URBAN PLANTER BOXES

Growing plants in urban planter boxes brings life to small spaces, but improper fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn, damaging your precious greenery. Nutrient burn occurs when plants receive excess minerals, causing leaf tips to turn brown and crispy. To safely nourish your container garden, begin by choosing the right fertilizer. Organic options like compost tea, worm castings, or fish emulsion release nutrients slowly and are less likely to cause burn compared to synthetic fertilizers. Always dilute liquid fertilizers to half or quarter strength, as recommended on the product label for container plants. This is crucial because plants in confined spaces cannot flush out excess salts as easily as those in the ground. The frequency of feeding is equally important. During the active growing season, fertilize your plants every two to four weeks, but always water the soil thoroughly first. This pre-watering prevents the roots from absorbing fertilizer too quickly. In winter, reduce or stop fertilizing as plant growth slows down. Observe your plants closely after feeding. Signs of over-fertilization include yellowing leaves, brown leaf margins, and stunted growth. If you notice these symptoms, flush the soil with plenty of clean water to wash away excess nutrients. By following these careful practices, you can provide essential nutrition to your urban planter boxes while keeping your plants vibrant and free from nutrient burn.