Hey Friends!
I hope you are having a great day!
I wanted to show you want I’ve been up to in our garden space. Last month, I showed you how we worked hard together as a family to clear out the garden area that the previous home owners had created.
Since then, we have gotten the ground ready to plant. My Dad came over with his “big daddy” tiller and worked up the soil real good.
The ground was extra hard and tough, so we had to use this heavy duty tiller. And boy did it get the job done!
We’ve also added some Pennington fertilizer to our soil. Can you believe this is the first time I have ever used fertilizer. I’m still learning, y’all!
Here are some important facts about fertilizer, that to be honest, I did not know. 
Maybe you’ll learn something new along with me!
1. Why is fertilizing an important step of landscape management?
Fertilization is an essential step in landscape maintenance and plant development, helping establish and sustain strong growth patterns. A fertilizer helps to supply the essential nutrients that plants need for healthy growth. Proper nutrition assures optimum plant growth and resistance to diseases, insects and environmental problems. Fertilizers, however, differ in nutrient content and release duration. Fertilizer selection should be based on the types of plants being fertilized, the nutrient content of the soil and the type of growth response desired.
2. Are there particular times to fertilize based on region?
Traditionally, where non-slow release fertilizers are being used, plants in the Southern regions tend to require fertilizing four times a year – in the spring, early summer, late summer and fall. This is due to the long growing season. In the Northern regions, there tend to be two growing periods. The first is after the garden’s return from winter dormancy. The second is during the early fall when temperatures moderate and extreme heat spikes are over.
3. What fertilizer should be used for each type of plant?
Pennington® Smart 1 Feed™ consists of a complete line of long-lasting, specialty premium fertilizers designed for efficient feeding, proper nutrition and healthy plant growth. The line features mix variations that have been customized for various growing environments, plant types and application needs, taking the guesswork out of mix selection. There are five mix variations, including: All-Purpose; Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron (ACR); Bulb & Bloom; Citrus & Avocado; and Rose & Flower.
4. What is a slow-release fertilizer? What are its benefits?
Slow-release fertilizers, such as Pennington® Smart 1 Feed™, provide a more even uptake of nutrients by the plant over an extended period of time, depending on the soil temperature. As the name denotes, slow-release fertilizers release nutrients slowly over time, effectively spoon-feeding plants the nutrients they need, when they need them.
5. What are the negative effects of over-fertilization?
Although fertilization is important to landscape development, it can also cause plant stress and be harmful when done incorrectly. Over-fertilization can cause excessive plant growth and additional water requirements. The impact can be more severe during periods of drought and high temperatures. Fertilizers are salts, and excessive amounts can damage plants by drawing water from the root zone. Plant cells in these roots begin to dehydrate and collapse, and the roots can be become “burned” – or dried out to a point where they are unable to recover.
6. How can over-fertilization be prevented?
First, it’s essential to understand the amount of fertilization needed for the particular type of plant being fed. Second, homeowners should avoid fertilizing during a drought or high heat. During periods of drought, a best practice is to reduce the amount of fertilizer being applied and the frequency of application in non-irrigated areas. A fertilizer that has a slow-release mechanism, such as Pennington® Smart 1 Feed™, maintains the proper release of the right nutrients at the appropriate time and in the correct amounts.
Great info, huh?! I didn’t realize you could “over-fertilize!” I better be careful.
Now here’s your chance
to enter to win a
$50 Gift Card to Home Depot!
(I am using Rafflecopter for the first time. It should be a much easier and efficient way of hosting a giveaway. Just click on “DO IT” to enter. I hope you enjoy it.)
This post was sponsored by…
Central Garden & Pet partnered with bloggers such as me to help educate us all about their Pennington Smart 1 Feed® products. As part of this program, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the use of the products. Central Garden & Pet believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Central Garden & Pet’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. A winner will be chosen by random and gift card fulfillment will be handled by a third party.
