Fixing Excess Nitrogen in Root-Crop Beds: A Custom Fertilizer Blend

Too much nitrogen gives you lush tops but skimpy roots on turnips, beets, and carrots. If you can't find 5-10-15 fertilizer, mix your own: combine ½ lb ammonium nitrate (34-0-0) with 1 lb each triple superphosphate (0-46-0) and muriate of potash (0-0-60). The resulting 7-18-24 analysis mimics the 1:2:3 ratio ideal for root crops.

Plant a cover crop of ryegrass now, then use this blend on your fall root vegetables.