Fertilizing

Fertilizing during dormancy wastes nutrients and can damage roots. Plants only absorb nutrients when actively growing, and application timing varies by species and climate zone.

Most houseplants need fertilizer only during spring through early fall — the active growth period. Reduce to half-strength or stop entirely in winter when light levels drop and growth stalls.

Lawn fertilization follows soil temperature triggers. Cool-season grasses benefit most from fall feeding (soil 55–65°F). Warm-season grasses respond best to late spring applications (soil above 65°F).

A $10–20 soil test from your county extension office is the most cost-effective investment in plant health. It eliminates guessing and prevents over-application, which wastes money and can pollute waterways.

Key values to look for: pH (determines nutrient availability), phosphorus and potassium levels (rated low/medium/high), and organic matter percentage (target 3–5% for gardens).

If pH is below 6.0, most nutrients become less available regardless of fertilizer added. Correcting pH first with lime (to raise) or sulfur (to lower) often resolves deficiency symptoms more effectively than adding more fertilizer.