Patio planters, window boxes and balcony pots – We love ‘em! However by the time that the season rolls into July, they tend to run out of gas. Fill up their nutrient tank with a well-balanced readily soluble fertilizer. When shopping for a product, look for one with an analysis in a ratio of 1-1-1. Typical products would be 21-19-18 or 20-20-20.
Before you nourish the plants, water them. Return an hour later to fertilize. Applying fertilizer to a moist soil will prevent leaf burn, which commonly results from fertilizing plants growing in dry soils. Use the amount of product indicated on the directions.
With patio plants, it’s important to avoid excessive fertilization. The cook’s temptation to add “just a pinch more” is not helpful with plants. The usual result of overfertilization is lots of leaf growth, not more flowers, and sometimes burnt roots or stems. If you want to tend to your plants more frequently, that’s fine, just reduce the amount that you add. Many gardeners prefer this approach, just like pet owners and parents. As humans, we care for plants, pets and people. Actually, this is a good technique, in that more attention is given to them, and you will be more likely to observe insects or diseases that may be damaging.
An alternative to readily soluble products are the slow-release fertilizers, either as stand-alone products or potting soils with nutrients “built-in”. Slow-release products have pros and cons. On the plus side, they provide nutrients as plants begin growth and into maturity, which is great for homeowners who prefer to tend to other chores instead of fertilizing plants. On the other hand, they can lull the plant owner into a false sense of security that all their needs are taken care of, when they really aren’t.
Regardless of which fertilization option you choose, take the time in mid-summer to groom them as well. Using a lightweight hand pruners, snip away any faded blossoms, wayward stems and scraggly or lopsided growth. As well, consider sunlight adjustment, moving the pot into more or less, especially if the stems are stretchy signifying too little or scorched indicating too much light.
