Fertilize or not? How to save vegetables after heatwaves

As summer heatwaves take their toll on gardens, experts are offering advice on how to revive struggling vegetable plants and maintain soil health. Agronomist Loreta Aleknavičienė from "Viva Fertilis" confirms the efficacy of traditional, natural fertilization methods, such as using banana peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds, which were commonly employed by previous generations.

Banana peels, rich in potassium, can be a valuable organic fertilizer. However, Aleknavičienė cautions against simply burying whole peels or large pieces, as this can attract rodents and pests. She recommends finely chopping the peels, soaking them in water for two to three days, and using the resulting liquid to water plants. Alternatively, peels can be added to compost or tilled into the soil in the fall or spring before planting.

Eggshells are a good source of calcium, but their effectiveness depends on soil pH. Aleknavičienė advises using them in slightly acidic or alkaline soils to help maintain a stable pH level, rather than in highly acidic soil where the goal is to raise pH. Coffee grounds, another popular organic fertilizer, provide long-lasting nutrients and act as food for microorganisms in the soil. The article notes that one gardener, Nojus, is conducting an experiment to verify coffee's soil-acidifying properties.

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For example, banana peels are an excellent organic material that, when incorporated into the soil, not only releases nutrients but also becomes food for bacteria and increases soil humus.

Following intense heat and dry spells, plants like cucumbers may struggle to absorb essential nutrients such as boron, leading to the shedding of developing fruit. To combat this, maintaining proper soil moisture through consistent watering is crucial. Applying boron-based treatments at least twice can also help. When plants show clear signs of nutrient deficiency, natural fertilizers alone may not suffice due to their slow nutrient release. In such cases, Aleknavičienė suggests using liquid mineral fertilizers, especially those with a higher potassium content for fruiting plants and root vegetables like onions, beets, and carrots.

Proper timing and application are key for fertilizing stressed plants. After heat stress, it's best to water plants thoroughly before applying any fertilizer solution. For outdoor plants, waiting a day after rain before applying foliar fertilizers is recommended. Biostimulant substances can also aid in the recovery of severely stressed plants. Aleknavičienė concludes that fertilization is essential for a good harvest, and the best results are achieved by intelligently combining organic and liquid mineral fertilizers to maintain soil health.

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If you want a bountiful harvest and at the same time aim not to deplete the soil, fertilizing is necessary in any case, and you will achieve the best results by intelligently combining organic fertilizers with liquid mineral products.