Fertilizing

Band fertilizing uses a trench to distribute fertilizer to young plants, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Photo credit: Lauren Snowden

Once plants or transplants are well established and at least 3 to 4 inches high, it may be desirable to sidedress them with nitrogen, particularly leafy crops, in sandy soil, and where you have not applied any manure. 

Two or three sidedress applications will benefit crops grown for their leaves or other vegetative parts. In crops grown for their fruit, especially tomatoes, yields can be maximized if sidedressing is delayed until the first fruit set and repeated about every 4 weeks until final harvest.

Band fertilizing

Band fertilizing can be an efficient way to use fertilizer. To band a fertilizer after planting, make a trench away from the plant row so the fertilizer is not placed close enough to burn plant roots. Place the fertilizer in the bottom of the trench and cover it with soil.

When using furrow irrigation with band fertilizing, place the fertilizer band between plant row and the irrigation furrow. To irrigate by sprinkler, band fertilizer on either side of the row. Always apply fertilizer according to the instructions on the label.

Always apply fertilizer according to the instructions on the label!