Which Fertilizers and Tonics To Give in Summer Season: Do you know that when we give fertilizers in the soil then some gas is released. I mean, we can say that ” when we give fertilizer in the soil – some heat is produced”.
Nowadays, one common question or query is being asked a lot that “Which fertilizers and tonics to give in summer season to keep plants healthy and green?” This question is very genuine and important.
Why plants struggle in extreme heat?
Generally, in summer season when the temperature is high, fertilizer should not be given to the plants.
When temperature increases, our plants go into stress. You may observe the leaves of Tulsi (Holy basil), Hibiscus, and other plants become dull and starts turning yellow and brown. Their growth slows down and flowering also stops.
In such condition – we often feel to give or add something to our plants so that they can recover and become healthy. But it is important to be careful here.
Note:
- However, if we give any kind of fertilizer to our plants then there is a high chance that our plants may get spoiled.
So, in this article, I will guide you and share my valuable tips for plant care in summer season. So, let’s start!
When To Give Fertilizers Based on Temperature
Condition 1 – When temperature is up to 35°C (Moderate heat)
If the temperature in your area is up to 35 degrees Celsius, then you can give any fertilizer to your plants. In this condition, the plants remain healthy and are able to absorb the nutrients effectively.
You can give:
- Organic fertilizers like – Banana liquid peel, Onion liquid peel, Cow dung liquid, Neem Cake, Mustard cake liquid fertilizer, Groundnut cake liquid fertilizer.
- Supplements like – Epsom salts, humic acid, fulvic acid.
- Chemical fertilizer (in small quantity) like – Urea, DAP, Potash, Bone meal.
- Kitchen tonics like – Fitkari (Alum) water, milk, buttermilk, etc.
Important points to keep in mind:
- Avoid overfeeding of fertilizers.
- Maintain a gap of at least 10 to 15 days between the two fertilizers.
The problem arises when the temperature goes above 35 degrees.
Condition 2: When temperature is between 35°C to 45°C (High heat)
Let me make one thing clear – most of the common plants (indoor plants like – Areca Palm, Pothos, Monstera, etc.) and outdoor plants like (Hibiscus, Neem, Tulsi, etc) that we have planted in our pots, fruit plants like – Mango, Chickoo (Sapota), all perform best between 15°C and 35°C.
When temperature increases till 45°C, our plants internal process slows down and they go into stress. This is natural, we can’t do anything about it.
Avoid using heavy fertilizers such as:
- Organic strong fertilizers like – Mustard cake liquid fertilizer, Seaweed liquid (granules may be safer), Cow dung compost (especially from market sources), Leaf compost, Neem cake.
- Chemical fertilizers like – Urea or DAP, Potash, Bone meal.
By adding these heavy fertilizers can burn the roots of the plants and can also cause fungal infections due to the heat they release.
Note:
- If you are gardening in an area where there is no strong sunlight, if your plants are healthy and no damage has occurred, then don’t give any fertilizer.
Which Fertilizers is safe to Give between 35°C to 45°C
If you are growing vegetables like pumpkin, bottle gourd, cucumber, bitter gourd, etc. This is the peak time for these vegetables and they need heavy fertilizers to grow and produce fruit.
- Also, summer plants like Portulaca, Adenium, etc, they also grow in summer season and also they need some fertilizers for healthy growth.
If there is no flowering or fruiting, then all my efforts are in vain. So in this case, we need to give fertilizers.
You can give fertilizers but in moderate and in diluted form:
- Organic fertilizers like – Seaweed granules, Cow Dung liquid fertilizers, Banana Peel Fertilizer, Watermelon and Muskmelon Peel Tonic, Vermicompost tea,
- Supplements like – Epsom salt.
Condition 3: When temperature goes above 45°C (Extreme heat)
Now the next condition is: when the temperature goes above 45°C what should be done?
Avoid using any fertilizers, if there is any urgency. At this situation, focus on protecting your plants rather than giving fertilizers.
Do’s
- Keep your plants in shade.
- Put a green net.
- Water plants both morning and evening.
- Maintain moisture in the soil.
- If possible, do mulching.
- Use neem oil or neem leaves solution sprays to prevent any fungal or pest infections.
Don’ts
- Do not buy new plants.
- Do not repot plants.
- Do not prune (normal, hard and root pruning)
- Do not shift plants unnecessary.
- Do not spray tonics or fertilizers in the afternoon.
You can use some safe fertilizers at Above 45°C (If Necessary)
- Watermelon and melon peels (once every 15 days)
- Cow dung liquid fertilizer (in diluted form) (once every 15 days)
- Banana peel liquid fertilizer (once every 15 days)
- Vermicompost tea (once every 15 days)
Epsom salt (give it only when it is needed)
If the color of the leaves of any of your plants has flown away. The leaves are turning white instead of green. They have become light in color. This is called chlorosis. So what to do in this? 1 spoon Epsom salt. Take 1 liter of water. Mix it well.
- Give it well in the soil.
- Spray it well on the plant.
- keep the plant in the shade.
Do not keep it in the sun.
Condition 4: When temperature goes above 50°C (Extreme extreme heat)
Now what to do when the temperature goes above 50 degrees Celsius?
At this time, do nothing but your focus should be on saving your plants any how.
- No pruning, no fertilizer, no repotting.
Do basic care of your plants such as:
- Keep plants in shade,
- keep your plants cool,
- Do mulching,
- Give adequate water in morning and evening.
- Maintain moisture in soil.
- Occasionally – add little vermicompost. Give a little bit of vermicompost in a 12-inch pot. That’s it. Just save the plants somehow.
Wait for monsoon – your plants will automatically recover and they will become healthy and green.
Must read articles on Organic Fertilizers:
How to make and Use Cow Dung Liquid Fertilizers
How to make and Use Banana Peel Liquid Fertilizers
How to Make and Use Onion Peel Liquid Fertilizers
How To Make and Use Mustard Cake Liquid Fertilizers
How To Make and Use Groundnut Cake Liquid Fertilizers
Benefits and Uses of Seaweed Fertilizers
How to Use Epsom Salt for Plants
How to Make and Use Vermicompost Tea
How To Make and Use Neem Cake Fertilizer
Leaf Compost benefits and uses
