Houseplant Chat: Fertilizer
Down The Garden Path Podcast
In the fourth episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat” series, Joanne discusses the basics of fertilizing houseplants. Topics Covered When to start fertilizing Wait until days are noticeably longer (sometime after daylight savings time) when plants begin active growth again. How to read fertilizer labels (N-P-K) The three numbers represent Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K). Leafy plants may benefit from higher nitrogen; flowering plants often need more phosphorus. Choosing an “all-purpose” fertilizer Balanced blends (e.g., 10-10-10) can work for many...
info_outline
Houseplant Chat: Propagation Made Simple
Down The Garden Path Podcast
In the third episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat” series, Joanne discusses propagation, a simple and rewarding way to expand your plant collection. Topics discussed: Quick recap of and : winter light, soil refresh/repotting, and watering What propagation is (and why it’s easier than starting from seed) Best beginner-friendly plants to propagate: pothos and philodendrons Fixing a long, “leggy” trailing plant by trimming and replanting rooted cuttings back into the base to fill it out How to take cuttings: clean tools, cut around leaf nodes, and root in water How long...
info_outline
Houseplant Chat: Soil & Watering Tips
Down The Garden Path Podcast
In the second episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat” series, Joanne focuses on soil and watering techniques during the winter months. Topics discussed: Joanne emphasizes the vital role that soil plays in the health of our houseplants. Steer clear of potting soils with added fertilizers or unnecessary ingredients, as houseplants generally do not require fertilization during this period. Instead, opt for a basic, nutrient-rich potting mix that supports healthy growth without overwhelming your plants. For those with existing plants, it's essential to check if they need repotting....
info_outline
Houseplant Chat: Getting the Light Right
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week, Joanne kicks off the 12th season of the Down the Garden Path podcast with the first episode in her “Houseplant Chat” series: Getting the Light Right. Tune in to learn how to keep your houseplants happy when winter light disappears. Topics discussed: Joanne emphasizes the importance of light for houseplants, especially in January, and shares practical tips for ensuring plants receive adequate light. She discusses her personal experiences with moving plants around her home to optimize their light exposure and highlights specific plants that thrive in low-light conditions, such as...
info_outline
Canada Gardener's Journal with Steven Biggs
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week, Joanne welcomes horticulturist Stephen Biggs back to the podcast to talk about his latest project, the newly expanded About Steven Steven was recognized by Garden Making magazine as one of the “green gang” making a difference in Canadian horticulture. His home-garden experiments span driveway straw-bale gardens, a rooftop kitchen garden, fruit plantings, and an edible-themed front yard. He’s a horticulturist, award-winning broadcaster and author, and former horticulture instructor with George Brown and Durham Colleges in Ontario, Canada. His other books...
info_outline
Soil Testing with Amy Ellard-Gray
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week on the podcast, Joanne discusses soil testing with The Hobby Homestead's Amy Ellard-Gray, who grows 75% of her family’s fruits and vegetables in her Guelph backyard. About Amy Amy runs The Hobby Homestead in suburban Guelph, where she cultivates over 100 varieties of native plants to support the local ecosystem. Through her , , , and in-person consultations, she helps people design and troubleshoot their own food-growing spaces. Her mantra, “growing food in harmony with nature,” guides everything she does, from tending soil life to welcoming wildlife into the garden....
info_outline
Transitioning to Indoor Gardening
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne shares her passion for indoor gardening with practical winter houseplant care tips and a reminder that there’s always something new to learn and grow. Topics discussed: 1. From Annuals to Houseplants It's time to turn your attention to houseplants as gardening shifts indoors. Don't rush out to buy new plants: friends and family often have extras or cuttings to share. 2. Winter Care Basics During shorter days and lower light levels, houseplants slow down their growth. Do not fertilize in winter; they’re not actively growing. Keep watering...
info_outline
Mythic Plants with Ellen Zachos
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week, Joanne welcomes Ellen Zachos, author of 11 books on plants, including her latest, . About Ellen A Harvard graduate, Ellen's first career was on Broadway (Les Miz), but the gift of a peace lily on opening night opened her eyes to the wonderful world of plants. Ellen taught at the New York Botanical Garden for many years and also served as Coordinator of the Gardening Department in Continuing Ed, before moving to Santa Fe, NM. She was named a Great American Gardener by the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Her 11th book, , was published this year. Inspiration & Research ...
info_outline
The Suburban Gardenista
Down The Garden Path Podcast
This week on the podcast, Joanne welcomes Brandie, the Suburban Gardenista, an avid gardener passionate about supporting pollinators with native plants. Brandie is Pollinator Stewardship Certified by Pollinator Partnership Canada and loves sharing her learnings through podcasts, workshops, and social media. You can find her online on and @thesuburbangardenista. Brandie’s Gardening Journey Began gardening ~20 years ago after moving into a home with no plants Inspired by her mother’s lush gardens Discovered native plants through growing Obedient Plant — her “gateway”...
info_outline
How to Overwinter Your Annuals
Down The Garden Path Podcast
If your summer containers still look surprisingly lush, don't toss them out just yet. This week on the podcast, Joanne discusses how, with a little care, you can enjoy them again next year. Tune in to learn how to overwinter your annuals. Topics discussed: Many annuals are still looking great in mid-October — don’t toss them yet! You can successfully overwinter several annuals to save money and enjoy them again next year. There’s no single foolproof method; success depends on the type of plant, growing conditions, and care. Joanne shares three main methods: bringing the whole plant...
info_outlineIn the fourth episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat” series, Joanne discusses the basics of fertilizing houseplants.
Topics Covered
- When to start fertilizing
- Wait until days are noticeably longer (sometime after daylight savings time) when plants begin active growth again.
- How to read fertilizer labels (N-P-K)
- The three numbers represent Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K).
- Leafy plants may benefit from higher nitrogen; flowering plants often need more phosphorus.
- Choosing an “all-purpose” fertilizer
- Balanced blends (e.g., 10-10-10) can work for many houseplants, especially as a baseline.
- Three common fertilizer formats
- Water-soluble liquid: mix into watering can; easy to apply while watering.
- Granular: sprinkle on the soil surface; dissolves as you water (Joanne notes it can feel less precise).
- Slow-release pellets: dissolve gradually; may only need reapplying every few months.
- Frequency & control
- Liquids are immediate and routine-friendly; granular and slow-release can be less frequent but require awareness of plant needs.
- Start gently
- Use half-strength for the first few feedings at the start of the season to ease plants in.
- Organic vs. big-box options
- Joanne prefers organic options (often lower N-P-K numbers) and mentions the appeal of local/smaller brands, while acknowledging “use what you have” if it’s already in your cupboard.
- Check expiry dates
- Expired fertilizer is usually not harmful—just potentially less effective.
- Know your special plants
- Spot-check care requirements for “can’t-risk-it” plants: heirlooms, cuttings, orchids, sentimental favourites (she shares the example of a long-loved rubber tree).
- Homemade fertilizer recipes (with caution)
- DIY approaches (tea/coffee grounds/fish emulsion) exist, but beginners should stick to products with known N-P-K values.
Takeaways and Tips
- Don’t rush it: Start fertilizing when daylight increases (typically after daylight savings), not in the dead of winter.
- Half-strength first: For the first few fertilized waterings, go 50% strength to avoid shocking plants waking up from slower winter growth.
- Match fertilizer to the goal:
- Leaf growth: consider a more nitrogen-forward option.
- Flowering: look for a higher middle number (phosphorus).
- Pick a method you’ll actually remember:
- If you’re consistent with watering, liquid can be easiest.
- If you forget steps easily, slow-release may be safer; just add a reminder so it doesn’t get missed.
- Follow the label (seriously): Package directions matter more than brand debates.
- Research your “VIP plants”: If a plant is sentimental or pricey, do a quick care check so you’re not guessing at feeding needs.
- Use what you have, smartly: If you find old fertilizer, check the expiry date; it may still work, just a bit weaker.
- Keep it measurable: If you’re newer to houseplants, prioritize fertilizers with clear N-P-K numbers over DIY mixes until you’ve got a baseline routine.
Other Houseplant Chat episodes
Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss?
Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca
Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast.
Down the Garden Path Podcast
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.