Officially, summer is a couple of weeks away; however, now is the time to step up the watering of all the new plants you planted this spring. As your new plants grow and become larger, the amount of water and nutrients they need increases. Initially, to establish your newly planted annuals, perennials, roses, shrubs, and trees, you need only water the plants. Now that most of the plants have started to grow, it is time feed them to maximize their health and to help them “dig in” to survive the coming summer season.

One question that is continually asked here at Cottage Farms is “what type of fertilizer do I need to use”. To help you determine the best fertilizer for your situation, you need to know that every fertilizer has a three number analysis (for example, “20-20-20”) on the label. These three numbers show the percentage of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium in the fertilizer, listed in that order. These are called macronutrients because plants need larger quantities of these nutrients in their processes to grow and maintain health. Each macronutrient can impact the growth of a plant in different ways but most plants need some type of balance for overall health. Listed below is the breakdown of each macronutrient’s importance to plants.

• Nitrogen - responsible for green growth. Adding fertilizers high in nitrogen to your plants make them grow faster, providing they have an adequate root system to support the plant. Using high nitrogen fertilizers causes the leaves to become a darker green but using too much Nitrogen fertilizer can cause excessive growth that could result in too much top growth. Too much Nitrogen can result in weak plants or plants that do not want to flower because they are in a growth mode. It is always better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize.
• Phosphorous - responsible for root development and flowering. Most starter fertilizers have a larger percentage of Phosphorous than Nitrogen. Also, fertilizers sold to promote blooming or increased fruit production will contain a larger percentage of Phosphorous.
• Potassium - responsible for strong stems, fruit development and overall plant health. Studies have shown fertilizers high in potassium help lawn grass to better survive cold winters and plants in general to be more resistant to diseases. Potassium is also known to help plants produce more fruit. Most plants require far less Potassium than Nitrogen or Phosphorous for good plant health.

In addition to the macronutrients, plants require trace amounts of other minerals known as micronutrients. These micronutrients are essential to plant health but are needed in lesser quantities than the macronutrients. Some different types of micronutrients include boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, molybdenum, and zinc. In many situations, a micronutrient deficiency causes a plant to have discolored or malformed leaves. When choosing a fertilizer, be sure when you choose a complete fertilizer that contains macro and micronutrients. Fortunately, you do not have to look very far for complete fertilizers. Check out our Cottage Farms Direct’s Carefree Bud-N-Flower Fertilizers.

Cottage Farms Bud-N-Flower Booster Fertilizers

No Measuring! Easy to Use! All the Nutrients Needed in One Package!

You have no mess, no fuss, and no stained hands when you use Cottage Farms Direct’s Carefree Bud-N-Flower Booster family of fertilizers. Each pre-measured packet of makes one gallon of fertilizer. There is no measuring needed. Just pop the gelatin encapsulated packet into one-gallon of water (hint: a gallon milk jug is perfect). Instantly the fertilizer dissolves and is ready to apply. It is very safe and easy to use and it’s chlorine and sodium free. Each 50-count jar will make 50 gallons of fertilizer.

Each of our four fertilizers is formulated to provide the essential nutrients needed to encourage and sustain plant health and vigor. Our complete fertilizers contain micronutrients that most other brands do not include. Listed below are the four types of fertilizer we offer that satisfy the nutritional needs of most plants grown today.

Carefree Bud-N-Flower Booster for Acid Loving Plants
Acid loving plants like Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Blueberries grow best in acid soil. Cottage Farms Direct’s Bud-N-Flower Booster for Acid Loving Plants is a complete fertilizer that has been developed especially to help create and maintain acidic conditions. 21-7-7 formulation.

Carefree Bud-N-Flower Booster
This is the ideal all-around fertilizer suitable for all indoor and outdoor plants. Cottage Farms Direct’s Bud-N-Flower Booster is a complete all-purpose fertilizer that provides a balanced supply of essential nutrients including a 15-30-15 fertilizer analysis.

Carefree Bud-N-Flower Booster for Roses
Roses produce an abundance of large, showy flowers. To optimize the flower production, roses need to be fed on a regular basis with the proper balance of nutrients. Cottage Farms Direct’s Carefree Bud-N-Flower Booster for Roses is the complete source of the nutrients needed to make your roses and other flowering plants thrive. 18-24-18 analysis.

Carefree Bud-N-Flower Booster for Fruit and Vegetables
To get the most production and flavor from your homegrown fruits and vegetables, it is necessary to feed them on a regular basis with the proper balance of nutrients. Cottage Farms Direct’s Carefree Bud-N-Flower Booster for Fruits and Vegetables is a complete source of all the right nutrients. 15-10-30 formulation.

To insure that you do not fertilize too much, water your plants with clear water at least one time in between feedings. It also is recommended that you discontinue fertilizing outdoor plants by the first of September so your plants shut down properly for the winter and will not be damaged by late freezes.

Fertilizing your plants is an easy way to get the maximum enjoyment out of your investment. Healthier plants are less susceptible to insects and diseases plus they produce more flowers and more fruit. Now is the time to give your plants that extra energy to make your yard more beautiful!

Thought for the week!

~ Unknown ~