Summer is approaching! That means it’s time to breathe life back into our gardens! As someone with years of gardening experience, I can tell you that the right fertilizer can make all the difference in promoting robust growth and vibrant blooms. After a long winter, your plants need a nutritional boost to thrive again. Let’s dive into the best fertilizers for spring and summer to help your garden shine!

Why Fertilize?

Plants are coming out of their winter slumber, and they need a little boost to kickstart their growth. Fertilizing isn’t just about making your plants grow; it’s about giving them the right nutrients at the right time. In spring, your plants are like teenagers hitting a growth spurt – they need all the nutrition they can get. By summer, the focus shifts to maintaining vigor and encouraging flowers and fruits. This is especially crucial if you’re growing heavy feeders like tomatoes or peppers.

Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources and can improve soil health over seasons. Here are some of my favorite ones:

Compost: Homemade or store-bought, compost is rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes. It’s like a multivitamin for plants! Mix it into your soil or use it as a top dressing.

Fish Emulsion: This liquid fertilizer is packed with nitrogen, making it the perfect boost for leafy greens. Just add a diluted tablespoon per gallon of water, and you’re good to go!

Bone Meal: High in phosphorus, bone meal encourages root growth and flowering. It’s ideal for bulbs and flowering plants.

Synthetic Fertilizers

While gardening purists may shy away from them, synthetic fertilizers can be a quick and convenient option to give your plants a nutrient boost.

10-10-10 All-Purpose Fertilizer: This balanced formula is ideal for a variety of plants. It offers equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support overall growth.

Slow Release Fertilizer: These are fantastic for busy gardeners. Just sprinkle them around your plants, and they’ll release nutrients gradually over time, ensuring your plants have a steady supply.

Fertilizers for Summer Growth

As we transition into summer, the focus shifts to maintaining vigorous growth and promoting fruiting and flowering. Summer can be tough on plants with increased heat and potential droughts. Full of micronutrients and growth hormones, seaweed extract is a great option to help your plants cope with heat stress and optimize overall growth. It’s great for both foliage and fruit development.

Similar to seaweed extract, kelp meal is another solid option to provide essential nutrients and help improve soil structure. It’s especially beneficial for root crops and can be mixed into the soil or used as a top dressing. 

Another common issue in the summer is magnesium deficiency, especially in tomatoes. A sprinkle of Epsom salt can help. It’s like adding mineral water to your plants’ diet to keep it balanced.

Synthetic Options

High-Phosphorus Fertilizers: If you’re growing flowering plants or fruiting vegetables (like tomatoes), opt for a fertilizer higher in phosphorus, such as a 5-10-5 mix. This will encourage more blooms and fruits.

Liquid Fertilizer Boosts: As the summer heat kicks in, liquid fertilizers can provide the necessary nutrients for growth. A balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied every few weeks to keep plants nourished.

Tips for Both Seasons

Start fertilizing in spring as soon as you see new growth, typically from late March to early April. For summer, consider a mid-season boost around June when plants start to bear fruit.

Sprinkle your chosen fertilizer around the base of your plants and then water it in. Known as top dressing, this method is great for slow-release fertilizers. You can also mix liquid fertilizers with water and apply them directly to the soil or leaves. This is an excellent way to give your plants a quick boost.

Special Considerations

Before you start fertilizing, consider testing your soil first. This will help you understand what nutrients your garden may be lacking and prevent over-fertilization. Different plants have different nutritional needs. For example, leafy greens thrive on nitrogen-rich fertilizers, while flowering plants benefit from those higher in phosphorus.

Final Thoughts 

Feeding your garden sufficiently in spring and summer sets the stage for a bountiful growing season. Whether you opt for organic or synthetic fertilizers, the key is to give your plants the nutrients they need to flourish. Gardening is a journey. With care and attention, you’ll be rewarded with a productive, thriving garden.