 Fertilizer Nitrogen is the most likely nutrient to be deficient in your garden soil. Try using nitrogen as a starting point for price comparison against other fertilizers. Dry fertilizers usually are the better deal per pound. Meal-based fertilizers like Alfalfa Meal, Soybean Meal, and Cottonseed Meal can be purchased at any farm supply stores. All other commercial fertilizer can be purchased and your local big box stores and garden centers.
Best of all is free fertilizer, like grass clippings and compost. With a little finger work using the internet and the phone book you might have a free supply. Try calling different farms in the area, some farmers will give it to you for free. Just bring your gloves and shovel and a couple of bucks if needed.
Most farmers love to talk, so ask some questions about what he grows and what he recommends. Remember he does this kind of stuff for a living. If you’re new to an area ask about last and first frost dates. Some areas have micro climates due to water and different elevations. Farmers are a great group of people so get to know your local farmer.
Applying Fertilizer
Base the initial fertiizer dose for you vegetables garden on soil test results, adding it to soil before planting. Never exceed recommended rates on the package. Overapplying fertilizer wastes time and money and may harm crops. Spread dry fertilizers over the garden and till them into the top 6" of soil.
Depending on the kind of fertilizer you use, the type of soil, and the crops you grow, you may need to fertilize several times a season. Most fast-release fertilizers are available to plants for only two to six weeks. Sandy soil requires frequent fertilizing. And some crops are heavy feeders, while others need a boost during certain stages of growth, such as when sweet corn forms ears. Slow-release fertilizers vary, but they may provide nutrients from eight weeks to nine months.
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