When and how often should I feed my perennials?

By Keith Funk

A:  My first application of plant food on my perennials is in early April.  I prefer a granular fertilizer with an analysis of 10-5-5 or something in that ballpark. that I can apply with a spreader and then water in thoroughly.  Any reputable brand of organic flower garden fertilizer will do.  Just follow label directions and repeat as often as recommended.  I feed monthly from April through September.  I’ve even used organic lawn food on my perennials in a pinch because I know organics are slow-release and won’t burn the foliage.

Keith Funk is handling our Q & A this year. You may have visited one of Keith’s Denver area gardens on a tour or know him from his years at Echter’s and now at Nick’s Garden Center. For 30 years he’s been heard every Saturday morning from 7-9 with fellow Wise Guy, Jim Borland, on the Garden Wise Radio Show on Legends 810AM.