How much, when and with what?

Fertilize properly in the compost raised bed

A well layered one Compost raised bed is filled to the brim with a wide variety of nutrients, so that extra Fertilize can be kept to a minimum. However, this only applies if you plant the vegetables according to their nutritional requirements. In the first year, it is advisable to put heavy eaters such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, cabbage, celery or potatoes, as this is when a lot of nutrients are released. Even in the second year, more heavy eaters can be planted, but then often need additional organic fertilization. In the spring, it is sufficient to work in a few handfuls Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) (approx. 100 grams per square meter) and Patentkali (approx. 20 grams per square meter). Since the supply of nutrients decreases over the course of the period of use, you should plant medium-consumers in the second, or at the latest in the third year, and low-consumption in the third to fourth year. Annual fertilization is also recommended here

Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) and Patentkali, but in a lower dose.

How to fertilize in the raised bed

If, on the other hand, you do not layer the raised bed, but annually fill with fresh earth, you need to regularly use a liquid Complete fertilizer fertilize. Since most of the potting soils are pre-fertilized, do not start with the nutrient supply until approx. four to six weeks after planting. Then give liquid fertilizer every one to three weeks, depending on the nutritional needs. If possible, use special plant fertilizers (e.g. B. Tomato or herb fertilizer). The dosage recommendations for commercially available all-roundVegetable fertilizer(€ 14.99 at Amazon *) usually refer to heavy consumers, which is why you have to calculate the dose down accordingly for medium and low consumers. Medium eaters receive only two thirds of the recommended dose, and weak eaters one third.

Mulching instead of fertilizing

Weekly Mulching not only ensures that the constant loss of substrate is balanced in the raised bed - you also provide your plants with additional nutrients and can save yourself both frequent watering and fertilization. For medium and low consumers, mulching with lawn clippings, chopped plant parts or compost even makes fertilizing completely superfluous. The more nitrogenous the mulch material, the better the soil will be fertilized with it. The smaller the material is cut, the faster it will break down.