Fertilze your Perennial Beds

Here in Chicago we are getting some much needed rain.  It's a great time to fertilize your perennial beds.  Look for a granular fertilizer with equal parts N-P-K.  A good 10-10-10 or 14-14-14.  Avoid fertilizers that are too high in Nitrogen as this will result in leggy vegetative growth and may reduce the  number of blooms your plants put out.  I like to put it this way.  Fertilizers contain Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium.  Each preforms a different job. They make a plant grow up,down & all around. Nitrogen makes plants grow up, Phosphorus makes a plant grow down, that is it promotes root development and growth and Potassium is good all around as it is an important carrier molecule in plant physiology.  So if you're hitting your local Garden Center or Hardware Store today look for a good granular fertilizer.  Try Osmocote...and leave the Miracle Grow on the shelf this year.  Your perennials and annuals will thank you.  Good Luck & Happy Gardening!!!!!!!!!!