Okay, so winter’s coming, and I’ve been thinking a lot about my plants. Do I fertilize them or not? I did some digging and decided to go for it, but in a very specific way. Here’s what I did:
Figuring Out Which Plants to Feed
First, I checked which of my plants actually grow during the winter. I mean, it’s no use feeding the ones that are taking a nap, right? Turns out, my houseplants, like my fiddle leaf fig and my snake plant, are still growing, even if it’s slowly. My outdoor plants, though? They’re mostly dormant, so I left them alone.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
Next, I needed to pick a fertilizer. I opted for a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. I’ve heard that liquid fertilizers are easier for plants to absorb during the colder months. Also, I made sure it was diluted to half-strength. You don’t want to overdo it in winter!
The Actual Fertilizing
- I watered my plants first, just a little bit, to moisten the soil. Apparently, this helps prevent the fertilizer from burning the roots.
- Then, I mixed the half-strength fertilizer solution according to the instructions on the package. Super important to follow those!
- I gently poured the diluted fertilizer onto the soil, making sure not to splash it on the leaves.
Keeping an Eye on Things
Now, it’s a waiting game. I’m going to watch my plants closely over the next few weeks. I’ll be looking for any signs of over-fertilizing, like yellowing leaves or a white crust on the soil. If all goes well, my plants will stay happy and healthy throughout the winter, ready to burst into growth come spring!
It’s not rocket science, but it does take a little thought. Basically, just be gentle and pay attention to your plants, and they’ll thank you for it!
