Stunted growth

I've only been gardening a few years and have created some new beds on my property, but I'm having a terrible time getting things to really flourish and fill in well. There are a few exceptions, I've got two rockin' robin rose bushes that are absolutely thriving and a chaste tree that seems really happy. However, my irises, baptista, verbascum, foxglove, chinese foxglove, among others, are languishing. I've had my soil tested in all beds and it came back as low in nitrogen and acidic. I've added lime and nitrate of soda to give the plants a boost and it has helped, drastically in some cases, but am I just being too impatient? I've gotten some blood meal and bone meal as I've read it can help but haven't applied it yet. Any suggestions? I'm zone 9.

Do you regularly fertilize your plants? Until you get the soil conditions right for them, they would probably benefit from a good all purpose fertilizer applied at regular intervals. probably the easiest would be one of the liquid feeds that is absorbed through foliage and roots

They might also benefit soil-wise from adding organics like compost and humus to the soil.

How long have your plants been in the ground? Some shrubs & perennials follow the "first year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap" rule, so if a lot of things were planted this year or last year you may just need patience. However, since it sounds like you had some soil issues I think regardless of how long they've been in the ground you should follow moon's advice above too.

This is the third year for many of my plants. They've gotten better since I posted with the addition of the lime and the nitrate. The fact we haven't had a decent rain since last November probably isn't helping either although I'm watering. I'm trying to be as organic as possible, but at this point I'm open to anything. I've heart Miracle Grow is actually horrible for soil in the long term. Is that true? Can you recommend any good fertilizers?

Hebbie, I agree on the lack of rain. We are in the same boat (dry docked). GRIN

Miracle Grow, in my opinion doesn't do anything for the soil as what is not immediately absorbed washes away quickly. That is why it is recommended to amend your soil with compost/composted manure/hummus. These add nutrients to the soil for the plants to draw on. Technically, plants grown in good organic-rich soil need very little additional fertilizer.

In the spring (Feb/Mar) as things are starting to come up, I add compost around the perimeter of each plant and scratch it into the soil. I add a basic 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 granular fertilizer with micro-nutrients broadcast over the bed, mulch it all in and water well. I broadcast the granular fertilizer and water it in again in June and late August. You can also use Fish Emulsion which contains those nutrients also.

Some folks prefer to use a slow release like Osmocote that lasts 3 to 6 months.

Thanks moon! I appreciate your input!

You are very welcome, Hebbie. Best of luck to you with your garden. Pray for rain....grin