against excess feed.