Plant Fertilization

🌱 What Does Fertilization Do for Plants?

Fertilization provides plants with essential nutrients they need to grow strong, healthy, and productive. While soil can supply some nutrients, over time it becomes depleted—especially in pots or heavily used garden beds.

The "Big Three" Nutrients in Most Fertilizers:

N (Nitrogen) – Helps plants grow lush green leaves and stems. Especially important for leafy vegetables and herbs.
P (Phosphorus) – Supports strong root development, flowering, and fruiting.
K (Potassium) – Boosts overall plant health and resistance to disease and stress.

There are also micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, etc., which play smaller but still important roles.

Below is a chart that offers some general guidelines to fertilization for different types of plants. It might not be exact or precise to your plants, so adjust accordingly.

Plant Type	Growing Season Frequency	Off Season Frequency	Nutrient Focus	Notes/Tips
Houseplants	Every 2–4 weeks	Once a month or pause	Balanced (10-10-10)	Water first, then fertilize; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.
Leafy Greens	Weekly	Stop after harvest	High Nitrogen (N)	Compost tea or fish emulsion works great; avoid overfeeding.
Fruiting Veggies	Every 10–14 days	N/A	P-K Rich	Use tomato fertilizer or compost tea; support fruit with potassium (K).
Herbs (indoors)	Every 2–3 weeks	Once a month	Mild Balanced	Too much fertilizer reduces flavor; dilute more than usual.
Flowering Plants	Every 2 weeks	Pause after bloom	High Phosphorus (P)	Use bloom booster or banana peel compost tea for flowers.
Succulents & Cacti	Every 4–6 weeks (spring)	None in winter	Low Nitrogen	Use half-strength cactus fertilizer; overfeeding = leggy growth.
Perennials	1–2 times per year	None	Balanced or K-heavy	Early spring and midsummer; mulch after for slow nutrient release.
Shrubs & Trees	Once in early spring	None	Depends on type	Use slow-release pellets; don't fertilize in fall—encourages new growth.