Fertilizers are applied to enhance the soil's natural fertility. The rate of fertilizer to apply varies according to the crop grown, soil type, and other factors. The following are general fertilizer recommendations for established tree and small fruits in the home garden. Manure can be used as an alternative to commercial fertilizers.

Established plantings of June-bearing strawberries should not be fertilized in the spring. Fertilizer should be applied to June-bearing strawberries  immediately after the last harvest of the season. Apply approximately 5 pounds of a 10-10-10 or similar analysis fertilizer per 100 feet of row.

Apply 5 pounds of a 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet to everbearing and day-neutral strawberries in early spring and again in early August.

Established raspberries and blackberries should be fertilized in the spring before new growth begins. Apply 4 to 5 pounds of a 10-10-10  fertilizer for each 100 feet of row. Uniformly broadcast the fertilizer in a 2-foot band. If the raspberries and blackberries are mulched with sawdust or wood chips, apply 5 to 6 pounds of 10-10-10 per 100 feet of row. Do not fertilize raspberries and blackberries in late spring or summer.

Most of the time it is not necessary for home gardeners to fertilize grapes. Fertilize grapevines only when plants appear to have slow growth or poor leaf color. Use a complete fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Broadcast 1/2 pound around each plant. Too much nitrogen can cause excessive vegetative growth and delay vine and fruit maturity. The best time to fertilize is early spring. Do not fertilize grapevines in late spring or summer.

Once established, apply 1/2 to 1 pound of ammonium sulfate per 100 square feet of garden area. Apply the material in broad bands around the plants in early spring before bud break. Do not fertilize after the blooming period. Ammonium sulfate supplies nitrogen to the plants and also helps to maintain soil acidity.

It is generally not necessary to fertilize fruit trees. Check tree growth to determine whether fruit trees need fertilization. Non-bearing fruit trees should grow approximately 15 to 30 inches a year. Bearing trees should grow 8 to 15 inches a year . Fruit trees growing slower than this may need fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, in early spring before bud break.. Evenly broadcast  fertilizer in a circular band beginning about 2 or 3 feet from the trunk and extending out slightly beyond the dripline of the tree.If the lawn in the vicinity of the fruit trees is fertilized on a regular basis, there should be no need to fertilize the trees. The fruit tree roots will absorb nutrients from the lawn fertilizer. Additional fertilizer may be excessive.

When fertilizing fruit trees and other fruiting plants, the timing of the application and amounts are important. Unless otherwise noted early spring is the best time to fertilize fruit trees and other fruiting plants. Avoid fertilizing in summer as this may stimulate late summer or fall growth that is more susceptible to winter injury. Too much fertilizer can cause excessive vegetative growth and can decrease fruiting.

On The Spot Garden Tip The very best time to plant most annuals is during the late afternoon.