Bagged Fertilizer

• 1). Spread the fertilizer evenly around the plants. Dumping it all in one place can damage the roots. Do not allow the fertilizer to come into direct contact with the foliage.
  
  
• 2). Scratch the fertilizer into the soil with a shovel or hoe. Be careful not to damage the plants' roots as you work.
  
  
• 3). Water lightly, applying only a quarter- to a half-inch of water to prevent runoff.
  
  

Compost and Manure

• 1). Apply a few handfuls of compost or aged manure around the plants. Both compost and manure are rich in nitrogen, but the amount varies.
  
  
• 2). Take care not to allow manure to come into direct contact with the plants. Direct contact can burn the foliage.
  
  
• 3). Water lightly.
  
  

Manure Tea

• 1). Place aged manure in the center of a piece of cheesecloth.
  
  
• 2). Pull up the sides of the cheesecloth, and tie a knot to enclose the manure.
  
  
• 3). Suspend the bag in a large bucket or barrel of water, and leave it overnight.
  
  
• 4). Remove the bag, and dilute the liquid to the consistency of pale tea.
  
  
• 5). Use the diluted liquid to drench the soil around the plants.