Personal Preference

I'm not averse to using chemical fertilizers on occasion. I apply them, carefully, to the lawn in the fall and, if needed, in the early spring. Nitrogen is transient, so I look for a slow-release formulation and try not to drop granules on walkways and other hard surfaces, where rainwater can wash them into waterways. You can also harm plants with chemical fertilizers by applying products excessively or during periods of drought.

In making up large-container plant compositions in the spring, I like to add a little slow-release, balanced fertilizer to the fresh potting soil. Nutrients are soon washed out of pots -- even big ones -- and container plants tend to be heavy feeders.

However, for most of my other garden plants, including vegetables, perennials, vines, roses and shrubs, I like to add a cup each of fish emulsion and seaweed-based fertilizer to four gallons of water (the capacity of my watering can). These products are sympathetic to the overriding principle of feeding the soil, rather than the individual plant. For this, compost is vital. With it, soil has more air, more water, and more of the microbes and humic acids that allow plants to do a more efficient job of tapping nutrients. If you can't make your own, compost products are available in bags from home and garden centers or in bulk from mulch merchants.

Adrian Higgins