How to Give Nitrogen to Plants

Bagged Fertilizer

• 1

  Spread the fertilizer evenly around the plants. Dumping it all in one place can damage the roots. Do not allow the fertilizer to come into direct contact with the foliage.

• 2

  Scratch the fertilizer into the soil with a shovel or hoe. Be careful not to damage the plants' roots as you work.

• 3

  Water lightly, applying only a quarter- to a half-inch of water to prevent runoff.

Compost and Manure

• 4

  Apply a few handfuls of compost or aged manure around the plants. Both compost and manure are rich in nitrogen, but the amount varies.

• 5

  Take care not to allow manure to come into direct contact with the plants. Direct contact can burn the foliage.

• 6

  Water lightly.

Manure Tea

• 7

  Place aged manure in the center of a piece of cheesecloth.

• 8

  Pull up the sides of the cheesecloth, and tie a knot to enclose the manure.

• 9

  Suspend the bag in a large bucket or barrel of water, and leave it overnight.

• 10

  Remove the bag, and dilute the liquid to the consistency of pale tea.

• 11

  Use the diluted liquid to drench the soil around the plants.