How to feed conifers in autumn: types of the best fertilizers and top 3 preparations

Gardeners and summer residents often have a question: how can I feed conifers in the fall. This concern is due to the fact that it is believed that such plants do not need top dressing in principle. This is not entirely true. Conifers can be prevented by an excess of nitrogen, causing shoots to grow at the wrong time, as a result of which they will suffer or die. Potassium, phosphorus and trace elements are important for them, as well as for other plants.

Work time

Coniferous plants are fed 2-3 times a year, trying not to overdo it with fertilizers and the frequency of feeding.

This is required in the following cases:

1. Skinny, infertile soils.
2. Stunted seedlings.
3. Unfavorable weather conditions.

If conifers develop steadily, give normal growth, do not get sick, you can take your time with top dressing. It is better to underfeed them than to overfeed them. Seedlings too “stuffed” with fertilizers lose their natural immunity and become more susceptible to diseases and pests.

For the rehabilitation of affected and weakened conifers after wintering, fertilizers are applied in early spring. The next portion arrives at the end of July, in August. This helps the wood mature before winter sets in. The last top dressing should be carried out no later than a month before the onset of frost.

If compost is used, you can limit yourself to a single top dressing.

How to feed conifers for the winter

In order not to harm conifers, they must be fed strictly according to the rules. They do not shed their leaves in autumn, do not bloom and do not produce fruits in the narrow sense of the word, therefore they do not need frequent and plentiful feeding. The type and quality of the fertilizer comes to the fore.

The abundance of nitrogen can lead to the development of chlorosis and the dropping of needles by the plant.

Mineral fertilizers

Conifers do not need to be fertilized with preparations containing nitrogen, except in cases of pronounced stunting. It is possible to give nitrogen-containing fertilizers only in spring, otherwise the plant may grow late, and unripe shoots will die from the very first frosts.

Fertilizers based on potassium and phosphorus are suitable for conifers. In autumn, phosphate preparations should be given to promote the maturation of shoots, which helps plants survive cold winters.

Biohumus

Biohumus is the most effective top dressing available in the form of granules, powder or liquid. It contains macro- and microelements useful for plant development. Such fertilizers are used in early spring and late summer, early autumn. You can’t be late with them, because the shoots may not ripen, and the conifers will suffer in the winter.

Organic

Organic-based fertilizers perform a dual function:

1. Nourish plants.
2. Mulch the soil to keep it loose, help retain moisture and discourage weed growth.

Organics in the form of well-rotted compost can be applied once. Unrotted fertilizers contain a lot of nitrogen, which can harm plants when applied in the fall. Also, such top dressing can burn the delicate root system of young seedlings.

Features of fertilizer for individual species

When selecting drugs, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of various types of conifers.

For pine

With an excess of nitrogen, plants form young shoots that do not ripen to cold weather, which can lead to death in winter. Also, from nitrogen supplements, plants chlorine, form thin weak branches. Therefore, pine trees are not fed with manure or green manure.

Means containing biohumus, as well as heavily rotted manure and compost, have a beneficial effect on pines. Coniferous litter is an excellent tool, at the same time mulch and fertilizer, which the pines “organize” for themselves. The needles fall from them imperceptibly, but constantly, forming a loose layer on the ground that does not need to be removed.

The last time fertilizer should be applied before the onset of autumn, so that the shoots have time to complete growth and mature.

For spruce

These plants need fertilizer with little or no nitrogen, even in the spring. Much more important is the presence of trace elements, especially magnesium. You can feed twice a season, in early spring, after the snow has melted, and in early autumn.

The dosage of fertilizer during pre-fall application is halved compared to spring. Conifers are better underfed than overfed.

Popular drugs

To feed conifers, preparations are used that contain a minimum of nitrogen, a lot of potassium and phosphorus, as well as trace elements important for wood density, chlorophyll formation and maintaining the quality of needles.

Florovit

Polish preparation is used for young plants 2-3 times a season, 4-15 grams. Mature plants need only a single top dressing in the spring; apply 30-40 grams of fertilizer per seedling.

Pros:

1. Florovit for coniferous autumn contains a minimum amount of nitrogen (5% solid nitrogen and 5% amide nitrogen).
2. The product is available in granules, which are easy to distribute on the ground without first dissolving in water.
3. Fertilizer enters the soil gradually, with precipitation or watering.

Cons:

1. Minimum trace element content.
2. High cost.
3. Imported goods.

Osmocote

This famous remedy has many admirers among gardeners in dozens of countries.

Pros:

1. The safest fertilizer.
2. Suitable for seedlings in pots and containers.
3. Suitable for fast growing plants.
4. Prolonged action.

Cons:

1. High cost.
2. Foreign product.

Bona Forte

Popular brand produces the widest range of fertilizers for different types of plants.

Pros:

1. Domestic manufacturer.
2. Affordable price.
3. Ubiquitous.
4. High quality and purity of products.
5. Content, in addition to the main macroelements, the most important trace elements in chelate form, as well as magnesium, vitamins C, PP and B_{1, succinic acid.}
6. The composition contributes not only to growth, but also to the preservation of plant he alth, prevents browning and falling of needles.

Cons:

1. There is nitrogen in the composition, so there is no need for adult plants to make it before autumn.

It is important to remember that only planted or transplanted plants, as well as sick and weakened by pests, do not feed.

Proper use of fertilizers will benefit conifers, preserve their beauty and help them survive harsh winters.

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