Knowledgebase

Small garden nutrient #876018

Asked July 05, 2024, 2:54 PM EDT

I have a small backyard vegetable garden in raised beds so I can alter nutritional needs, depending on the crop. I do the NPK tests often, but I cant find any solid information on specific crop needs (in ppm or mg/L). Specifically was wondering about corn, squash, tomato and potato. The herbs and salad greens seem to be fairly generic and less picky. Thanks

Clatsop County Oregon

Expert Response

The amount of nutrient in the form of fertilizer to apply to a garden bed depends on the amount of organic matter present, the type of fertilizer applied and the natural fertility of the soil.  A soil test will help you determine the needs of your crops.  There are many soil testing labs in Oregon.  Before choosing a lab call for current prices and find out how the results are presented so that you may best understand the results.  Take soil samples from each planting area as they may vary greatly.  This will help with determining application of fertilizer for the specific vegetables you are inquiring about. 

The following OSU publication will cover many aspects of growing vegetables in the home garden.

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1503-fertilizing-your-garden-vegetables-fruits-ornamentals

Thank you for your question.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 08, 2024, 8:28 PM EDT

Loading ...