Increasing Nitrogen Levels in Vegetable Gardens

Vegetable gardens require nitrogen in order to grow and produce fruit. Nitrogen is required during photosynthesis, and because nitrogen is such a volatile element in the ground, it must be replaced regularly and in the correct amount. Understanding how much nitrogen to add to the garden soil is very important and will depend on the soil type and the results of a soil test. Purchasing a balanced fertilizer (for example, 10-10-10; 16-16-16; 20-20-20) that includes iron is a great place to start. Inorganic (granular) fertilizers are the easiest and most convenient method for adding nitrogen to vegetable gardens.

Needed Tools and Supplies:

• Fertilizer spreader (for granular or liquid fertilizer)
• Granular or liquid fertilizer
• Garden hose
• Garden sprayer
• Garden spade or general purpose shovel

Prepare the Fertilizer Spreading Tool

Fill a fertilizer spreader with granular fertilizer, or attach a liquid fertilizer spreader to the end of a garden hose. Granular fertilizers need to be re-applied less often than liquid fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers are obviously water-based, and the more a garden is fertilized, the more often fertilizer re-application is required.

Set the Fertilizer Spread Rate

Set the spread rate on the granular fertilizer spreader to the recommended rate written on the fertilizer package. The application rate will vary depending on the model of the fertilizer spreader that is used. Liquid fertilizer spreaders generally do not have variable application rates.

Apply Fertilizer Evenly

Spread the fertilizer evenly over the garden soil. Do not allow granular fertilizer to overwhelm certain areas of the soil. Even application is important for sustained and uniform feed rates and time periods.

Work Fertilizer into the Soil

Remove grains of fertilizer that have settled on the leaves and stems of vegetable starts and established vegetable plants. Fertilizer granules left on vegetable plants will damage the plant. Rinse the plants off with a soft water bath from a garden sprayer. Work the fertilizer granules into the top layer of the soil with a garden spade or general purpose shovel. This will help the fertilizer reach the roots of the plants faster.

Water the Fertilizer into the Soil

When granular fertilizer is used, water the garden well to help the fertilizer reach the roots and begin to work. Watering after applying a liquid fertilizer is unnecessary.

Fertilizing Tips:

• Some fertilizers are marketed as ‚”plant food.” This is a misnomer. Plants derive their food from the process of photosynthesis. Fertilizers are to plants what vitamin supplements are to humans. When vegetable plants begin to struggle in their growth and development, adding nitrogen and other elements to the soil will be like giving them a multivitamin. Refertilize the garden regularly, according to the recommendations on the fertilizer packaging, for the best results.
• Adding nitrogen to a vegetable garden is most easily accomplished by using a granular fertilizer, but there are other methods that can be utilized to add nitrogen to the soil. One method is to till composted cow manure into the soil. It is not recommended to use fresh manure because it contains too much nitrogen and will burn the vegetable plants.
• Another method is to plant legumes to add nitrogen to soil. Planting a cover crop in your garden during an otherwise idle time will also add nitrogen to the soil. The foliage can be tilled into the soil in the spring which will add what is called green manure to the soil.
• Green manure is a great form of organic nitrogen. Rotate cover crops and vegetable plants every year to keep the soil balanced. You can also start your own compost heap. Any form of organic plant matter can be composted, including fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, used tea bags, tree leaves and grass clippings.

Fertilizing Warnings:

Always perform a soil test to check the level of nitrogen present in the soil before adding any nitrogen to the soil using any of the means and methods above. Do-it-yourself garden soil test kits will also reveal the levels of potassium and phosphorus in the soil, as well as the soil’s pH level. Adjusting the levels of these results will provide the garden soil with everything needed to support healthy plant growth.

Reference:

Home Vegetable Gardening: The Importance of Nitrogen for your Plants

Fertilizing the Vegetable Garden