Fertilizer Calculator
Get personalized, practical fertilizer recommendations based on what you’re growing, how big it is, and whether it’s in the ground or a container.
Heavy feeder — requires consistent nutrition for high yields.
Choose the option that best matches your situation.
Recommendations for Vegetables
In-GroundFinished Compost
1–2 inches around the plant or 1–2 gallons per plant per application
essential
When: At planting + annually in spring or fall
The foundation of healthy plants. Improves soil structure and feeds microbes. Apply 1–3 inches as a top-dress or mix into planting hole.
Most “fertilizer problems” are actually soil problems. Compost fixes the root cause.
Blood Meal
1–2 tbsp per plant
high
When: At planting + side-dress every 4–6 weeks
Excellent for leafy growth early in the season.
Most vegetables are heavy nitrogen feeders during vegetative growth.
Bone Meal
1–2 tbsp per plant
high
When: At planting, worked into the root zone
Especially important for tomatoes, peppers, and root crops.
Supports strong roots and fruit development.
Kelp / Seaweed Meal
1 tbsp per plant
medium
When: When flowering begins, then every 4–6 weeks
Improves fruit quality and stress resistance.
Potassium is critical once plants start flowering and setting fruit.
Synthetic Alternatives (Secondary Options)
Balanced Granular (10-10-10 or 5-5-5)
Follow package rates — Early spring (and mid-season for vegetables)
Use only if you do not have good organic matter in the soil.
Bloom Booster (5-10-10 or 10-30-20)
Follow label rates for your plant size — When plants begin flowering
Switch to this after good vegetative growth is established.
For best results, get a soil test before applying significant amounts of any fertilizer. Many nutrient problems are actually pH or soil structure issues that fertilizer alone cannot fix.
These are general guidelines based on common horticultural practices. A soil test is the best way to know exactly what your soil needs.