Fertilization of lawns, gardens and ornamentals

uniform growth and minimize leaching: 1/3 in early April, 1/3 in June or July and 1/3 in September. Many factors cause leaf yellowing on these shrubs: iron deficiency due to high soil pH, use of new or undecomposed organic matter, poor internal drainage, excessive fertilizer application, root diseases, nematodes and/or insects. Consequently, before taking any corrective action, collect soil and plant tissue samples and have them analyzed. If test results indicate an iron deficiency, apply a water-soluble iron fertilizer to the leaves, at the rate recommended on the label. Reapply if symptoms reappear. If soil pH is above 6.0, apply 3-4 lb elemental sulfur or 20-30 lb iron sulfate per 1000 ft2. Irrigate the treated area thoroughly to enhance reaction and remove any residue on the plants. Higher rates could damage plant roots by lowering soil pH too rapidly. Take a soil sample two to three months after any acidification process to determine if further adjustment is required. For roses. Roses have a high calcium requirement. Lime recommendations are designed to maintain soil pH within a range of 6.0-6. 5. A rate of 50 lb/1000 ft2 is equivalent to spreading 1/2 cup around a plant to a distance of 18 inches. For best results, mix lime into the top 3^1 inches of soil. Apply the recommended fertilizer in April or when the first flower buds appear. Apply additional nitrogen at rates of 0. 5-1.0 lb/1000 ft2 at monthly intervals through August. Water thoroughly following fertilizer application. Apply specially formulated fertilizers as indicated on the label. For other ornamental shrubs. The fertilizer recommendation on the soil test report provides enough plant nutrients for one year. The best time to apply fertilizer is in early spring, usually one month prior to the most rapid growth period. For individually transplanted shrubs, mix 0.25- 0.5 lb of lime into the soil removed from the transplant hole before replacing it around the plant. Spread fertilizers evenly around the plant 10-12 inches from the base and water thoroughly. In cases where many plants are being planted in beds, incorporate lime and fertilizer prior to setting plants. Ideally, you should incorporate any recommended lime several weeks before planting to allow adequate time to neutralize soil acidity. For shade trees. The fertilizer rate given on the soil test report provides the nutrients required for the entire growing season. Apply fertilizer in February or March, prior to budding. Mature trees growing within a lawn seldom need any fertilizer beyond that applied to the lawn. To fertilize individual trees, convert therate from lb/1000 ft2 to lb/inch of tree diameter. Multiply lb/1000 ft2 by 0.05 when the tree is less than 6 inches and by 0. 1 when the trunk is greater than 6 inches in diameter. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the tree starting 12 inches from the trunk and extending just beyond the drip line. North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Steve Troxler, Commissioner of Agriculture NCDA&CS Agronomic Division Colleen M. Hud ak- Wise, Ph.D., Director www.ncagr.gov/ agronomi/ (919) 733-2655 Mailing Address 1040 Mail Service Center Raleigh NC 27699-1040 Physical Address / Location 4300 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh NC 27607-6465 reprinted January 2013 NOTE 4: Fertilization of Lawns, Gardens and Ornamentals Lime Lime is a primary ingredient for improving the soil environment and promoting plant growth. Lime neutralizes soil acidity, improves soil tilth, stimulates microbial activity, enhances the availability of key nutrient elements and supplies the essential nutrients calcium and magnesium. No other amendment contributes so many benefits to the soil environment. There are two types of lime used for agricultural purposes: calcitic and dolomitic. Calcitic limestone contains calcium carbonate (CaCO.) but little or no magnesium. Dolomitic limestone contains both calcium and magnesiumcarbonates [CaMg(CO,)2] and has at least 120 lb Mg per ton. Most bagged lime sold by farm suppliers and garden centers is a finely ground, high quality agricultural grade of dolomitic lime. Pelletized lime used as specified on the label should be equally as effective. Lime recommendations on the soil test report are expressed in units of lb/ 1000 ft2. The rate suggested should raise the pH to 5.5 for centipedegrass, 6.0 for other lawn grasses, and 6.0 to 6.5 for gardens. The lime application should keep soil pH within the desired range for two to three years on sandy coastal-plain soils and for three to four years on silt and/or clay soils of piedmont and mountain regions. For gardens and newly established lawns, broadcast lime over the surface and incorporate it 4-8 inches into the soil. For established lawns, gardens and ornamental shrubs, apply the recommended lime over the surface prior to rainfall or irrigation. Do not surface-apply more than 50 lb of lime per 1000 ft2 at any given time. If the suggested rate is higher, apply 50 lb initially and the remainder six months later. Lime residue will not harm plants and can be removed easily by irrigation or rainfall.