Suggestions on how to fertilize a vegetable garden that is already planted?

Question

My vegetable garden is already established, but unfortunately the leaves are yellowing and it has quite a bit of weeds meaning it needs fertilizer. Any suggestions how to fertilize it efficiently, without compromising the plants?

Thanks!

Answer 1

First thing - pull the weeds.  They're using up the nutrients that should be going to your plants.  

Second - determine what the NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) requirements are for the plants you've got in your garden.  Be aware that some veggies (notably tomatoes) have significantly different NPK requirements than others.  

Third - find a fertilizer (or fertilizers) with this ratio - or close to it.  A lot of generic "vegetable fertilizers" will be close.  

You can also explore other fertilizer options.  I'm a huge coffee drinker, and I collect my grounds and use them to fertilize my herb garden.  If you don't drink coffee, a lot of coffee shops will give you their grounds for cheap or free.  Fish emulsions (available in garden centers - it's too stinky to try and make yourself) work too.

When you fertilize, spread the fertilizer over the soil and water it in.  Don't worry about  mixing it in and don't pour it directly onto the plants (the direct contact of the concentrated chemical compounds can burn the plant tissue).  Don't overfertilize and be sure the veggies are getting enough sunlight.  Have fun!