In nature, the rhododendron grows primarily on acidic, permeable soil and fertilization should be adapted to these special conditions. It needs the right nutrients so that its flowers can fully develop. We'll tell you which home remedies you can use to fertilize your rhododendron.
Rhododendrons are one of the blooming stars of spring and early summer. They are forest shrubs and should be fertilized regularly to produce colorful flowers in the garden. With the following simple home remedies you will satisfy your specific needs and keep your plants in the best shape.
When and how often should you fertilize it?
The rhododendrons are best fertilized in late spring between April and May. A single fertilization per year is sufficient for the health of the plant. You can consider a second fertilization after the rainy days of spring when nutrients are washed out and the soil is depleted.
Even if you want particularly lush growth, you can fertilize again at the beginning and end of early summer.
How to fertilize rhododendrons with coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are produced every day in almost every household. Its slightly acidic properties can be used to increase the pH of the soil so that rhododendrons grow better. And when used in smaller amounts, it provides beneficial nutrients that are released over a longer period of time.
There is no specific amount of coffee grounds required to make the soil more acidic. However, we recommend that you check the natural pH of the soil and then add an appropriate amount of coffee grounds to increase it further. Use one of the following methods to fertilize your plants with coffee grounds.
- Spread on the roots:Allow the coffee grounds to dry, spread them around the root zone of the rhododendron and water them well.
- Add the coffee grounds to the water:Put 1 cup of coffee grounds in a bucket with 10 liters of water and let it soak for about 2 days. Then water your plants, avoiding those that like a soil with a normal pH.
- Add to compost:If you choose this option, be sure to add fresh coffee grounds to the compost as they have a higher acidity than used coffee grounds. This method controls the frequency of addition because you only add the coffee grounds at the times you are making the compost.
- Sprinkle on the ground:Sprinkle the coffee grounds directly onto the garden soil and then water. This way it mixes with the soil and the nutrients are introduced into the soil. You can also dig holes in the ground and pour the coffee grounds into them. In this case, irrigation is not necessary.
Fertilize with a decoction of nettles
Nettle has many health properties. It is rich in nitrogen and a homemade decoction of nettle is an excellent fertilizer for the rhododendron to promote its growth.
To make the decoction, you should pick nettles. You can find them on roadsides or in the meadows. But don't forget to use gloves.
Put 200 g of nettles in a container and add 2 liters of rainwater, not filling the container to the top so that the liquid does not slosh during fermentation. Let the mixture steep for about three weeks.
Always dilute the stock with water before watering the rhododendrons.
Watering with vegetable water
When draining vegetables for lunch, never throw away the water. It is ideal for watering rhododendrons in between. Use vegetable water from asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli and other cabbages and especially potato water after cooking, which has many minerals and nutrients for the plants.
Just make sure to let it cool down well before watering so that the heat doesn't damage the plant's roots.
Fertilize rhododendrons with home remedies: Epsom salt
Epsom salt is a home remedy used by many gardeners as a fertilizer to compensate for magnesium deficiency in the soil.
If you notice that the leaves of your rhododendron are between the green leaf veinsbegin to yellow, your plant is suffering from iron or magnesium deficiency. If the older leaves become reddish-purple spots and brown edges after yellowing, it means that the plant is suffering from magnesium deficiency.
Mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt with 4 liters of water and water the plant with this solution.
Use banana peels to fertilize the plant
Banana peels are ideal as fertilizerin the garden.
Let them soak and ferment in water for a month until they turn into vinegar. Dilute it with water and water the rhododendrons with the solution to increase the acidity of the soil.
Or, bury the trays in the garden in 3-inch-deep holes around the base of the plant and relatively close to the roots so that they can compost naturally and release nutrients slowly. The rhododendron, which likes acidic soil, will especially love this special treatment.
Just be sure to bury the banana peels relatively deep so that they don't attract unwanted animals or insects in the garden.
