Summer is a season of growth, blooms, and backyard harvests—but it's also when many gardeners wonder if they should continue fertilizing. With Alabama's high temperatures and humidity, applying fertilizer at the wrong time or in the wrong amount can do more harm than good.

The good news is that many plants still benefit from summer feeding. The key is knowing what to fertilize, when to fertilize, and how much to apply.

Do Plants Need Fertilizer in the Summer?

Yes—but not all plants have the same needs.

Some plants continue growing and blooming all summer, while others naturally slow down during periods of extreme heat. Fertilizing should support healthy growth, not force plants to grow when they're already stressed.

Always consider the type of plant and the current weather before applying fertilizer.

Annual Flowers

Annuals are heavy feeders because they spend the entire season producing colorful blooms.

Plants like:

• SunPatiens
• Angelonia
• Lantana
• Pentas
• Vinca
• Cuphea

benefit from regular feeding throughout the growing season.

A balanced fertilizer helps encourage continuous flowering and keeps plants looking their best.

Hanging Baskets and Containers

Container gardens often need fertilizer more frequently than plants growing in the ground.

Every time you water a container, nutrients gradually wash out through the drainage holes.

To keep hanging baskets and patio pots blooming:

• Feed regularly according to the fertilizer label.
• Water thoroughly before applying fertilizer.
• Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

Healthy containers reward you with months of beautiful color.

Vegetable Gardens

Vegetable plants use a tremendous amount of energy producing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, and other crops.

Many vegetables benefit from additional feeding during the growing season, especially after the first harvest.

A steady supply of nutrients helps support:

• Healthy foliage
• Strong root systems
• Continued flowering
• Better fruit production

Avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of vegetables.

Trees and Shrubs

Established trees and shrubs usually require very little fertilizer during the heat of summer.

If they're healthy and growing well, it's often best to wait until a more appropriate time of year for routine fertilizing.

However, newly planted trees and shrubs may benefit from proper watering and good soil conditions more than additional fertilizer during their first summer.

If you're unsure, ask our team before applying fertilizer.

Avoid Fertilizing Heat-Stressed Plants

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is fertilizing plants that are already struggling.

If your plants are:

• Wilting
• Severely drought-stressed
• Recently transplanted
• Damaged by extreme heat

focus on correcting the underlying problem first.

Water deeply, add mulch if needed, and allow the plant to recover before considering fertilizer.

Water Before and After Fertilizing

Never apply fertilizer to dry soil.

Watering first helps protect roots and allows nutrients to move into the soil more evenly.

After applying fertilizer, water again if the product instructions recommend it. This helps activate many fertilizers and reduces the risk of root burn.

Always read and follow the label directions for the product you're using.

More Isn't Better

It's easy to think that extra fertilizer will lead to bigger flowers or larger harvests, but too much fertilizer can actually cause problems.

Overfertilizing may result in:

• Burned roots
• Yellow or damaged leaves
• Weak, excessive leafy growth
• Fewer flowers or vegetables
• Increased plant stress

Following the recommended application rate gives your plants the nutrients they need without overloading them.

Healthy Soil Comes First

Fertilizer works best when it's paired with healthy soil.

Improving your soil with compost, adding a fresh layer of mulch, and watering consistently often have just as much impact on plant health as fertilizer itself.

Strong roots growing in healthy soil are the foundation of a thriving garden.

Not Sure Which Fertilizer to Use?

There are many different fertilizers available, and choosing the right one depends on what you're growing.

Annual flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs, lawns, and container gardens all have different nutritional needs.

Our knowledgeable team is happy to help you choose the right fertilizer and explain how and when to use it for the best results.

Visit Andy's Creekside Nursery

Whether you're feeding flowers, growing vegetables, or caring for your landscape, we're here to help you garden with confidence.

At Andy's Creekside Nursery, you'll find quality fertilizers, soils, mulch, healthy plants, and expert advice tailored to Alabama gardens. Stop by this summer, and let us help you choose the right products to keep your landscape growing strong all season long.