Marianne's Response

Is Fall a Good Time to Fertilize Shrubs?

Is this a good time to fertilize my shrubs and fall blooming perennials? I have some Pieris that are looking quite sad; they haven’t grown much over the summer and I’m wondering if there is a boost I could give them now. Thank you!

Posted by Marilyn Piper on September 3, 2020

Marianne's Response

I like to wait until spring to fertilize shrubs so they won't put on tender new growth and the same for perennials. A light feeding from compost or a dairy manure mulch is fine but most plants including roses should be encouraged to slow down their growth in the fall not speed it up with fertilizer.  Keep growing - but not too much in the fall, Marianne Binetti