Last year's crop yields weren't as desirable? So quickly distribute plenty of fertilizer on the beds in the spring, then this time it will be fine. This is a fallacy, because garden soils are very different and require fertilizers that are optimized for the soil culture and the substrate.

Which fertilizer is appropriate when depends on the soil

Fertilize tailored to the soil

Before you fertilize in the spring, you should take a close look at the soil in the vegetable patch:

  • Clay soils are nutrient-rich and require slightly less fertilizer.
  • Limestone soils tend to be poor in nutrients and need to be well enriched.
  • Sandy soils not only store little water, nutrients are also washed out. They must be improved in the spring with loamy soil and fertilizers.

What nutrients do plants need?

Plants are not as demanding as you might think. They get by with three main nutrients:

nutrient description
potassium Ensures resilience and stability. It strengthens the plant tissue and is responsible for many metabolic processes.
nitrogen Plants build their proteins from this. Nitrogen is very important for healthy plant growth.
phosphorus This is crucial for flowering and fruiting. It also helps to regulate the energy balance.

In addition, vegetable plants need trace elements such as iron, magnesium or sulfur.

Fertilize the vegetable patch organically

Fertilizers made from grown or animal material, which are incorporated or poured into the soil, are ideal for this. They feed bacteria and fungi, which release valuable substances for the plants when they decompose organic material.

Organic fertilizers include:

  • Compost: It contains many nutrients and trace elements. Apply no more than three liters per square meter, otherwise there is a risk of over-fertilization.
  • Horn shavings (32.93€) and horn meal: Universal, organic fertilizer. Primarily supplies nitrogen.
  • Green Manure and Mulch: Soil organisms convert green manure and mulch (€239.00) in the vegetable patch into nutrients available to the vegetable plants.
  • Slurry: Provides a lot of nitrogen. Are very well suited to optimally supply heavy consumers.
  • Ready-to-use fertiliser: Different fertilizer mixtures cover the special needs of certain plants.

mineral fertilizers

These are available as single or combination fertilizers. These are mostly salts that release the nutrients when dissolved in water. However, the soils become impoverished when these fertilizers are applied alone.

How much is fertilized in spring?

Fertilize moderately and in accordance with the soil in your vegetable garden. Over-fertilization should be avoided at all costs, as this inhibits the growth of the plants.

Work the fertilizer well into the soil with a rake or hoe. Then water. Wait a few days before planting young plants.

tips

In order to be able to optimally supply the vegetable garden with nutrients, a soil analysis is worthwhile. Many soils are oversupplied and no longer need certain nutrients. This can be clearly determined by an analysis and you can adjust the fertilizer doses perfectly to the needs of the vegetable plants.

Category:

Vegetable garden