By Ron Alexander

Fall is here and plant growth will begin to slow down as it gets colder. That said, winterizing your landscape, including some light fertilization, can be helpful. Plants still need some nitrogen and phosphorus in the fall for healthy growth to build energy reserves for the winter, just lower amounts of it. They can also benefit from light applications of potash (potassium) since it is a great winterizing nutrient for plants that enhances cold-weather hardiness. Note that even though Bloom does not make potassium content guarantees, Bloom does contain small amounts of the nutrient, typically in the range of 2 to 4 pounds of Soluble Potash (K 2 O) per ton.

Bloom, like other biosolids-based products, contains all three of the major plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium), but the nitrogen and phosphorous is in slowly releasing form, while the potassium is readily available. This makes Bloom a great product to use in winterizing your landscape. Of course, Bloom products also contain a broad array of secondary and micro-nutrients that can help your landscape plants and turf in the shorter term, as well as organic matter and humic substances, which improve soil functionality in the longer term.

Bloom, and other biosolids-based products, contain all three of the major plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium), but the nitrogen and phosphorous is in slowly releasing form, while the potassium is readily available. This makes Bloom a great product to use in winterizing your landscape. Of course, Bloom products also contain a broad array of secondary and micro-nutrients that can help your landscape plants and turf in the shorter term, as well as organic matter and humic substances, which improve soil functionality in the longer term.

How to Use Bloom in Fall

Well established trees – as part of your fall mulching routine, rake out the old mulch, apply an 1/8″-1/4″ layer of cured Bloom or Bloom’s woody blend, then mulch over the material with new mulch and water.

Perennial flower/shrub beds – similar to established trees, rake out the old mulch, apply an 1/8″-1/4″ layer of cured Bloom or Bloom’s woody blend (1/4″-1/2″ layer for heavier feeding plants), then mulch over the material with new mulch.

Lawns – as part of a fall core aeration and topdressing program, core aerate (heavier in more damaged areas), apply an 1/4″-1/2″ layer of cured Bloom or Bloom’s woody or sandy blend, rake the material into the core holes and water. Seed as necessary.

Annual beds – do not apply; wait until replanting in the springtime.

Good luck tucking in your plants for the winter!