my mom says to move the mulch before putting the fertilizer on the plants, however i don't feel the need?

Question

is it necessary to move the mulch from around the plant before putting the grains of fertilzer on it? and also she says not to put the fertilizer near the trunk of the plants because it "burns" them. Is it really a big deal?

Thanks alot everyone, I mean the only reason I ask is because theres like a colony of red ants around each plant and I don't want to go near it

Answer 1

You do not want to fertilize the mulch do you? Move it, then fertilize the dirt. Most of the roots are not at the base of the plant. Spread it near the outside edges of the plant.

Answer 2

With granules your mother is correct. Straight granules - directly on the roots can burn them and will not penetrate through the mulch unless they are flushed through with a sufficient amount of water to do so. You can buy water soluble fertilizer granules that you immerse in water first and then pour that solution directly around the plant. It will seep down through the mulch and get to the roots without burning them. With all plants it is not wise to fertilize while they are in full bloom. Over fertilizing can harm them. Watering plants thoroughly between fertilization flushes out fertilizer salts build up. Keep a watering schedule for plant types and you will also avoid over watering. Hammering in plant food stakes is another easy method / option. Regarding the ants. A powder made with Deltamethrin (i.e. Bengal Ultra Dust) will take care of them! Have fun and do what is the best for you.

Answer 3

Your Mum is right, put the grains of fertiliser around the plant (usually about 1g per plant) dont put it too nr, the base as it could burn and kill the plant. Lightly fork it in, then water so it goes straight to the roots which then takes it upby capillary action to feed the rest of the plant. Then put the mulch back as that will help stop the soil from drying out and also stops the weeds.

Answer 4

The fertilizer can burn the plant. I like to use powder fertilizer that comes in a sprayer bottle and it attaches to a garden hose. Just spray on the plant, leaves, etc. You can also mix it in a bucket and poor it around the plant or bush. Works very well. There is no need to move the mulch and it will not burn the plant.

Answer 5

I own a LC and $800 for 20 yards of soil, labor and seed is not bad. The guy screwed himself by not putting in a complete bid. I would talk with him and try to split it with him. You need the starter fertilizer to get the grass growing good. Hay keeps birds from eating all the seed and is good mulch but still must be raked up.

Answer 6

Always, always listen to your Mom, especially when it comes to gardening. Fertilizer does leave a very nasty burn on plants and can kill them. It's great for killing off weeds, however. Your Mom probably reads loads of books/searches the internet for gardening tips and ideas. Sometimes, an adult who gets into something like gardening, cooking new types of recipes, etc. will really get into that thing. Anyway, ask her nicely about mulches, fertilizers, etc. Tell her you're interested and listen; arguing will cause too much tension.

Answer 7

You are both half right. There is no need to move the mulch....the water will wash it in. Putting the fertililizer too near the trunk WILL indeed burn the plant....scatter it around the drip line.

Answer 8

Do like mom says and move the mulch.

Answer 9

water will wash it down under the mulch anyway. done

Answer 10

Listen to Mom! Don't you know that they are always right?