Keeping plants thriving in urban planter boxes requires a smart fertilization strategy. Unlike in-ground gardens, container plants have limited soil and nutrients that get depleted quickly with watering. The best method combines a foundation of quality potting mix with regular, appropriate feeding.
Start with a premium potting soil that includes some slow-release fertilizer. This provides a baseline of nutrients. For sustained feeding, incorporate a balanced, organic slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil at planting time. These nutrients are released gradually with each watering, providing steady sustenance for weeks.
Complement this with periodic liquid feeding. Every 1-2 weeks during the active growing season, use a diluted water-soluble fertilizer. Organic options like fish emulsion or seaweed extract are excellent. Liquid feeding gives plants an immediate boost, especially heavy feeders like tomatoes and herbs.
Always water your planter boxes thoroughly before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn. Consistency is key—establish a simple feeding schedule. Remember, slightly under-fertilizing is safer than overdoing it, which can harm plants and leach into the environment. With this balanced approach, your urban oasis will flourish.