How To Fertilize Aquatic Pond Plants
Fertilizers contain minerals that are used by plants for growth and development. There are many factors that may determine the amount and type of fertilizer to use such as amount of sun, temperature, water, and type of plant. Each plant varies on its requirements. It should be noted that fertilizers are not used to correct cultural problems. So, if the environment is not right, the use of fertilizers will not help the plant. Also remember that overfertilization can lead to algae problems in your garden pond.
Fertilizing Aquatic Pond Plants
Generally, slow release tablets or granular fertilizers with an analysis of 20-10-5, 5-10-5, 10-6-4, or 12-8-8 are all acceptable. The recommended rate for water lilies and lotus at the time of planting is four ounces of fertilizer for every one cubic foot of soil mixed into the soil. After that, monthly applications can be made up until about August. Tablet forms of fertilizer are the most convenient to use as they can be pushed into the soil. Granular forms of fertilizer can be wrapped in some type of biodegradable paper such as a coffee filter to make application easier. These can also be easily pushed into the soil. Emergent water plants can be fertilized at planting and once at midseason at about half the rate recommended for water lilies.
SEE ALSO:
Planting Aquatic Pond Plants
How To Build A Garden Pond