Fertilizing Plants In Container Gardens

Methods of fertilization for container plantings will vary depending on several factors: indoors or outdoors, specific plant needs, and your own personal preference between synthetic or organic fertilizers.

Edibles: When growing edible plants in containers, such as vegetables, herbs and fruit, growing organically is one thing you might want to consider as you will be eating the fruits from these plants.

Annual Flowers & Perennial Plants: In containers, these are usually best fertilized at planting time with a slow-release, long-lasting flower food, or on a regular weekly to monthly basis with a water-soluble fertilizer. Always refer to product label for mixing and application instructions.

Ornamentals: Shrubs, trees, vines, groundcovers and other ornamental plants, growing in containers, can be fertlized with a slow-release, special "nursery-type" fertilizer. These specialty fertilizers will provide the basic essential elements, along with a micro-nutrient package containing iron, manganese, zinc and others needed for peak performance. Follow instructions on product label for application rates.

Tropicals When growing tropical plants in containers, such as hibiscus and mandevilla vines, fertilize then at planting time with a slow-release, long-lasting granular fertilizer for season-long feeding. Or, you can fertilize then every week or so with a solution of water-soluble fertilizer as directed an the product label.

Palms When growing palms in containers, there are special fertilization requirements.

Aquatic Pond Plants: These require a special method of fertilization

Houseplants:Most indoor gardeners use water soluble plant foods to fertilize houseplants. This way, each time they water, plants receive a small dose of fertilizer. There are also slow-release houseplant foods available at most nursery and garden centers.