The Latest Fertilizing Times and Methods for Summer Vegetables

Summer is a period of vigorous growth for vegetables. Many kinds of vegetables grow in summer, and summer temperatures are also very high, so the way vegetables absorb fertilizer after application differs from other seasons. Summer is rainy with strong sunlight, and these environmental factors all affect the timing of vegetable fertilization. The specific aspects must also be adjusted according to these conditions, so fertilization needs to be differentiated. Let us take a look at the details.

1. Fertilize by category

The common vegetables in summer mainly include the following. Legumes themselves have root nodules that can fix nitrogen, but other fertilizers still need to be supplemented. Legumes need supplemental calcium fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer, and root and stem growth also needs potassium fertilizer. Leafy vegetables need sufficient nitrogen fertilizer to ensure the tenderness of the leaves and a verdant leaf color; they should be given less potassium fertilizer and more phosphorus fertilizer. Root vegetables mainly grow roots and stems, so they need a large amount of potassium fertilizer, combined with phosphorus fertilizer. Summer is exactly when roots and stems are growing, so nitrogen fertilizer should be applied sparingly. The root systems of solanaceous fruit vegetables are stronger than those of other vegetables. Summer is their main fruiting period, so more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied, and trace-element fertilizer should also be added.

2. The effect of temperature

Early summer, when the temperature is low or warm, is a suitable time for fertilization, as the soil temperature is not so high. In midsummer, when the temperature rises, it is best to apply fertilizer dissolved in irrigation water, preferably after the afternoon. Do not use chemical fertilizer, and the amount used should be small and applied in split doses. During the dog days of summer, do not apply less fertilizer; it is best not to apply fertilizer at all.

3. The effect of weather

On sunny days with strong sunlight, do not apply fertilizer; apply fertilizer on cloudy days or after the afternoon. Light drizzle is very suitable for fertilization, but summer often brings heavy rain, so do not apply fertilizer before heavy rain arrives. After the rain, once the soil gradually dries out a little, fertilizer can be applied. If there is continuous light rain, do not apply fertilizer, because the fertilizer will be washed away and the roots cannot absorb it. Or, if the roots absorb too much water, the fertilizer is useless.

4. Fertilizers to use

Generally, farmyard manure is used, including livestock manure, straw compost, composted vegetable leaves, and a small amount of chemical fertilizer. Do not use poultry manure, as it is very hot in nature and damages the roots. Fertilizers that have been fully composted and treated so that their heating nature is low are more suitable. The concentration of the fertilizer should not exceed the concentration of the soil solution, otherwise the fertilizer cannot be absorbed.

5. Fertilization periods

Solanaceous fruit vegetables are in their fruiting period in summer; the main purpose is to promote fruiting through fertilization and ensure the plant's nutrition. Legumes are mainly in the pod-setting period and need guaranteed nutrition to avoid the plants turning yellow. Leafy vegetables are in their period of vigorous leaf growth, so fertilizer must keep up with growth. Root vegetables should not be fertilized too heavily, as this easily causes root cracking.

Fertilizing vegetables in summer mainly depends on the category of vegetable and environmental influences to decide the specific amount and type of fertilizer. Attention should also be paid to the fertilization period and proper fertilization.