Jumpstart your Veggie Starts

When we transplant young starts into the garden, we often focus on watering, but forget that these babies are hungry. If your kale, broccoli, or greens look pale yellow or just aren’t growing, they might be facing transplant shock or a nitrogen deficiency. 

Here is what I do to give me starts a jumpstart
While slow-release organic granules are great for the long haul, new transplants benefit from a liquid fertilizer application (like fish emulsion) right after planting.

Jen Tip: I use the fertilizer at half-strength for the first dose. It’s enough to wake them up without shocking their sensitive new roots!

Heavy Feeders
Some veggies are hungrier than others! These specific crops need regular feeding to produce the big leaves and stalks we love:
The Brassica Family: Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cabbage. (They need nitrogen to stay deep green and crunchy!)
Leafy Greens: Swiss Chard, Spinach, and Romaine.
The Big Guys: Artichokes and Rhubarb.
Onions & Leeks: They need fuel to build those strong tops.

Who to Skip 
Hold off on fertilizing these guys:
Root Crops: Carrots/Beets– Too much nitrogen makes all greens and no veg. 
Woody Herbs: Rosemary/Lavender/Thyme – They actually prefer "lean" soil and taste better without the extra food.

What's Next?
Once I get the starts established, I typically move to a slow release fertilizer, mostly because it is easier for me to keep up with. I like Osmocote fertilizer and have always had good results in using it. Just read the label and you will be good to go.

Happy Gardening, 
Jen from Foxglove