When To Apply Your Natural Fertilizer
Watch for signs: If plants start looking yellow or are growing reluctantly, it's a good sign they need more fertilizer. Only use 100% Natural fertilizers – not synthetics – for best results.
Remember, you, your family, and local wildlife will be eating many of the fruits from your orchard or garden.
Application rates
For Fruit and Citrus Trees, Tomatoes, Flowers, Vegetables, Outdoor Plants, Berries, and NPK
1 trowel each per feeding.
For Indoor Plants
1 spoonful ( which is provided) at a feeding.
Micronutrients
Incorporate Grandpa’s Backyard Micronutrient Blend before and during planting to ensure that
whatever nutrients are lacking in your existing soil will be replenished, and throughout the
growing season if plants begin to look stressed or are underperforming. A small application is all
that is necessary. Your plants will find what they are needing.
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Water the area lightly before and after applying fertilizer to help the tree absorb the nutrients and
prevent root burn. -
Spread the fertilizer around the drip line of the tree (the area where the branches end), not right
against the trunk.
Tomatoes
The best time to fertilize tomatoes with Grandpa’s Backyard Essential Blends is at key stages: at
planting time (use Grandpa’s Backyard Micronutrient Blend), when plants begin to flower (use
Grandpa’s Backyard Tomato Blend), and when the first fruits form (use Grandpa’s Backyard Tomato
Blend). You can also fertilize every few weeks or monthly once flowering begins.
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Water the area lightly before and after applying fertilizer to help the tree absorb the nutrients and
prevent root burn. -
Spread the fertilizer around the drip line of the tree (the area where the branches end), not right
against the trunk.
Vegetables
The best time to fertilize vegetables with Grandpa’s Backyard Essential Vegetable Blend is in early
spring to provide nutrients for new growth, or before planting to enrich the soil with a slow-release
fertilizer. You should also fertilize throughout the growing season as plants need it, with specific timing
depending on the vegetable and its growth stage.
Before planting
1. Incorporate Grandpa’s Backyard Micronutrient Blend before planting to ensure that whatever
nutrients are lacking in your existing soil will be replenished.
Early spring
2. Apply Grandpa’s Backyard Essential Vegetable Blend. This is a crucial time for new growth
During the growing season
3. Regular applications: For continued productivity, apply Grandpa’s Essential Vegetable Blend fertilizer every three to four weeks, depending on the specific plant's needs.
Citrus Trees
The best time to fertilize citrus trees with Grandpa’s Backyard Essential Citrus Tree Blend is in early
spring, just before they bloom, and continue with additional applications every 6-8 weeks through the
summer. Avoid fertilizing in the late fall and winter when trees are dormant and the weather is cold to
prevent adverse effects on fruit quality.
-
Water the area lightly before and after applying fertilizer to help the tree absorb the nutrients
and prevent root burn. -
Spread the fertilizer around the drip line of the tree (the area where the branches end), not right
against the trunk.
Fruit Trees
The best time to fertilize your fruit trees with Grandpa’s Backyard Essential Fruit Tree Blend is in early spring before bud break. You can apply a second, smaller application in late spring or early summer after the fruit has set, but stop fertilizing by mid-summer to prevent winter damage. For some trees and soil types, a late fall/early winter application can also be beneficial.
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Water the area lightly before and after applying fertilizer to help the tree absorb the nutrients and prevent root burn.
-
Spread the fertilizer around the drip line of the tree (the area where the branches end), not right against the trunk.
Berries
The best time to fertilize berries with Grandpa’s Backyard Essential Berry Blend depends on the type,
but most should be fertilized in early spring as new growth begins. A second application is often
recommended in mid-spring, with a third after harvest.
-
Water the area lightly before and after applying fertilizer to help the tree absorb the nutrients and
prevent root burn. -
Spread the fertilizer around the drip line of the tree (the area where the branches end), not right
against the trunk.
Flowers
Apply Grandpa's Backyard Flower Blend to flower beds in early spring as new growth begins, and repeat in mid-summer—particularly for annuals and perennials that bloom for long periods. Roses should be fertilized once a month from May through July. Spring-blooming bulbs benefit from a second feeding after they finish flowering, while summer-blooming bulbs should be fertilized once their blooms have faded.
-
Water the area lightly before and after applying fertilizer to help the tree absorb the nutrients and
prevent root burn. -
Spread the fertilizer around the drip line of the tree (the area where the branches end), not right
against the trunk.
Indoor Plants
The best time to fertilize indoor plants with Grandpa’s Backyard Essential Indoor Plant Blend is during
their active growing season, from spring through summer (roughly March to September). You should
stop fertilizing in the dormant season (winter, approximately October to March) because plants slow
down and may not be able to use the nutrients, which can lead to root damage. Some plants have
different needs, so check specific care instructions for your plant types.
-
Water the area lightly before and after applying fertilizer to help the tree absorb the nutrients and
prevent root burn. -
Spread the fertilizer around the drip line of the tree (the area where the branches end), not right
against the trunk.
Outdoor Plants
The best time to fertilize your outdoor plants with Grandpa’s Backyard Essential Outdoor Plant Blend
is early spring when they are actively growing after winter dormancy. However, the ideal time can vary,
with late fall being a good option for trees and shrubs to help them prepare for winter. You should
always fertilize plants when they are not dormant and have sufficient moisture in the soil, ideally in the
coolest part of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
-
Water the area lightly before and after applying fertilizer to help the tree absorb the nutrients and
prevent root burn. -
Spread the fertilizer around the drip line of the tree (the area where the branches end), not right
against the trunk.
Nitrogen (N)
The best times of year to fertilize plants with Grandpa’s Backyard Essential Nitrogen Blend is in
the early spring to kick-start growth and in the late fall to help roots build strength for winter. Avoid
fertilizing in late summer, as this can encourage new growth that is vulnerable to cold damage.
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Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, out to the drip line.
Phosphorus (P)
The best time to fertilize with Grandpa’s Backyard Essential Phosphorus Blend is before or during
planting to support root growth, or in early spring to promote root establishment and in late spring to
early summer for flowering plants
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Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, out to the drip line.
Potassium (K)
The best times of year to fertilize plants with Grandpa’s Backyard Essential Potassium Blend is in
the fall to improve winter hardiness or in the spring before new growth begins. Fall fertilization, timed
about six weeks before the first frost, helps strengthen plants for winter dormancy, while spring
application provides nutrients for active growth and flowering.
-
Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, out to the drip line.
All-Natural Contents of our Fertilizers
Why are macro and micronutrients important?
Macro and micronutrients are essential for plant growth and development, playing crucial roles in various metabolic processes. For example, iron is involved in chlorophyll synthesis, manganese is needed for enzyme activity, and zinc is important for growth and hormone production.
Alfalfa Meal
Alfalfa meal is a gentle, organic source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that naturally enriches soil and stimulates growth. It contains trace minerals and triacontanol, a natural plant growth stimulant that enhances nutrient uptake and microbial life. As it breaks down, alfalfa meal improves soil structure and supports long-term fertility.
Azomite
Azomite is a mineral-rich soil amendment containing a broad spectrum of micronutrients, including boron, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, molybdenum, and zinc. These micronutrients are essential for plant health and growth, playing crucial roles in various physiological processes.
Bat Guano
Bat guano is a potent organic fertilizer valued for its balanced nutrients and microbial richness. Depending on the source, it can boost leafy growth or enhance flowering and fruiting. It improves soil aeration, stimulates microbial activity, and delivers quick, natural nourishment that promotes vibrant, productive plants.
Blood Meal
Blood meal primarily serves as a source of nitrogen (N) for plants, but it also contains trace amounts of other micronutrients. While its main focus is on providing nitrogen for vegetative growth, blood meal can also contribute to the overall health of the soil ecosystem by improving soil structure and microbial activity.
Bone Meal
Bone meal contains several micronutrients essential for plant health. These include magnesium, zinc, and iron, which are present in trace amounts. These micronutrients contribute to overall plant resilience and help prevent deficiencies in the soil. Bone meal also provides the macronutrients phosphorus and calcium, which are crucial for root development, disease prevention, and plant growth.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are a source of the micronutrients magnesium and sulfur. These nutrients are important for plant health and growth. Magnesium is crucial for chlorophyll production and nutrient uptake, while sulfur is essential for protein synthesis.
Feather Meal
Feather meal offers a slow-release source of nitrogen that provides long-lasting nutrition for steady, healthy growth. As it decomposes, it gently feeds plants and supports microbial life without the risk of burning roots. Ideal for long-season crops, it helps build strong, lush foliage over time.
Fish Meal
Fish meal is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and vital micronutrients that feed both plants and soil microbes. It encourages strong vegetative growth, vigorous root development, and early plant establishment. Its natural proteins and amino acids nourish beneficial soil organisms, promoting healthier, more resilient plants.
Granite Dust (Rock Dust)
Granite dust replenishes soils with potassium and a wide range of trace minerals essential for balanced fertility. These minerals support enzyme activity, chlorophyll production, and overall plant resilience. Over time, granite dust improves soil structure and enhances nutrient density in fruits and vegetables.
Greensand
Greensand, primarily composed of glauconite, is a rich source of micronutrients like iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and boron, in addition to potassium and other trace minerals. These micronutrients are essential for plant growth and development, playing vital roles in various enzymatic processes and overall plant health.
Kelp Meal
Kelp meal is a rich source of various micronutrients, including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iodine. It also contains trace minerals like selenium, boron, and copper. Kelp meal is often used as a fertilizer to provide these essential micronutrients to plants.
Oyster Shell Flour
Oyster shell flour is primarily a source of calcium, but it also contains various micronutrients that are beneficial for soil health and plant growth. These include zinc, selenium, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Rock Phosphate
Rock phosphate is a natural source of phosphorus and calcium, but it also contains various micronutrients in trace amounts. These micronutrients include iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu).
Sulfate of Potash
Sulfate of potash provides plants with essential potassium and sulfur—two nutrients that enhance root development, fruit quality, and overall plant vigor. Potassium strengthens stems, improves drought and disease resistance, and boosts flavor and color in fruits and flowers, while sulfur supports protein formation and enzyme activity for healthy growth.