DaveL
1418927587
Posted 1468847622
Reply with quote #1
I have read that towards the end of summer we should stop or cut back on fertilizing our trees. Why is that? Some recommend stopping as soon as early Augest. Also does the zone you grow in determine when you should stop. Those of us in lower zones are anywhere from four to six weeks behind warmer growing areas. Should we cease later in the summer?
figgary
1387147322
Posted 1468850874
Reply with quote #2
The idea is to not push tender, new growth, too close to your expected frost date. You want your plants to be slowing growth and going towards dormancy. In my zone, I don't feed nitrogen after about September 1.
DaveL
1418927587
Posted 1468851373
Reply with quote #3
Thanks Gary, what fertilizer do you use after September?
figgary
1387147322
Posted 1468852594
Reply with quote #4
Hi Dave,unless the plant is struggling and needs feeding, I usually don't. I mix plenty of compost, rock phosphate and a potash source like greensand or hardwood ashes into my soil mix, so food is always available as needed.
chrisb9341
1432594240
Posted 1468855978
Reply with quote #5
Great question Dave. Being in Zone 5 and having most of my figs ripening from mid/late Aug thru Sept., I want my plants to be well fed thru the final push and ripening time. I agree with Sept 1 as a last feed time with a water soluble food. The trees will be well fed thru sept and still have time to go dormant with the cooler nights and shorter days of oct and nov. This timing worked for me last year. All trees came out of the garage in April in great shape.
DaveL
1418927587
Posted 1468857224
Reply with quote #6
Thanks Chris. Good to hear.
jdsfrance
1376988473
Posted 1469111768
Reply with quote #7
Hi,
