Fertilize roses, shrubs and conifers properly in autumn

Proper preparation for frosty temperatures is one of the mainstays of autumn plant care. The pivotal point is a balanced supply of nutrients. Now the focus is not on lush growth or the lavish abundance of flowers. Instead, it is important to strengthen the plants in the garden in such a way that even extreme fluctuations between frost and thaw do not cause the tissue cells to burst. The following instructions show how to properly fertilize roses, shrubs and conifers in autumn.

Potassium creates winter hardiness

A look at the composition of special autumn fertilizer shows that potassium is one of the main components. With good reason, because potassium fulfills a wide range of tasks in supplying plants with nutrients. As one of the ten most common elements in the earth's crust, potassium was given the nickname 'plant ash' because our ancestors used the ash of wood as a potassium fertilizer. In this way, the nutrient makes a valuable contribution to the transport of water in the plant pathways, optimizes the water pressure in the roots and promotes photosynthesis.

The outstanding advantage of potassium for the plant metabolism lies in the strengthening of frost resistance. The element accumulates in the plant cells, after which the salt content in the cell sap increases. As is well known, higher concentrations of salt always lower the freezing point. The tissue cells benefit from this effect, so that frosty temperatures cannot affect them so quickly. In addition, plants supplied with potassium are better equipped to withstand the intensive stresses of freeze to thaw and vice versa.

Roses, shrubs and conifers fertilize with Patentkali

In order to properly fertilize ornamental plants in the fall, potassium should be available in sufficient quantities. Patentkali has proven itself as a premium preparation among autumn fertilizers for many years. The fertilizer is characterized by a balanced combination of 30 percent potassium, 10 percent magnesium and 15-17 percent sulfur. Known under the name Kalimagnesia, the product is widely used in both professional horticulture and hobby gardens. In contrast to cheap offers, Patentkali meets the requirements of salt-sensitive roses, shrubs and conifers. At the same time, the fertilizer eliminates the increasing lack of sulphur, which as a nutrient in the soil is less and less available in sufficient concentration. Together with magnesium, these two nutrients ensure a lush green leaf and a colorful bloom. How to professionally fertilize your plants with Kalimagnesia:

• Fertilize roses between mid and late August with 40 grams per square meter
• Shrubs and conifers in September/October fertilize with 30-50 grams per square meter
• Distribute the water-soluble granules by hand or with a spreader
• Immediately afterwards, work in the surface with a rake and water sufficiently

When choosing the right time, it should be noted that the plant is still in the growth phase. Otherwise, the nutrients cannot be properly absorbed.

To fertilize potted plants with patent potash in the fall, the preparation is first dissolved in water. The administration takes place directly on the root area, so that the solution does not reach the leaves and flowers. If the substrate has dried several centimeters deep, first pour clear water to apply the fertilizer to moistened soil. This precaution applies whether the plant is in a bed or in a pot.

More potassium fertilizers for the fall

With DCM Vivikali, the specialist trade offers an option to Patentkali. According to EU regulations, this product is approved for organic farming and is used there as an autumn fertilizer to harden ornamental and useful plants. With 20 percent potassium, the preparation is in a slightly lower dose and contains no magnesium.

Where half the dose of potassium is sufficient for the autumn, polysulphate can also be considered. This potash raw salt has a very stable calcium shell that only gradually disintegrates. Therefore, the release of the nutrient takes place more slowly over the winter period. The content of sulfur and magnesium is at the level of patent potash.

Natural alternative to Kalimagnesia

Environmentally conscious hobby gardeners shy away from reaching for fertilizers from the store shelf. Instead, they rely on self-made fertilizers with purely natural ingredients. A prime example of a potassium-rich fall fertilizer is comfrey manure. After spring and summer nettle manure your roses, shrubs and conifers with nitrogen and phosphorus, comfrey manure serves as a logical continuation for strengthening before Winter. The simple preparation follows this proven recipe:

• All parts of the plant above ground can be used
• Stir 1,000 grams of comminuted comfrey plants into 10 liters of water in a wooden tub
• Cover the jar with chicken wire or a loosely fitted lid
• Leave to ferment in a warm, sunny place for 10 to 14 days
• The addition of stone flour, valerian or chamomile reduces the unpleasant smell
• Stir the mixture daily with a wooden stick

If the broth turns brown, the fermentation process is complete. Now the comfrey manure is strained and kept in a semi-shady to shady place.

Beginning at the end of July/beginning of August, fertilize roses, shrubs and conifers every 14 days with comfrey manure that has been previously diluted at a ratio of 1:10. For species and varieties that tolerate foliar fertilization, apply the natural autumn fertilizer diluted in a ratio of 1:50.

Soil analysis prevents over-fertilization

In ecologically cultivated ornamental and vegetable gardens, fertilizers are only used when there is an actual need. This protects the environment and your wallet at the same time. In addition, over-fertilization often turns into the opposite and does more harm than good. Prudent hobby gardeners therefore commission a soil analysis every 3 to 4 years, which provides far more information than the standard pH value test. The result clearly shows the extent to which the most important soil nutrients are present, such as nitrogen, magnesium, potassium, sulfur or phosphorus. In addition, the commissioned laboratory provides a well-founded fertilizer recommendation, specially tailored to your garden. The analysis is as simple as this:

• 10-15 soil samples are taken from different locations and placed in a container
• Thoroughly mixed, 500 grams of soil comes in a bag
• The laboratory learns all the important details about the samples from a data entry form provided

The sample is sent to the institute by post in a sturdy shipping carton. After an average of 2-3 weeks you will have the written result in your hands.

Conclusion

Potassium reduces winter strains on plants caused by frosty temperatures and permanent wetness. The natural element strengthens the tissue cells so that repeated fluctuations between freezing and thawing do not cause any damage. Patentkali has proven to be excellent for fertilizing roses, shrubs and conifers in the fall. The fertilizer known as Kalimagnesia also contains sulfur and magnesium, other important nutrients for the cold season and a healthy start to the next season. Biologically oriented hobby gardeners use self-made comfrey manure instead of Patentkali, rich in natural potassium and without the risk of over-fertilization. A professional soil analysis every 3-4 years determines whether there is a need for fertilizers at all.

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