How Not to Overuse Fertilizer

Soil Testing

• The best way to determine the type and amount of fertilizer to apply, and avoid overusing it, is to obtain a soil test. Cooperative extension offices nationwide offer free or low-cost testing. Their websites typically explain how to gather soil samples or the public is invited to call their offices for instructions. Soils change over time, so an annual soil test is a good idea. A typical soil analysis involves sampling the soil to an 8-inch depth in flower and other garden beds, and up to 3 inches deep in lawn areas.

Equipment

• Using the proper equipment when you fertilize helps apply the right amount and avoid over-fertilizing. Drop spreaders and rotary spreaders that are calibrated to deliver the appropriate amount of fertilizer are ideal for spreading fertilizer evenly over lawns and around large trees. A hose-end or tank sprayer works for liquid fertilizer. Use a garden fork or pitchfork to mix the fertilizer into the soil evenly when preparing a bed for planting.

Label Recommendations

• Fertilizer rates are one of those things in life where more isn’t really better. Most fertilizer labels go into great detail on how much fertilizer to apply in different gardening situations. Some refer to the size of the planting area while others address the plant’s age or size, such as with trees. You’ll also find details on how often to apply the fertilizer. Applying more often than recommended leads to a dangerous buildup of fertilizer in the soil that may harm your plants. Avoid purchasing fertilizer products without instructions.

Application Techniques

• Fertilizer application techniques depend a great deal on what type of plants you’re fertilizing. To apply an even layer of fertilizer on a lawn, create two headers by spreading a strip of fertilizer across the top and bottom of the lawn. Then apply half the fertilizer in strips from header to header and the other half in strips running the same direction of the headers. As you apply, turn the spreader off when you get to the header and make your turn, then turn it back on to begin applying the next strip. Vegetable gardeners, to avoid burning tender roots, frequently side-dress the fertilizer. This involves creating a shallow trench alongside the row of vegetables, sprinkling the fertilizer down the length of the trench and then filling it with soil. Always apply fertilizer on a windless day and avoid doing it during the hottest part of the day. Unless you are applying foliar fertilizer, use the hose to wash any fertilizer off the plant’s foliage and water well both before and after the application.