How Often to Fertilize Plants in Pots

If you’re growing plants in pots, you need to give them the right nutrients to thrive. Fertilizing is an essential part of growing healthy plants in containers. However, like any gardening task, over- or under-fertilizing can cause harm to your plants. Knowing how often to fertilize plants in pots can be tricky, but the following tips should help you get it right.

Determine the Type of Fertilizer to Use

The type of fertilizer you use on your potted plants will affect how often you fertilize. Granular fertilizers slowly release nutrients to your plants, which means you’ll need to fertilize less often. Water-soluble fertilizers feed your plants quickly, so you’ll need to fertilize more frequently.

Before you begin fertilizing, read the label on your fertilizer to find out how often it should be applied. Most fertilizers will give you a schedule for how often to fertilize based on the specific type of plant or crop you’re growing, so follow these guidelines as closely as possible.

Consider the Plant’s Growth Stage

The stage of growth of your plants will also determine how often you should fertilize them. Seedlings, for example, need only a small amount of fertilizer, and they’re particularly sensitive to over-fertilization. Once your plants start to grow, you can increase the amount of fertilizer you use, but avoid fertilizing before your plant has established its roots.

As your plants grow, they will need more nutrients to continue to thrive. Pay attention to the foliage on your plants. If the leaves are pale or yellowing, they may need more nutrients. If you notice slower growth, it could be a sign they need a different type of fertilizer or more frequent fertilization.

Consider the Type of Plant

Some plants will require more frequent fertilization than others. For example, herbs can often grow well with less frequent application of fertilizer, while vegetables and flowers will need more frequent feeding. Plants that produce fruits, such as tomatoes or strawberries, will need more nutrition than those that only produce foliage.

You should also consider whether the plant is a heavy feeder, meaning it requires more nutrients than other plants. Potted fruit trees, in particular, are known to be heavy feeders and may require more frequent fertilization.

Be Careful Not to Over-Fertilize

Over-fertilizing your potted plants can do more harm than good. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots, low the plant’s growth, and even kill the plant. If you notice leaves turning brown, wilting, or showing signs of yellowing, it may be a sign of over-fertilization.

If you think you’ve over-fertilized your plants, flush the soil by watering your plant 2 to 3 times with plain water to help reduce the amount of buildup. Additionally, avoid fertilizing plants during the hottest part of the day or when the soil is dry, as this makes nutrients more concentrated and can result in over-fertilization.

Conclusion

Fertilizing potted plants requires a bit of trial and error to get it right. The frequency of fertilizing depends on the type of plant, the type of fertilizer, and the stage of growth. Pay attention to your plants, keep an eye out for signs that they need more nutrients, and follow the guidelines on your fertilizer’s label. Avoid over-Fertilizing and give your plants the love they need to grow strong and healthy.