Hedges only thrive when the soil conditions meet the requirements of the shrubs and they are sufficiently supplied with nutrients. If a lack of nutrients is shown by discolored leaves or stunted growth, you can successfully counteract this with fast-acting blue corn.
Blaukorn is an artificial fertilizer with a short-term effect
What is blue grain?
Blaukorn is a so-called artificial fertilizer (complete fertilizer) made from inorganic salts. The small blue balls that gave the preparation its name contain the main nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The effect of the complex fertilizer unfolds very quickly and growth is effectively supported.
Please note that the various Blaukorn products have different compositions. Chloride is occasionally found in this fertilizer, to which some plants may be sensitive.
When and how may this fertilizer be administered?
The months of March and June are recommended for fertilizing with blue grain when planting hedges, since the two main growth phases of hedges fall in this period.
Apply blue grain
On a rainy day, sprinkle the granules on the ground around the bushes in the amount indicated on the package. When doing this, make sure that no granules are left on the leaves of the shrubs, as this can cause burns.
Water thoroughly to allow the nutrients to penetrate the soil.
improve soil in the long term
In order to be able to keep the use of artificial fertilizers as low as possible, it is advisable to also regularly administer organic fertilizers. These consist of animal or vegetable waste materials that are broken down by soil organisms. They increase humus formation and have a positive effect on soil fertility.
Over-fertilization, as can occur with blue grain, is almost impossible with these preparations. However, the nutrients of the hedge are only available after some time.
Since a certain soil temperature and moisture is required for the implementation of mineral fertilizers, it is advisable to mulch hedges.
Suitable materials are:
- lawn clippings,
- Leaves,
- Straw,
- all garden waste.
However, you may only use plant parts that are free of diseases and pests.
tips
Even if there are signs of deficiency, you should avoid fertilizing the hedge with blue grain in the fall. The artificial fertilizer stimulates growth and new shoots form that would not mature until winter. These die off with frost and the hedge has unsightly holes in spring.