Crop, fruit & herb profiles

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, boron matters for beets

Organic options · Compost + wood ash · Kelp meal for micronutrients · Fish emulsion every 3 wks

When · Bed prep with compost + kelp, one side-dress mid-season.

Watch for · Black spot in beet roots = boron deficit; a pinch of borax per gallon foliar-sprayed fixes it.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher P (3-6-6)

Organic options · Compost only in bed prep · Bone meal at sowing · Skip nitrogen top-dress

When · Feed the bed, not the plant. Carrots/parsnips fork or hair-root with fresh manure.

Watch for · Forked roots = too much N or fresh manure; use only well-aged compost.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low fertilizer: herbs go bland when overfed

Organic options · Compost once at planting · Weak fish emulsion once mid-season if pale · Nothing after that

When · Feed lightly if at all. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) thrive in lean soil.

Watch for · Fast, floppy, weak-flavored growth = too rich.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-10-10 for a perennial crown

Organic options · 2-3 in compost over the row each spring · Bone meal before spears emerge · Feed again after the cutting season ends

When · Twice a year: early spring before spears, then after the last cut while ferns build next year's crown.

Watch for · Thin, spindly spears = crown is under-fed or was cut too long last year.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low fertilizer: herbs go bland when overfed

Organic options · Compost once at planting · Weak fish emulsion once mid-season if pale · Nothing after that

When · Feed lightly if at all. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) thrive in lean soil.

Watch for · Fast, floppy, weak-flavored growth = too rich.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, boron matters for beets

Organic options · Compost + wood ash · Kelp meal for micronutrients · Fish emulsion every 3 wks

When · Bed prep with compost + kelp, one side-dress mid-season.

Watch for · Black spot in beet roots = boron deficit; a pinch of borax per gallon foliar-sprayed fixes it.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Acid-loving: 4-3-4 for blueberries, pH 4.5-5.5

Organic options · Pine bark or peat worked into the planting hole · Cottonseed meal or soy meal in spring · Elemental sulfur to hold pH down

When · Feed twice: bud break and again 6 weeks later. Never after midsummer.

Watch for · Yellow leaves with green veins = pH is too high, not a nitrogen shortage.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): rhubarb is a heavy feeder

Organic options · 4 in aged manure over the crown each spring · Blood meal as leaves push · Compost again after harvest

When · Feed hard in early spring, then once more after the last pull.

Watch for · Thin, short stalks = the crown is hungry or overcrowded; divide every 5 years.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher P (3-6-6)

Organic options · Compost only in bed prep · Bone meal at sowing · Skip nitrogen top-dress

When · Feed the bed, not the plant. Carrots/parsnips fork or hair-root with fresh manure.

Watch for · Forked roots = too much N or fresh manure; use only well-aged compost.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5 with steady N

Organic options · Compost tea every 2 wks · Fish emulsion between cuttings · Aged manure in bed prep

When · Light and steady. Lettuce wants constant slow N to stay tender and mild.

Watch for · Bitter greens = heat or under-water, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · LOW N: beans fix their own nitrogen

Organic options · Compost at planting is enough · Rock phosphate for pods · Wood ash for potassium if soil is deficient

When · Do not add nitrogen fertilizer. You'll get leaves, no pods. One compost dose at planting.

Watch for · Inoculate seeds with rhizobia the first time you grow legumes in a bed.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher P (3-6-6)

Organic options · Compost only in bed prep · Bone meal at sowing · Skip nitrogen top-dress

When · Feed the bed, not the plant. Carrots/parsnips fork or hair-root with fresh manure.

Watch for · Forked roots = too much N or fresh manure; use only well-aged compost.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher P (3-6-6)

Organic options · Compost only in bed prep · Bone meal at sowing · Skip nitrogen top-dress

When · Feed the bed, not the plant. Carrots/parsnips fork or hair-root with fresh manure.

Watch for · Forked roots = too much N or fresh manure; use only well-aged compost.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low fertilizer: herbs go bland when overfed

Organic options · Compost once at planting · Weak fish emulsion once mid-season if pale · Nothing after that

When · Feed lightly if at all. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) thrive in lean soil.

Watch for · Fast, floppy, weak-flavored growth = too rich.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher P (3-6-6)

Organic options · Compost only in bed prep · Bone meal at sowing · Skip nitrogen top-dress

When · Feed the bed, not the plant. Carrots/parsnips fork or hair-root with fresh manure.

Watch for · Forked roots = too much N or fresh manure; use only well-aged compost.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher P (3-6-6)

Organic options · Compost only in bed prep · Bone meal at sowing · Skip nitrogen top-dress

When · Feed the bed, not the plant. Carrots/parsnips fork or hair-root with fresh manure.

Watch for · Forked roots = too much N or fresh manure; use only well-aged compost.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5 with steady N

Organic options · Compost tea every 2 wks · Fish emulsion between cuttings · Aged manure in bed prep

When · Light and steady. Lettuce wants constant slow N to stay tender and mild.

Watch for · Bitter greens = heat or under-water, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · LOW N: beans fix their own nitrogen

Organic options · Compost at planting is enough · Rock phosphate for pods · Wood ash for potassium if soil is deficient

When · Do not add nitrogen fertilizer. You'll get leaves, no pods. One compost dose at planting.

Watch for · Inoculate seeds with rhizobia the first time you grow legumes in a bed.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Moderate N + high P (5-10-10)

Organic options · Compost + bone meal at planting · Fish emulsion monthly through spring · Stop feeding as bulbs swell

When · Feed through spring leaf growth, then stop once tops start to yellow so bulbs cure hard.

Watch for · Thick, soft necks = too much late nitrogen; bulbs won't store.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher P (3-6-6)

Organic options · Compost only in bed prep · Bone meal at sowing · Skip nitrogen top-dress

When · Feed the bed, not the plant. Carrots/parsnips fork or hair-root with fresh manure.

Watch for · Forked roots = too much N or fresh manure; use only well-aged compost.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · LOW N: beans fix their own nitrogen

Organic options · Compost at planting is enough · Rock phosphate for pods · Wood ash for potassium if soil is deficient

When · Do not add nitrogen fertilizer. You'll get leaves, no pods. One compost dose at planting.

Watch for · Inoculate seeds with rhizobia the first time you grow legumes in a bed.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Acid-loving: 4-3-4 for blueberries, pH 4.5-5.5

Organic options · Pine bark or peat worked into the planting hole · Cottonseed meal or soy meal in spring · Elemental sulfur to hold pH down

When · Feed twice: bud break and again 6 weeks later. Never after midsummer.

Watch for · Yellow leaves with green veins = pH is too high, not a nitrogen shortage.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher P (3-6-6)

Organic options · Compost only in bed prep · Bone meal at sowing · Skip nitrogen top-dress

When · Feed the bed, not the plant. Carrots/parsnips fork or hair-root with fresh manure.

Watch for · Forked roots = too much N or fresh manure; use only well-aged compost.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · LOW N: beans fix their own nitrogen

Organic options · Compost at planting is enough · Rock phosphate for pods · Wood ash for potassium if soil is deficient

When · Do not add nitrogen fertilizer. You'll get leaves, no pods. One compost dose at planting.

Watch for · Inoculate seeds with rhizobia the first time you grow legumes in a bed.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · LOW N: beans fix their own nitrogen

Organic options · Compost at planting is enough · Rock phosphate for pods · Wood ash for potassium if soil is deficient

When · Do not add nitrogen fertilizer. You'll get leaves, no pods. One compost dose at planting.

Watch for · Inoculate seeds with rhizobia the first time you grow legumes in a bed.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Moderate N + high P (5-10-10)

Organic options · Compost + bone meal at planting · Fish emulsion monthly through spring · Stop feeding as bulbs swell

When · Feed through spring leaf growth, then stop once tops start to yellow so bulbs cure hard.

Watch for · Thick, soft necks = too much late nitrogen; bulbs won't store.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5 with steady N

Organic options · Compost tea every 2 wks · Fish emulsion between cuttings · Aged manure in bed prep

When · Light and steady. Lettuce wants constant slow N to stay tender and mild.

Watch for · Bitter greens = heat or under-water, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, boron matters for beets

Organic options · Compost + wood ash · Kelp meal for micronutrients · Fish emulsion every 3 wks

When · Bed prep with compost + kelp, one side-dress mid-season.

Watch for · Black spot in beet roots = boron deficit; a pinch of borax per gallon foliar-sprayed fixes it.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5 with steady N

Organic options · Compost tea every 2 wks · Fish emulsion between cuttings · Aged manure in bed prep

When · Light and steady. Lettuce wants constant slow N to stay tender and mild.

Watch for · Bitter greens = heat or under-water, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · LOW N: beans fix their own nitrogen

Organic options · Compost at planting is enough · Rock phosphate for pods · Wood ash for potassium if soil is deficient

When · Do not add nitrogen fertilizer. You'll get leaves, no pods. One compost dose at planting.

Watch for · Inoculate seeds with rhizobia the first time you grow legumes in a bed.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5 with steady N

Organic options · Compost tea every 2 wks · Fish emulsion between cuttings · Aged manure in bed prep

When · Light and steady. Lettuce wants constant slow N to stay tender and mild.

Watch for · Bitter greens = heat or under-water, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Moderate N + high P (5-10-10)

Organic options · Compost + bone meal at planting · Fish emulsion monthly through spring · Stop feeding as bulbs swell

When · Feed through spring leaf growth, then stop once tops start to yellow so bulbs cure hard.

Watch for · Thick, soft necks = too much late nitrogen; bulbs won't store.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, boron matters for beets

Organic options · Compost + wood ash · Kelp meal for micronutrients · Fish emulsion every 3 wks

When · Bed prep with compost + kelp, one side-dress mid-season.

Watch for · Black spot in beet roots = boron deficit; a pinch of borax per gallon foliar-sprayed fixes it.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, moderate K (5-5-10)

Organic options · Compost in the row at planting · Kelp meal at fruit set · Only light nitrogen on weak vines

When · One spring feed. Grapes fruit best in lean soil with hard annual pruning.

Watch for · Rank leafy growth and poor clusters = too much nitrogen, too little pruning.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low fertilizer: herbs go bland when overfed

Organic options · Compost once at planting · Weak fish emulsion once mid-season if pale · Nothing after that

When · Feed lightly if at all. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) thrive in lean soil.

Watch for · Fast, floppy, weak-flavored growth = too rich.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Moderate N + high P (5-10-10)

Organic options · Compost + bone meal at planting · Fish emulsion monthly through spring · Stop feeding once bulbs start swelling

When · Feed spring, stop feeding when tops start to fall over: feeding late = rot in storage.

Watch for · Thick necks = too much N; onions won't cure properly.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low fertilizer: herbs go bland when overfed

Organic options · Compost once at planting · Weak fish emulsion once mid-season if pale · Nothing after that

When · Feed lightly if at all. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) thrive in lean soil.

Watch for · Fast, floppy, weak-flavored growth = too rich.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · LOW N: beans fix their own nitrogen

Organic options · Compost at planting is enough · Rock phosphate for pods · Wood ash for potassium if soil is deficient

When · Do not add nitrogen fertilizer. You'll get leaves, no pods. One compost dose at planting.

Watch for · Inoculate seeds with rhizobia the first time you grow legumes in a bed.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5 with steady N

Organic options · Compost tea every 2 wks · Fish emulsion between cuttings · Aged manure in bed prep

When · Light and steady. Lettuce wants constant slow N to stay tender and mild.

Watch for · Bitter greens = heat or under-water, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · LOW N: beans fix their own nitrogen

Organic options · Compost at planting is enough · Rock phosphate for pods · Wood ash for potassium if soil is deficient

When · Do not add nitrogen fertilizer. You'll get leaves, no pods. One compost dose at planting.

Watch for · Inoculate seeds with rhizobia the first time you grow legumes in a bed.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Acid-loving: 4-3-4 for blueberries, pH 4.5-5.5

Organic options · Pine bark or peat worked into the planting hole · Cottonseed meal or soy meal in spring · Elemental sulfur to hold pH down

When · Feed twice: bud break and again 6 weeks later. Never after midsummer.

Watch for · Yellow leaves with green veins = pH is too high, not a nitrogen shortage.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher P (3-6-6)

Organic options · Compost only in bed prep · Bone meal at sowing · Skip nitrogen top-dress

When · Feed the bed, not the plant. Carrots/parsnips fork or hair-root with fresh manure.

Watch for · Forked roots = too much N or fresh manure; use only well-aged compost.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low fertilizer: herbs go bland when overfed

Organic options · Compost once at planting · Weak fish emulsion once mid-season if pale · Nothing after that

When · Feed lightly if at all. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) thrive in lean soil.

Watch for · Fast, floppy, weak-flavored growth = too rich.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (3-5-5): figs fruit better lean

Organic options · Compost mulch each spring · Wood ash or kelp for potassium · Skip nitrogen on established trees

When · One compost mulch in spring. Feed potted figs monthly, in-ground figs almost never.

Watch for · Big leaves, no figs = too much nitrogen or too much shade.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, steady through the heat

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the row · Fish emulsion every 3 wks while podding · Kelp meal for potassium

When · Feed at planting, then light and regular once pods start: okra produces for months.

Watch for · Pods slowing down usually means missed picking, not missed fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Moderate N + high P (5-10-10)

Organic options · Compost + bone meal at planting · Fish emulsion monthly through spring · Stop feeding as bulbs swell

When · Feed through spring leaf growth, then stop once tops start to yellow so bulbs cure hard.

Watch for · Thick, soft necks = too much late nitrogen; bulbs won't store.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, boron matters for beets

Organic options · Compost + wood ash · Kelp meal for micronutrients · Fish emulsion every 3 wks

When · Bed prep with compost + kelp, one side-dress mid-season.

Watch for · Black spot in beet roots = boron deficit; a pinch of borax per gallon foliar-sprayed fixes it.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low fertilizer: herbs go bland when overfed

Organic options · Compost once at planting · Weak fish emulsion once mid-season if pale · Nothing after that

When · Feed lightly if at all. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) thrive in lean soil.

Watch for · Fast, floppy, weak-flavored growth = too rich.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher P (3-6-6)

Organic options · Compost only in bed prep · Bone meal at sowing · Skip nitrogen top-dress

When · Feed the bed, not the plant. Carrots/parsnips fork or hair-root with fresh manure.

Watch for · Forked roots = too much N or fresh manure; use only well-aged compost.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher P (3-6-6)

Organic options · Compost only in bed prep · Bone meal at sowing · Skip nitrogen top-dress

When · Feed the bed, not the plant. Carrots/parsnips fork or hair-root with fresh manure.

Watch for · Forked roots = too much N or fresh manure; use only well-aged compost.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · LOW N: beans fix their own nitrogen

Organic options · Compost at planting is enough · Rock phosphate for pods · Wood ash for potassium if soil is deficient

When · Do not add nitrogen fertilizer. You'll get leaves, no pods. One compost dose at planting.

Watch for · Inoculate seeds with rhizobia the first time you grow legumes in a bed.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · LOW N: beans fix their own nitrogen

Organic options · Compost at planting is enough · Rock phosphate for pods · Wood ash for potassium if soil is deficient

When · Do not add nitrogen fertilizer. You'll get leaves, no pods. One compost dose at planting.

Watch for · Inoculate seeds with rhizobia the first time you grow legumes in a bed.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): corn is a nitrogen hog

Organic options · Compost + aged manure deep in the row · Blood meal side-dress at knee-high · Fish emulsion at tasseling

When · Feed at planting, knee-high, and tasseling: three big meals.

Watch for · Small ears / missing kernels = under-feeding or poor pollination.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, boron matters for beets

Organic options · Compost + wood ash · Kelp meal for micronutrients · Fish emulsion every 3 wks

When · Bed prep with compost + kelp, one side-dress mid-season.

Watch for · Black spot in beet roots = boron deficit; a pinch of borax per gallon foliar-sprayed fixes it.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5 with steady N

Organic options · Compost tea every 2 wks · Fish emulsion between cuttings · Aged manure in bed prep

When · Light and steady. Lettuce wants constant slow N to stay tender and mild.

Watch for · Bitter greens = heat or under-water, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): rhubarb is a heavy feeder

Organic options · 4 in aged manure over the crown each spring · Blood meal as leaves push · Compost again after harvest

When · Feed hard in early spring, then once more after the last pull.

Watch for · Thin, short stalks = the crown is hungry or overcrowded; divide every 5 years.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low fertilizer: herbs go bland when overfed

Organic options · Compost once at planting · Weak fish emulsion once mid-season if pale · Nothing after that

When · Feed lightly if at all. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) thrive in lean soil.

Watch for · Fast, floppy, weak-flavored growth = too rich.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5 with steady N

Organic options · Compost tea every 2 wks · Fish emulsion between cuttings · Aged manure in bed prep

When · Light and steady. Lettuce wants constant slow N to stay tender and mild.

Watch for · Bitter greens = heat or under-water, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Moderate N + high P (5-10-10)

Organic options · Compost + bone meal at planting · Fish emulsion monthly through spring · Stop feeding as bulbs swell

When · Feed through spring leaf growth, then stop once tops start to yellow so bulbs cure hard.

Watch for · Thick, soft necks = too much late nitrogen; bulbs won't store.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · LOW N: beans fix their own nitrogen

Organic options · Compost at planting is enough · Rock phosphate for pods · Wood ash for potassium if soil is deficient

When · Do not add nitrogen fertilizer. You'll get leaves, no pods. One compost dose at planting.

Watch for · Inoculate seeds with rhizobia the first time you grow legumes in a bed.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Moderate N + high P (5-10-10)

Organic options · Compost + bone meal at planting · Fish emulsion monthly through spring · Stop feeding as bulbs swell

When · Feed through spring leaf growth, then stop once tops start to yellow so bulbs cure hard.

Watch for · Thick, soft necks = too much late nitrogen; bulbs won't store.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low fertilizer: herbs go bland when overfed

Organic options · Compost once at planting · Weak fish emulsion once mid-season if pale · Nothing after that

When · Feed lightly if at all. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) thrive in lean soil.

Watch for · Fast, floppy, weak-flavored growth = too rich.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): corn is a nitrogen hog

Organic options · Compost + aged manure deep in the row · Blood meal side-dress at knee-high · Fish emulsion at tasseling

When · Feed at planting, knee-high, and tasseling: three big meals.

Watch for · Small ears / missing kernels = under-feeding or poor pollination.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): rhubarb is a heavy feeder

Organic options · 4 in aged manure over the crown each spring · Blood meal as leaves push · Compost again after harvest

When · Feed hard in early spring, then once more after the last pull.

Watch for · Thin, short stalks = the crown is hungry or overcrowded; divide every 5 years.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, boron matters for beets

Organic options · Compost + wood ash · Kelp meal for micronutrients · Fish emulsion every 3 wks

When · Bed prep with compost + kelp, one side-dress mid-season.

Watch for · Black spot in beet roots = boron deficit; a pinch of borax per gallon foliar-sprayed fixes it.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, avoid fresh manure

Organic options · Compost mulch every spring · Blood meal + bone meal before flowering · Kelp meal after harvest

When · Once in spring, once after fruiting. Renovate strawberry beds every 3 yrs.

Watch for · Runner overload but few berries = too much N.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low fertilizer: herbs go bland when overfed

Organic options · Compost once at planting · Weak fish emulsion once mid-season if pale · Nothing after that

When · Feed lightly if at all. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) thrive in lean soil.

Watch for · Fast, floppy, weak-flavored growth = too rich.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5 with steady N

Organic options · Compost tea every 2 wks · Fish emulsion between cuttings · Aged manure in bed prep

When · Light and steady. Lettuce wants constant slow N to stay tender and mild.

Watch for · Bitter greens = heat or under-water, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): corn is a nitrogen hog

Organic options · Compost + aged manure deep in the row · Blood meal side-dress at knee-high · Fish emulsion at tasseling

When · Feed at planting, knee-high, and tasseling: three big meals.

Watch for · Small ears / missing kernels = under-feeding or poor pollination.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N, higher K (5-10-10)

Organic options · Compost worked in before planting slips · Wood ash or kelp meal for potassium · Skip nitrogen once vines run

When · One feed at planting, one potassium boost 6 weeks in. Nothing after that.

Watch for · Lush vines and no roots = too much nitrogen. Sweet potatoes want lean soil.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, boron matters for beets

Organic options · Compost + wood ash · Kelp meal for micronutrients · Fish emulsion every 3 wks

When · Bed prep with compost + kelp, one side-dress mid-season.

Watch for · Black spot in beet roots = boron deficit; a pinch of borax per gallon foliar-sprayed fixes it.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5 with steady N

Organic options · Compost tea every 2 wks · Fish emulsion between cuttings · Aged manure in bed prep

When · Light and steady. Lettuce wants constant slow N to stay tender and mild.

Watch for · Bitter greens = heat or under-water, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low fertilizer: herbs go bland when overfed

Organic options · Compost once at planting · Weak fish emulsion once mid-season if pale · Nothing after that

When · Feed lightly if at all. Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) thrive in lean soil.

Watch for · Fast, floppy, weak-flavored growth = too rich.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Low N (5-10-10) once fruiting starts

Organic options · Compost 2-3 in. at planting · Fish emulsion every 2 wks while young · Bone meal + kelp at flowering for calcium/potassium

When · Compost at planting → light nitrogen through vegetative → switch to P/K when flowers appear.

Watch for · All leaves, no fruit = too much N. Blossom-end rot = calcium deficit + uneven watering.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · High N (10-5-5): heavy feeders

Organic options · Aged manure or compost worked in deep · Blood meal or feather meal side-dress at 3 wks · Fish emulsion every 2 wks

When · Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Brassicas want steady nitrogen for tight heads.

Watch for · Pale/yellow leaves = needs N. Loose heads = feed harder next round.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).

Fertilizer plan

Ratio · Balanced 5-5-5, ease off N at flowering

Organic options · Compost + aged manure in the hill · Fish emulsion until first blossom · Kelp meal + wood ash at flowering

When · Big feed at transplant, side-dress once vines run, potassium boost at flowering.

Watch for · Female flowers dropping = pollination issue, not fertilizer.

N = nitrogen (leaves), P = phosphorus (roots & flowers), K = potassium (fruit & disease resistance).