Foliar Feeding Desert Plants

Foliar feeding is the process of spraying a type of fertilizer directly on the plant, rather than getting it into the soil.

Just as plants 'sweat out' gallons of water in the desert summertimes they are also capable of absorbing humidity and even nutrients. Commercial applications are done often and there's no real reason why you cannot try this on your plants as well.

Let's say for example you have a tree that looks as if it's starting to develop a nutrient deficiency. The leaves might be yellowing, curling, growing in very small or even simply falling off. If you apply fertilizer to the ground the fertilizer goes through several different steps before it actually reaches these leaves, if it even makes it that far at all.

When you add fertilizer to the soil it must break down into a nitrate form, be absorbed by the plant's roots, carried up into the roots, then into the trunk, then off to the leaves. By the time this happens your ailing plant could be on its way out.

Another reason foliar feeding desert plants is a good idea is because of the high amount of calcium in our desert soil. Many times nutrients from the fertilizer (such as iron, zinc, magnesium and manganese) get consumed by the calcium and once this happens, the nutrient is locked up and will never reach the roots of your plant.

Using the 1 tablespoon to 1 gallon technique, fill a spray bottle (or use a hose attachment with a fertilizer feeder) and mist the leaves. Go lightly, you don't need to drown the tree. Do this once a week for a month at the beginning of the new growing season for your plant. The leaves will absorb the nutrients and put them to use right away.

Yes, you can think of this as cheating, but it's a good way to get a quick fix to a plant. By the time you notice a deficiency in your desert plant, the plant has already started to take emergency action. The sooner you nip it the better off your shrub or tree will be.

Just remember to do this right before sunrise or sundown so the sun doesn't burn your wet leaves. Also, always dilute your fertilizer or fish emulsion. It is best to just use a tiny amount at first to see how it reacts with your plant, give it a few days and apply again. Too much will do more harm than good. This is not meant to replace fertilizing your soil! That's crucial, think of this as an extra boost.