Fertilizer

Fertilizer

As discussed in the detailed section on fertilizers and nutrients, the type of fertilizer used and its concentration depend on the soil composition and the plants being grown. To determine optimal vegetable growth, the soil should be tested to determine the pH level and nutrient content. 

Since I had filled my raised garden bed with high-quality organic bagged soils and compost, I went light on the fertilizer for the first growing season. However, since plants use up large quantities of nutrients, I placed two handfuls of compost around my plants' stems every two to three weeks and added a handful of general fertilizer every six weeks.

Cucumbers require extra feeding when the baby cucumbers appear.  When this happens, I add extra compost, including worm casting plus 2 to 3 teaspoons of Epsom salts in a solution of liquid fertilizer mixed according to manufactures instructions (see section on fertilizers on the Micro-ecosystem page).