Using Liquid Fertilizers

Using liquid fertilization in your garden.

  • Topic: Fertilizing
  • Author: Mary Ann Walz
  • Keywords: fertilizer, fertilization, liquid, Fertilizing
  • Date: June 2004

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Fertilizers come in both dry and liquid forms. Liquid fertilizers have an advantage over the dry because they are easy to apply and, if the dilution instructions on the label are followed, they will not burn plants. Because it’s liquid the nutrients are more readily available to plant roots. Many liquid plant foods also help the uptake of other dry granular products that may have been added, because these need moisture to release nutrients.

Where ever possible use organic formulations like Earth Juice ‘Grow’ or fish/kelp emulsions. Organic fertilizers build healthy soil which in turn releases nutrients to the plants. Chemically derived formulations by-pass the soil and provide nutrients directly for root uptake. However, long term use of chemical fertilizers will degrade soil structure, deplete the soil’s humus content and increase plant susceptibility to injurious insects and disease.

Mixing

All liquid fertilizers have instructions for mixing with a specified amount of water. In the case of fertilizer, more is not better. Too much fertilizer can burn plants or cause excessive growth. Follow directions exactly or use slightly less fertilizer than called for.

Applying

  • To new plants: Liquid fertilizers can be applied to the root area of plants or it can be used as a foliar spray to feed the leaves. There are several ways to apply liquid fertilizer. When putting out new plants, it’s usually easiest to mix the fertilizer and water in a watering can and apply directly to the new plants. Make a small basin around the plant and water in the root area. Reapply liquid fertilizer at the intervals recommended on the label.
  • To large areas: This is easily accomplished with a hose end sprayer. Using the label instructions, place the appropriate amount of liquid fertilizer in the container, attach the hose, and spray the planted area. This is also the easiest way to fertilize a lawn.

    A variation on this method is the Syphonject applicator, a tool that’s attached between the hose bib and the hose. It has a small black tube that is then dropped into a bucket containing concentrated liquid fertilizer. The proper mixture is achieved when turning on the water.
  • As foliar spray: When using liquid fertilizers as foliar sprays, many horticulturists use the fertilizer at half strength, but apply it more frequently.