A question recently came through Ask Gardenerd:
“Is this the time[February/March] to fertilize – Roses, fruit trees (apple & orange) bushes, etc? Last year our roses didn’t produce much. Right now our flowering shrubs look yellow and the overall look of things looks spindly and not healthy. Help!”
In many parts of the country, fruit trees haven’t started to show buds yet. I don’t know about you, but my fruit trees are all either in full bloom or already have buds fattening on the branches. So if you live in zone 10, yes, fertilize your fruit trees now. (I worked some into my lemon pots last weekend.)
There are some theories that fruit trees don’t ever need to be fertilized. I think that’s a gross assumption to make, considering that there are so many types of soil out there, each with different needs. You will, however, want to make sure you don’t over fertilize, which would be indicated by a lot of lush green growth but no fruit production. Use fertilizers specific for the type of fruit you are growing (ie. citrus, apple, etc), and if you are experiencing yellow leaves, there is a good chance that your soil might need iron. John Begeman of the University of Arizona recommends chelated iron, as it absorbs better. Your local nursery will most likely have iron soil ammendments on the shelves.
The beginning of March is also a fine time to start fertilizing your roses. In general, they like to be feed when they start growing – A.K.A. sprouting new leaves – in spring. So, depending on when that happens in your area, that’s when you should fertilize. Roses are “princesses” to some degree. They like a lot of attention. Feed them every 4 – 6 weeks during the growing season. They will reward you with lush blossoms for your table.
Both fruit trees and roses benefit from kelp and fish emulsions as well. The broad spectrum minerals and nutrients provided by kelp and fish emulsions give your plants a shot in the arm to get going in spring. You can also feed these emulsions to your shrubs and bushes for a similar effect.
Keep us posted on how that goes.
