By the time June rolls around in DeKalb County, your garden is waking up fast. Tomatoes are stretching skyward, squash leaves are shading the soil, and beans are climbing like they’re in a race. But even the best soil can use a boost—and that’s where fertilizer comes in.

If you’ve ever stood in the garden center staring at bags labeled “10-10-10,” “5-1-1,” or “OMRI listed,” you’re not alone. Fertilizer can feel a little overwhelming at first, but here’s the heart of it: your plants don’t eat soil—they eat what’s in it. And sometimes, that buffet needs restocking.

Let’s start with the basics. Plants need three major nutrients: Nitrogen (N) for leafy growth, Phosphorus (P) for roots and flowers, and Potassium (K) for fruit, disease resistance, and strength. If your garden is growing fast but not producing much fruit, you might be heavy on nitrogen and light on phosphorus. If things look pale and sluggish, it could be a potassium shortage.

So which kind of fertilizer should you use—organic or synthetic? Honestly, both have their place.

Organic fertilizers (like compost, fish emulsion, and bone meal) build soil health over time and feed plants more slowly. They’re great for long-term soil improvement and gentle feeding, especially when mixed in at planting time.

Synthetic fertilizers (the blue stuff, the pellets, the bags with numbers) work fast and deliver exact doses. They can be helpful if your plants need a quick boost, especially during peak growing season—but overdoing it can burn roots or create imbalances.

My advice? Use organic matter—compost, mulch, worm castings—as your foundation. Then supplement where needed with targeted feeding, especially for heavy feeders like tomatoes, corn, and squash.

And timing matters. Fertilize early in the morning or in the cool of evening to avoid leaf burn. Water it in well, or apply just before a good rain. Don’t fertilize stressed or bone-dry plants—it’s like offering someone a sandwich while they’re running a marathon.

And here’s some good news for those who feel like they’re running behind: it’s not too late to plant. In fact, here in DeKalb County, you can grow nearly year-round. With our long growing season, there’s something to plant in nearly every month of the year—whether it’s tomatoes in June, turnips in August, or greens in October.

The best gardens aren’t just planted—they’re fed. A little attention to nutrition now can mean a much bigger harvest later.

About the Author

Dr. Philip Seagraves is the owner, along with his wife Cathy, of Griffin’s Produce in Smithville. A local fixture for over 50 years, Griffin’s has long been a trusted source for fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and garden plants in DeKalb County. It has also been named “Best of the Best” Produce Market in DeKalb County by the Smithville Review many years running.