How much fertilizer does a vegetable garden need?
Vegetable crops primarily need nitrogen but many crops also benefit from some complete fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium. A combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer often works well because a broader range of plant-essential nutrients are provided, those in the organic form are usually slower release, and many organic fertilizer materials (such as manures) also add organic material to the soil which improves its structure. When using a combination of manure and inorganic fertilizer, apply the manure about a month before planting at a rate of no more than one pound per square foot of garden area. Then follow up with an application of inorganic fertilizer at or just after planting at a rate of ½ to 1 pound of fertilizer material per 100 square feet of garden. If no organic material is added, double the rate of inorganic fertilizer applied. Apply additional organic or inorganic fertilizer at the pre-planting rate once seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall or 2 to 4 weeks af
