I recently purchased a bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer for my perennial garden. Can I also use this to fertilize my trees and shrubs?

Yes. The bag of fertilizer is 10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus and 10 percent potassium. It can be used to fertilize most plants; however, I would not fertilize the trees and shrubs unless they really need it. Most of our soils already have an abundance of phosphorus and have adequate potassium. And if your trees and shrubs have good color and growth, they should not need any nitrogen.

A soil test can help you determine if you need to fertilize. You can order a soil-test kit through the Home and Garden Information Center at the number listed at the end of this article.

Checklist

1. Do not stake newly planted trees unless they are very large or are planted in high wind sites. Trees naturally grow stronger when they are not staked.

2. Cleaning out the shed? Do not throw partially full pesticide containers in the trash can. Pesticides should be disposed of at special collection days offered through your city or county.

Dennis Bishop is an urban horticulture educator for the Baltimore office of the Maryland Cooperative Extension Services. If you have a gardening or pest problem, you can call the Home and Garden Information Center hot line (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at 800-342-2507. You can also e-mail questions, order publications and diagnose plant problems by visiting the Web site, www. hgic.umd.edu.