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Correcting the Adverse Effects
of Over Fertilizing a Garden

We live in Maryland. We had grown the seeds indoors and transplanted healthy, vigorous plants into the garden.
Within 3 days these plants leaves turned yellow, the plants dried up and died.
We were told by local farmers to put 10-10-10 fertilizer in the garden prior to planting, rototill the earth and then plant.
I'm afraid that we've put too much fertilizer in the garden.
How do we correct this?
Is this something that we can correct this year or do we have to put off planting again for a period of time?
I was sorry to hear about your plants.
It's depressing to see something which you had nurtured die off so quickly.
If in fact, the untimely death of your plants was caused by fertilizer burn,
(rather than other variables soil Ph, temperature, water, insects)
repeated, extended heavy watering will force the majority of the fertilizer to leach out of the soil.
Different types and brands of fertilizer will remain in the soil for different lengths of time, so the amount of water needed to clear the soil can vary considerably.
I would water heavily every day for at least a couple of weeks before putting in a few TEST plants to see if they survive.
The local farmers were correct with their advice, but I usually wait at least two weeks between the tilling and when I put the plants into the garden.

The Plant of the Week
The Vibrant Purple Berries of the BeautyBerry Bush
BeautyBerry
Callicarpa bodinieri
This plant grows best with full sun for most of the dayThis plant requires shade during the heat of the dayThis plant will tolerate some drought, but benefits from periodic wateringBird Plant or FlowerWhite flowering plantPink flowering plantPurple flowering plant
The foliage of the BeautyBerry plant is a beautiful bronze color as it emerges, but soon turns to a bright green. Small lavender flowers produce clusters of berries which ripen to an intensely purple color, and remain on the plant after the foliage drops, providing a beautiful contrast during the winter months.
Hardy in USDA zones 6-8