Instructions

• First one should identify the type of fertilizer required. There are different types of fertilizers available in the market, depending on the plant type there are fertilizers for rose, jasmine etc and depending on use there are fertilizers for blooming, foliage production etc. There are also slow releasing and fast releasing fertilizers as per the demand. Slow releasing fertilizers helps to feed slowly over a period of time and reduces the chances of burning the plant due to over dose. Hence choose the one that meets the purpose.
• Organic fertilizers can also be used as they improve the soil texture and structure, fertility and improve the health of the plant without causing any harmful effects. One can even make compost at their own home by mounding grass clipping, dry leaves, green leaves and kitchen wastes in a pit.
• Also do a soil test to determine how much nutrient is required and for this soil test kits are available. This helps to choose the fertilizers that are necessary for the soil type. Rake the soil with a hand tool and this helps to make the soil aerated and aids in absorbing nutrients easily. If the soil is acidic then add wood ash to make it neutral and if alkaline then adding lime prior to fertilizer application is found to be beneficial . Then add the fertilizer around the base of the plants in shallow furrows or if it is the lawn then use a spreader or broadcast the fertilizer evenly on the surface.
• Water the plants as per the recommendations of the fertilizer manufacturer. This helps the fertilizer to go down to the root of the plants and make it easily available to the plants.