Below are listed some basic guidelines for fertilizing the various things that you may choose to grow in your garden. This information came directly from the US department of agriculture, so you can feel confident that there is scientific backing to the recommendations.

Vegetable and Flower Gardens

Spread the recommended amount of fertilizer uniformly over your garden. Mix or till it, 4 to 6 inches into the soil, before seeding or transplanting. This method of application reduces the potential of salt injury to germinating seeds or young transplants.

Certain vegetable crops require additional nitrogen during the growing season. Some of these vegetables are tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, cabbage, squash, okra, beans, and peppers.

Always water or sprinkle after applying fertilizer to help the movement of nutrients into the root zone.

Azalea, Camellia Mountain laurel, and Rhododendron

These plants are acid-loving plants and grow best when the soil pH ranges from 4.8 to 5.5. Azalea and camellia fertilizers are generally acid-forming, which is an added benefit if the soil pH is too high (above 6.0).

Split fertilizer treatments into three equal applications: 1/3 in early April, 1/3 in June or July and 1/3 in September. This will produce more uniform growth and minimize leaching.

Roses & Bulbs

Roses have a high need for calcium. Lime recommendations are designed to maintain soil pH within a range of 6.0 to 6.5. A rate of 50 lbs per 1000 square feet 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 to 4 inches of soil.

Apply fertilizer in April or when the first flower buds appear. Apply additional nitrogen at monthly intervals through August. Water or sprinkle thoroughly following fertilizer application.

Ornamental Shrubs

The best time to apply fertilizer is in the early spring, usually one month prior to the most rapid growth period.

Spread fertilizers evenly around the plant 10 to 12 inches from the base and water or sprinkle thoroughly.

In cases where many plants are being planted in beds, mix or till lime and fertilizer before setting plants. Always apply any recommended lime several weeks before planting to allow enough time to adjust soil acidity.

Shade Trees

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.

Spread the fertilizer evenly around the tree starting 12 inches from the trunk and out just beyond the farthest point where water or sprinkle drips off the tree (drip line).