The Best Plant Food for Bloom Cycle

Annuals and Perennials

• A good all-around fertilizer for most plants is one that has a 1-2-1 nutrient ratio; in other words, one part nitrogen to two parts phosphorus to one part potassium (also called potash). Nitrogen promotes quick growth and healthy foliage. Phosphorus is good for fruit and flower development. Potassium helps the plant resist disease, cold and dry conditions. You can purchase a chemical or organic fertilizer, or you can make your own.

  A good homemade fertilizer for flowering plants includes all the nutrients above: 1 tbsp. Epsom salt, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. household ammonia. Mix these together and add to one gallon of water. This is useful for indoor and outdoor plants.

Roses

• Roses sometimes need a little extra care. They benefit from a slightly acidic soil. You may want to try this great recipe from DianeSeeds.com:

  2 tbsp. fish fertilizer (powdered fish)
  1 tsp. kelp extract (powdered seaweed)
  1 tbsp. Epsom salts
  2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  2 tbsp. molasses
  3 cups water
  You can mix this in a 1-quart container, then add to 2 gallons of water to pour at the base of your rose bushes once or twice during the growing and blooming season.

Bulbs

• Bulb plants, like tulips, irises and gladioli, have slightly different ratio requirements. Look for commercial foods that contain an even ratio of Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (5-5-5, 12-12-12 or 20-20-20).