Fertilizing Your Bee Balm Plant:
The Dos and Don’ts

Bee balm is a beautiful flowering plant that is known for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. It has a long blooming season, which makes it a popular choice among gardeners. To ensure that your bee balm plant stays healthy and vibrant throughout the season, it is essential to fertilize it properly. In this article, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of fertilizing your bee balm plant.

Dos of Fertilizing Your Bee Balm Plant

1. Use Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are the best option for fertilizing your bee balm plant. These fertilizers are made from natural ingredients that are safe for the environment and do not harm the beneficial insects that are attracted to your garden. Organic fertilizers also release nutrients slowly, which ensures that your plant receives a steady supply of nutrients over time.

2. Fertilize in Spring

Spring is the best time to fertilize your bee balm plant. This is because it is the time when the plant begins to grow actively, and it needs the extra nutrients to support its growth. You can apply a slow-release organic fertilizer at this time for best results.

3. Water Before Fertilizing

Before applying fertilizer, make sure to water your bee balm plant thoroughly. This will help the fertilizer to penetrate the soil more effectively and reach the roots of your plant.

4. Apply Fertilizer Sparingly

When applying fertilizer, make sure to use it sparingly. Over-fertilizing can damage your bee balm plant and cause it to grow too quickly, which can lead to weak stems and foliage.

Don’ts of Fertilizing Your Bee Balm Plant

1. Don’t Use Chemical Fertilizers

Chemical fertilizers can harm the beneficial insects that are attracted to your garden, such as bees and butterflies. They also release nutrients quickly, which can cause your bee balm plant to grow too quickly and become weak.

2. Don’t Fertilize in Summer

Summer is not the best time to fertilize your bee balm plant. This is because the heat can cause the fertilizer to evaporate quickly before it has a chance to penetrate the soil and reach the roots of your plant.

3. Don’t Over-Fertilize

Over-fertilizing can cause your bee balm plant to become weak and susceptible to disease or pests. It can also lead to excessive growth, which can make your plant top-heavy and prone to breaking.

4. Don’t Apply Fertilizer Too Close to the Stems

When applying fertilizer, make sure not to apply it too close to the stems of your bee balm plant. This can cause burn marks on the stems, which can lead to damage or death of your plant.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your bee balm plant stays healthy and vibrant throughout its blooming season.

FAQ

Q: How often should I fertilize my bee balm plant?

A: You should fertilize your bee balm plant once a year in spring.

Q: Can I use chemical fertilizers on my bee balm plant?

A: No, you should avoid using chemical fertilizers on your bee balm plant as they can be harmful to beneficial insects.

Q: Can I fertilize my bee balm plant in summer?

A: No, it is not recommended to fertilize your bee balm plant in summer as the heat can cause the fertilizer to evaporate too quickly.

Q: How much fertilizer should I use on my bee balm plant?

A: You should use fertilizer sparingly on your bee balm plant as over-fertilizing can damage it. Follow the instructions on the package for best results.

Q: Can I apply fertilizer directly onto the leaves of my bee balm plant?

A: No, you should avoid applying fertilizer directly onto the leaves of your bee balm plant as this can cause burn marks on them.