During the winter before you begin to garden, you will want to get a sample of your garden soil tested to determine the pH and nutrient content. The soil test will tell you how much fertilizer you must add to your garden initially. It is then easier to maintain a high level of fertility as you garden year after year. The addition of organic matter will add some fertilizer nutrients to the soil. You may need to add commercial fertilizer as well.
Most chemical fertilizers are simply rock or mineral materials rich in nutrient elements.
This publication was originally published 6-93. This page was created 3-99.