Fertilizing Potted Plants In Summer: To Feed Or Not To Feed?

Fertilizing potted plants in hot weather is generally not recommended. Fertilizers are designed to increase the growth of plants, but during hot weather, this can cause more harm than good. Heat and drought stress can cause plants to become dormant, and fertilizer applied at this time can lead to fertilizer burn or nutrient overload. Fertilizers should be incorporated into the soil, but in hot weather, they may not be accessible to plants, especially in very dry soils.

Fertilizer burn and nutrient overload can damage potted plants in hot weather

Fertilizer burn and nutrient overload can indeed damage potted plants in hot weather. Fertilizers are essential for plant development, but their misuse may result in fertilizer burns and significant yield losses. The risk of plant damage is high when fertilization is performed on crops under heat stress.

Fertilizer burn is a common problem experienced by growers. It happens when a plant is fed too much fertilizer, when soluble fertilizers are applied too frequently, when the drainage of media is poor, or when plants are grown in dry conditions. This causes plant damage.

Plants are not equipped to handle excess nutrients and cannot discard them. Instead, the excess fertilizer draws moisture out of the plants, resulting in yellow or brown discoloration and root damage. The symptoms of fertilizer burn include yellowing, browning, and withering of leaves, as well as brown leaf margins and tips, leaf curling, and scorching. In lawns, you may see white, yellow, or brown streaks that follow the pattern of fertilizer application.

To prevent fertilizer burn, it is important to fertilize each plant according to its needs. Using a slow-release fertilizer can help reduce the chances of fertilizer burn by gradually releasing salts into the soil rather than all at once. Fertilizing with compost also eliminates the risk of fertilizer burn, as most plants thrive when fed with a layer of compost once or twice a year.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid applying fertilizers when plants are dormant or under heat and drought stress. Fertilizers should be incorporated into the soil, and the soil should be watered before and after applying fertilizer to prevent losses. Liquid fertilizer is a good option for plants showing nutrient stress.

Avoid fertilizing plants under heat and drought stress

Fertilizing potted plants in hot weather can be harmful. If a lawn, ornamental plants, or fruits and vegetables are drought and/or heat stressed, fertilizing can do more harm than good. When the temperature soars, plants may lose their comfort zone and develop heat stress, which can cause leaves to wilt, curl, or burn.

Heat stress can also cause excess salts to accumulate around the roots of the plants, which can damage them and restrict the flow of water upwards. Salt can also affect plant tissues, causing dieback or brown edges on leaves. Therefore, it is best to avoid fertilizing plants under heat and drought stress.

Instead, focus on providing the plants with adequate water and shade to help them cope with the heat. Water the plants in the early morning or early evening to get the most moisture to the roots and reduce water loss through evaporation. You can also erect a shade cloth to provide some afternoon shade if natural shade is unavailable.

If the plant is showing signs of low fertility, such as paler colors than usual, you can apply a light application of fertilizer. However, make sure to water the plants before and after fertilizing. If using granular fertilizer, ensure that it does not touch the leaves.

Water plants before and after fertilizing

Fertilizing potted plants in hot weather can be a tricky business. It is generally recommended to avoid fertilizing plants when they are dormant or under heat and drought stress. Fertilizers should be incorporated into the soil to prevent losses, and if this cannot be done, it is best to opt for a water-soluble fertilizer.

Before applying fertilizer, water the soil, allowing it to soak into the ground. This is especially important if you are using a granular fertilizer, as it needs to be watered into the soil to take effect. Watering the soil before and after fertilizing is crucial because fertilizers are not accessible to plants in very dry soils.

After fertilizing, water the plants again immediately. This is an important step to activate the fertilizer and help the plants start feeding on the nutrients. If using granular fertilizer, be careful not to let it touch the leaves, and avoid washing it onto hard surfaces like sidewalks and driveways.

Liquid fertilizer is a good option if your plant is showing signs of nutrient stress and needs an immediate boost. It does not always require additional watering, but it is important to resume your normal watering schedule within 24 hours.

The timing of watering after fertilizing is not critical, and you can water your plants at any time of day. However, it is recommended to water your plants in early morning or early evening to get the most moisture to the roots and reduce water loss through evaporation.

Liquid fertilizer is a good option for plants showing nutrient stress

Fertilizing potted plants in hot weather can be tricky, and it is generally not recommended. Fertilizers are designed to increase the growth of plants, but this also means an increase in water and nutrient needs. During hot weather, it is already difficult to keep up with the water and nutrient requirements of plants, as soils dry out quickly and water may not be readily available. Therefore, it is best to avoid fertilizing plants when they are under heat and drought stress.

However, if a plant is showing signs of nutrient stress, liquid fertilizer can be a good option. Liquid fertilizers can provide nutrients to the plant immediately. When using liquid fertilizer, it is important to first water the soil, allowing it to soak into the ground, and then water again immediately after applying the fertilizer. This is because fertilizers are not accessible to plants in very dry soils, and you want to ensure the plant can absorb the nutrients. Additionally, if using a granular fertilizer, ensure it does not touch the leaves and avoid washing it onto hard surfaces.

It is also important to note that overfertilization can cause excess salts to build up near the roots of the plant, which can be damaging. Symptoms of overfertilization include wilting and slow growth, brown needle tips in conifers, and a brown or white crust at the top of the soil or on the sides of a container plant. If you notice these symptoms, try flushing the container with lots of water to rinse out the salts.

To determine if your plant is experiencing heat and drought stress or nutrient stress, you can perform a soil test. A soil test will help you understand the health of your soil and identify any nutrient deficiencies.

Slow-release fertilizers are effective for potted plants

Slow-release fertilizers are a great option for potted plants. They are designed to dissolve with watering and gradually release nutrients in small doses over time. This means that your potted plants will receive a consistent supply of nutrients without you having to fertilize them frequently. This results in labour savings and more stable nutrition for your plants.

Slow-release fertilizers are available in different formulas and application forms, such as granules, tablets, and spikes. They can be applied to the top inch of the soil or incorporated into the backfill soil. Some slow-release fertilizers can provide nutrients for several months or even years, making them an economical and convenient choice.

• Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus: Available in 1 lb, 2 lbs, and 8 lbs options, this granular fertilizer provides 11 essential nutrients.
• Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed All Purpose Plant Food: This 4.5 lbs bag covers up to 180 sq. ft. and is easy to apply by shaking onto the plant's soil.
• Scotts All Purpose Flower & Vegetable Continuous Release Plant Food: This 3 lb bag is a great option for those looking for a continuous release fertilizer for their flowers and vegetables.
• Proven Winners Continuous Release Fertilizer: This 2.5 lb bag is perfect for those seeking a continuous release fertilizer without the hassle of large quantities.
• Jobe's Slow Release Tree and Shrub Fertilizer Spikes: These convenient spikes provide nutrients for a variety of trees and shrubs, including oak, maple, and dogwood.

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