If you have planted shrubs in your garden, then of course you want them to grow well and thrive. In addition to caring pruning, sufficient water and fertilizer are important, depending on the type of shrub you have.
What is the best way to fertilize shrubs?
When fertilizing shrubs, pay attention to individual nutrient requirements, soil type and the age of the plant. In the first few years, fertilization promotes growth; later you should reduce the amount and frequency of fertilizer. Apply horn shavings before mulching and use lawn clippings for older bushes.
Are all shrubs fertilized the same?
Of course, not all types of shrubs have the same nutrient requirements, which is why not all of them should be fertilized in the same way. Nevertheless, there are some similarities. In the first few years of growth, the need for nutrients is higher than with an older shrub that has already reached its final size. Here, fertilization as needed, for example with mature compost, makes sense.
If your shrubs are not underplanted, a layer of bark mulch will keep the weeds small and the soil moist. Mulch is also visually preferable to bare soil. However, since the mulch layer removes nitrogen from the soil, you should mitigate this effect by adding horn shavings (€52.00 on Amazon) before mulching.
What role does the soil play in fertilization?
The poorer the soil your shrubs are on, the more important it is to provide additional nutrients. Fertilizer contributes to rapid growth, especially during the first few years. A humus-rich, loose soil, on the other hand, does not need to be improved. Here you should only fertilize shrubs with a very high nutrient requirement. Some shrubs need a special fertilizer, for example to adjust the pH value.
What should I pay attention to when fertilizing shrubs?
Before you generously spread any fertilizer on your shrub bed, you should first find out what your plants actually need. Ideally, you should do this before planting, because not only the nutrient requirements can be different, but also the requirements for pH value, lime tolerance or permeability.
The most important things in brief:
- Fertilization in the early stages promotes growth
- restrict fertilizer quantity and frequency after a few years
- give horn shavings before mulching
- ideal under older bushes: grass clippings
Tip
Older bushes usually no longer need extra fertilization; mulching with grass clippings is ideal here.
