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Fertilizer for vegetable garden #865911

Asked April 25, 2024, 3:19 PM EDT

Hello - I have a few questions for you related to fertilizing: 1) I recently had the soil in my backyard vegetable boxes tested and I want to amend the soil according to their recommendations before I plant/seed this year's crop. This is the first time that some of the boxes are testing low in Boron (0.2 - 0.3ppm). I read in one of your publications that you can add 1 tbsp Borax in 1 gallon of water and apply to 100 sq ft - do I need to wait any amount of time after that application before safely planting/seeding? 2) The soil testing suggests adding some sulfur (SO4-S) to avoid plant yellowing and lack of vigor. Which type of S product should I use? What should I look for on the label? 3) I also need to add N and was planning on adding feather meal. Because it is slow acting, should I apply some other form of N at planting time? If yes, which is preferred - blood meal or ammonium sulfate and at what rate? 4) I fertilized my blueberry bushes two months ago with an organic fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Can I test that soil now, or do I need to wait a certain amount of time longer? Some of my bushes are not doing well and I want to make sure everything is in the right range. Thank you for your help!!! Anne

Washington County Oregon

Expert Response

You have asked a mix of questions, and they are answered in this publication, EC 1503, Fertilizing Your Garden. Blueberries are listed in the shrub section.
Boron doesn’t move readily, so one application suggestion is to dissolve it in water and sprinkle it on the soil. I don’t find a specific amount of time before planting recommended.
Sulfur can be purchased at the garden centers. If you are needing it as a secondary mineral, you can choose a fertilizer with sulfur listed.
Either quick-acting nitrogen source is fine. Some crops benefit from additional applications during the growing season. The publication gives more specifics. Nitrogen is highly water soluble, so applying when a plant needs it is useful or it basically “washes away” from the root zone.
Test soil once a year for shrubs, generally in spring, as the nitrogen is depleted by winter rains. It takes time for other parts of fertilizer to “settle in” to the soil structure. 
Here is a link to EC 1304 about growing blueberries in a home garden. Check out the weeding, watering and fertilizing recommendations. Ask specific blueberry questions separately here, including photos, if your plants continue to struggle.
Hi Jacki,

Thanks for your quick reply.  This is very helpful.  One follow-up question about the sulfur - I don't want to add an all purpose fertilizer that includes S because my P and K levels are already high enough, so I'm looking for the correct S amendment product.  My understanding is that elemental S takes a long time to provide benefit and will reduce pH (which I don't need), so I need to use a product with readily available sulfate instead?  What am I looking for on the label to be sure I'm not purchasing elemental sulfur that will acidify the soil?

Thanks again!
Anne

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, April 26, 2024 08:48
To: Anne Carlson <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Fertilizer for vegetable garden (#0135832)
 
The Question Asker Replied April 26, 2024, 6:06 PM EDT
I think one of the nitrogen fertilizers with sulfur is what you’re looking for. From EC 1503: “Sidedress 1/2 cup of ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24) or equivalent fertilizer per 10 feet of row, and then water the plants. Do not apply this extra nitrogen to peas or tomatoes. If other nutrients have been omitted, you can add them at this time.”
I found this run-down of sulfur sources in a university site for Montana crops, but the science still applies here. “The major factors in choosing an S fertilizer are the S content of the fertilizer, the availability of the fertilizer to crops, the acidifying effect of the material, and the cost. Ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate sulfate, gypsum, and epsom salt are the most commonly used S sources because they quickly release sulfate for plant use. Of these fertilizers, ammonium sulfate contains the greatest percent S by weight (24%).” 
You won’t be applying large amounts, so I’m not sure the acidity of the soil will change much.
Thanks!

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, April 26, 2024 6:09:17 PM
To: Anne Carlson <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Fertilizer for vegetable garden (#0135832)
 
The Question Asker Replied April 29, 2024, 11:17 AM EDT

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