SHOULD YOU FERTILIZE PLANTS IN WINTER? AND IF SO, WHICH ONES AND HOW?
Despite the general belief that plants are in a dormant phase during winter, there are certain species that benefit from fertilizer applications even in the colder months.
Let’s explore which plants can be fertilized during winter and how to go about it.
Do You Really Need to Fertilize in Winter? While most plants experience reduced growth and water needs during winter, some continue to actively grow, especially indoor plants and certain ornamental shrubs. Therefore, fertilizing these plants can provide them with the nutrients they need to thrive during the colder season.
Which Plants to Fertilize in Winter?
Indoor Plants: Indoor plants, kept in well-lit and warm environments, often continue to grow during winter. They may benefit from occasional fertilization to support their growth. However, it’s essential to use fertilizers sparingly during this time.
Ornamental Shrubs: Certain ornamental shrubs, such as rose bushes, can also benefit from winter fertilization. This helps them absorb nutrients, promote vigorous growth, and prepare for abundant flowering in the upcoming seasons.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer:
For indoor plants, opt for a fertilizer rich in nitrogen for foliage plants and rich in potash and phosphorus for flowering plants. Liquid fertilizers are preferable as they can be easily diluted in water.
If you prefer natural alternatives, consider using coffee grounds or banana peels. These can be dried and applied to the soil as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for indoor plants.
How to Apply Fertilizer:
For indoor plants, dilute commercial liquid fertilizers at half the recommended strength and apply every 15 days. Ensure the soil is moist before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Natural fertilizers like coffee grounds can be spread over the soil surface and watered in. Banana peel purée can be diluted and used similarly to commercial liquid fertilizers.
Fertilizing Ornamental Shrubs:
Apply fertilizer to ornamental shrubs on mild, dry days to prevent soil freezing.
Use a powder or granular fertilizer suitable for shrubs.
Lightly scratch the soil surface before applying fertilizer to allow better absorption.
Follow the dosage instructions provided on the fertilizer packaging to avoid over-fertilizing.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your plants receive the nutrients they need to thrive during the winter months, leading to healthier growth and vibrant blooms come springtime.
