Fertilizing for Winter

As winter arrives, plants need to concentrate on root growth. They need fertilizers with higher concentrations of potassium and phosphorous.

  • Topics: Fertilizing, Winter Care
  • Author: David Salman
  • Keywords: fertilizers, fertilizing for winter
  • Date: November 2006

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As winter arrives, plants need to concentrate on root growth. They need fertilizers with higher concentrations of potassium and phosphorous.

On bags of fertilizer look for the NPK symbols

* N = nitrogen * P = phosphorus * K = potassium (usually listed as potash).

Beside these letters are numbers in various combinations such as 2-1-1 or 3-12-12. The numbers indicate the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the formula. Fall fertilizers list higher P K numbers. You don’t want a fertilizer high in nitrogen now.

What to Use?

We recommend Yum Yum Mix® ‘Winterizer,’ a special formula for trees, shrubs and perennials. Along with increased levels of phosphorous and potassium it has granular humate. Many soils thought to be poor actually have minerals and nutrients that are “locked up” and humates make them more readily available to plants. You can also add Soil Mender® Humate directly.

How to Apply?

Mix fertilizer into the soil when doing fall planting, use a trowel to loosen the soil then add the fertilizer or use it to top dress the soil around existing plants.

When to Apply?

Apply fall fertilizers while the weather is still warm during the day. Warm soil aids root growth. New plants need to get their root systems established before winter and mature plants need a healthy dose of nutrients. After applying fertilizer, add a layer of mulch for winter protection.