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Fertilize or not??
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Posted by pump_toad z4 iowa (My Page) on Sat, May 27, 06 at 16:11
| Am wondering if other Iowan's fertilize their established perennial gardens or if they don't.My soil is a rather rich black dirt and the only flowers blooming now are a peony and iris.I didn't fertilize this spring.I would appreciate opinions. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Fertilize or not??
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| I use a mix of half store bought composted manure (40 Lb Bags) and my own home made compost. I top-dress all my beds with it in early April. Before I plant, move or divide anything I use my "Garden Claw" to work the mix into the top inch or two of soil. I often give some of my annuals, like impatiens, a lite shot of liquid plant food mixed in a watering can once a month...but that's the only fert I use. I'm making compost tea this year, and will probably use that on the perennials during the summer as a drench not as a foliar spray. Pete in IF |
RE: Fertilize or not??
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I don't generally fertilize except to add compost when planting, and with annuals, I give them a shot of liquid plant food when planting, but that's about it.
If a particular plant isn't keeping up with its siblings, I try replanting, widening the hole, and then fertilizing, and that seems to help sometimes. |
RE: Fertilize or not??
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- Posted by jspece Josh - z4 IA (My Page) on
Sun, May 28, 06 at 17:47
| I keep my beds mulched...that takes care of most fertility needs. |
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