Nutrients ensure that your hedge grows healthily. The timing of fertilization and the choice of the right fertilizer are decisive for plant health.
Compost is an excellent fertilizer for hedges
Hedges need nutrients
Hedges form far-reaching roots in order to draw as many nutrients as possible from the soil. A fertilizer application supports the growth of young plants. A delicate touch is required when fertilizing, because too many nutrients damage the plants. There is a high risk with mineral fertilizers. The salts it contains draw moisture from the roots, causing the plants to dry out and die.
These nutrients are important
The shrubs need carbon dioxide to develop glucose during photosynthesis. Nitrogen is important in the formation of proteins. Plants use this nutrient to form chlorophyll. Phosphorus is essential for healthy plant growth. As a structural element, it ensures energy transfer together with other substances.
Potassium protects the organism from external influences. It makes the plant resilient and reduces diseases. In addition to these nutrients, the roots need oxygen and a number of trace elements. With the water, the nutrients are transported in the meridians of the plants and brought to the respective places.
time for fertilization
Fertilize your hedges during the growing season between March and August when the plant needs nutrients to grow. The ideal time is when the plants sprout. You should avoid fertilizing in autumn. The late availability of nutrients causes the hedge to sprout again. The wood does not fully mature. It remains soft and is therefore susceptible to frost.
Organic Fertilizers
Compost, horn meal or horn shavings (32.93€) and organic complete fertilizers from the trade are suitable as organic fertilizers. Compost improves the soil because it has a positive effect on the air and water balance and on its structure. Not every plant tolerates compost fertilization, as this slightly raises the pH value of the soil. Rhododendrons should not be fertilized with compost.
Horn meal and horn shavings are of animal origin. Horn meal is finer than horn shavings and takes effect more quickly. This fertilization mainly supplies the hedges with nitrogen and phosphate. Since the products only decompose slowly in the soil, a long-term supply of nutrients is guaranteed. Fertilize your hedges in autumn so that the substances can dissolve in the soil.
Organic compound fertilizers have these advantages:
- long-term and lasting effect
- tailored to individual needs of different species
- ideal combination of organic substances
mineral fertilizers
Blue grain is a mineral fertilizer rich in nitrate, phosphate and potassium. While original formulations were not very environmentally friendly, new formulations are characterized by lower environmental impact. Magnesium sulfate is also known as Epsom salt. It is suitable as a root fertilizer and also as a foliar fertilizer in the event of deficiency symptoms on the leaves. Potassium fertilizers are mainly used for ornamental trees. Evergreen plants benefit from potash fertilization before winter, which acts as a natural frost protection.