Q: Should I fertilize something I'm going to eat?A: Yes, it's safe to fertilize your vegetables – you won't be harmed at all. Vegetables really do benefit from a regular fertilization program. If you have any doubts at all, read the label -- if there are any concerns that you need to know about, they will be addressed on the packaging.
Q: Do different vegetables require different fertilizers?
A: Absolutely. Although almost all vegetables benefit from an occasional application of an all-purpose fertilizer like 10-10-10, vegetables are broken down into light, medium and heavy feeders. The numbers on the packages actually do mean something: think of it as "up, down and all around." In other words, the first number refers to top growth; the second number, to roots, fruit and flowers; and the third number, to the overall health of the plant.
Q:: Do I fertilize right when I plant, or later on?
A: This depends on what you're planting and how fertile your soil was to begin with.
Light feeders like pole beans may need no supplemental feedings, while heavy feeders like the bell pepper may need several applications during the growing season. If the soil is healthy and well amended, there may be no supplemental fertilization needed. Contact your local extension service to get a soil test kit. Send a soil sample back to the service in the bag provided, telling them what you will be planting, and they will send you back a soil report.
Q: If I buy soil with fertilizer mixed in, do I ever need to fertilize again?
A: This depends on a few things:
- What you're planting
- What's in the soil in regard to fertilizer
- Where you're using the soil (container or bed).
Q: Will fertilized veggies get bigger than unfertilized ones?
A: There's not a definitive answer to that because it depends a lot on how heavy a feeder the crop is as well as how healthy the soil was to begin with. Logically, the reason why they often do get bigger with supplemental fertilizer is that the plants are often healthier, and they are getting fed vitamins while they're growing. This shows up in a larger, better-looking fruit.
Not only is fertilizing your homegrown veggies safe, but it's also the easiest way to a larger, healthier crop!
