Every spring I want to yell at my plants to, “Grow Plants, Grow!” Remember when certain people would talk to their plants to get them to grow? Well, that never happened with me. I prefer to use some good fertilizer to get things growing.
It has been a hard spring as we have both days reaching 90 degrees plus cold days causing frost burn on delicate new growth.
I decided my plants needed a boost to help with the season.
Plant Fertilizer Spikes
After seeing a gal pal purchase round balls of fertilizer for her trees, I decided to give that idea a go with plant fertilizer spikes. I purchased tree and shrub plant food spikes that come 12 to a package. If you have a large yard, you tend to go through them quickly so make sure you buy enough.
Unfortunately, I have a red maple tree with a large split down the side. I’m not sure how that happened but there is nothing to be done with it. It gives my patio shade, so I want it to live as long as possible. The plant experts told me this tree could live for years. I have been fertilizing it regularly and giving it lots and lots of water. I am hoping the tree will heal itself by growing bark over the damaged split.
Fertilizing maple trees promotes vibrant color and foliage. It is best to use the spikes in early spring or mid fall. However, the ground needs to be soft and moist before you start. You can also give the area some water to make the stakes go in easier.
This year, I purchased two boxes of the fertilizer spikes.
Using a Hammer and Stake
The directions state to use the plastic cap on the top of the spike to hammer it into the ground. Yes, I tried not using the plastic cap and the spike crumbles under the pressure from the hammer, so you really need to use it. After you are done with the hammering pull the plastic cap out to use with the other stakes.
Of course, read the directions but more or less you follow the plant’s drip line, and they give your how many stakes your plant or trees will need. In the end, drive the stakes two inches below the surface.
Tips for Fertilizing Spikes
In my yard, it doesn’t matter if the soil is wet even after a pouring rainstorm, I’m going to have trouble getting my spikes in the ground. The composition of my yard soil is mainly hard, red clay.
To get the job done, I find using a regular spike and hammer makes a nice opening for the fertilizer stake.
Be sure to wear your gloves when hammering the spikes in. I’ve had an ouch moment or two before when I accidently hit the hammer on my fingers.
Using Fertilizer Pellets in Grow Plant, Grow
This year I am also using a special Tree and Shrub fertilizer mix made especially for the area I live in. I’ve never used this before, so I am curious how things will do this year.
This photograph shows my three Thrift plants in bloom. I tossed the fertilizer around the plants but not directly on them. Always, make sure you follow the directions on the fertilizer package.
Ending Notes on Grow Plants, Grow
OK, I’ve got one gardening chore done this year. Let’s see I’ve got about 101 more things to do.
Happy Day to All My Gardening Friends!