Jump Start Your Gardens in Spring!
In late March or early April, after the snow has melted, cast 5-5-5 or 5-10-5 granular fertilizer on gardens before, or immediately after, the foliage starts to emerge. This will encourage strong root growth and development. Apply it at the rate of approximately 2 pounds per 100 square feet.
Everything in my yard, except the lawn, gets this treat: perennials; spring, summer and fall blooming bulbs; climbing vines; roses; shrubs and groundcovers. Be aware that granular fertilizer will burn foliage so by applying it before plants emerge, you reduce this risk and save time. If foliage is already up and at’em by the time you have a chance to do this, make sure to wash off any fertilizer that landed on the leaves. Easier yet, wait to apply the fertilizer right before it’s supposed to rain.