- Initial fertilization prevents deficiency symptoms - this is how it works
- Mulching prevents nutrient deficiencies - this is how it works
Natural home gardeners exclude complete chemical fertilizers from the care program for barberries. If there are signs of deficiency, ecological fertilizers are available. Read here how to organically fertilize your barberries in beds and tubs.
The barberry should already be fertilized when it is planted
Initial fertilization prevents deficiency symptoms - this is how it works
A fully grown, well-rooted barberry has a natural vigour, which can be grown in normal garden soil without additional nutrients. In the first 5 years and in the tub, you can stimulate growth with a start fertilizing in spring. The concentrated nitrogen load of mineral fertilizers is counterproductive. How to fertilize Berberis species in harmony with nature:
- In the bed: in March/April, work in 3 liters of compost and 100 grams of horn shavings (€32.93) per square meter
- In the tub: apply an organic long-term fertilizer in the form of granules or sticks in April
- Important: water before and after fertilizing with clear water
Do you prefer a liquid nutrient supply? Then shower the bed soil with nettle manure every 4 weeks. Potted plants receive an organic liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks from March to September, which you add to the irrigation water.
Mulching prevents nutrient deficiencies - this is how it works
Organic mulch (€239.00) on the root disc means there is no need for an additional supply of nutrients. The following materials are excellent for this purpose because they keep the soil naturally moist and, as they decompose, provide nutrients to the barberry:
- Semi-mature compost from our own production or from specialist retailers
- The leaves of nettle, comfrey or tansy plants
- Bark mulch (no wood chips)
- Dried grass clippings
Bark mulch scores with the special advantage of natural weed suppression. The mulch layer can often be found under barberry hedges and on the root discs of solitary shrubs. In application, it must not be overlooked that bark mulch initially withdraws nutrients from the soil. Sprinkle the soil with horn shavings (€32.93) and compost before spreading the pieces of bark.
tips
When evergreen barberries suffer from leaf damage, it's usually not a matter of nutrient deficiencies. In full sun, blazing sunshine can damage the glossy green foliage. You avoid the problem if you choose a sunny to partially shaded location.