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Re: Organic Fertilizers

Gene -- I get the same question ... what fertilizer do you use. I rarely fertilize the perennial border. I do apply compost -- which would be the same thing as chopped leaves -- periodically, but usually this time of year when the leaves are so plentiful.

People are always surprised that I don't use a lot of fertilizer on established plants.

jems



Hello Marge,
I am a firm believer that shade plants do not need or want all that fertilizer. Since all of my gardening is in shade, the only feed my plants get is the chopped leaf mulch around this time of the year. So.. do the plants "look as though they are starving"?? One of the first questions I get asked when gardeners visit my garden is what fertilizer do you use and how often is it applied? If I can remember it in February either I or JoAn will feed the Azaleas and Rhodies lightly. I think they need the slight encouragement to come into bloom like in all the photos.
My nursery is a different story because it is a different growing environment. Still hold back though and use only minimal fertilizer program. Don't want them forced or pushed... just comfortably fed.
JoAn is the sunny gardener here, grows the annuals, perennials, veggies, tender perennials, etc. Now she is a true believer in fertilizing and on a regular schedule. Some of this is a kind of ritual like crossing yourself before the big game.....
Gene E. Bush
Munchkin Nursery & Gardens, llc
www.munchkinnursery.com
genebush@munchkinnursery.com
Zone 6/5 Southern Indiana

----- Original Message ----- From: "Marge Talt" <mtalt@hort.net>
snip...

I believe in preparing soil as well as possible, with the
incorporation of copious amounts of organic material prior to
planting or when dividing or replanting any spot.  I will use
compost, leaf mold, pine bark fines or about anything I can get my
hands on for this, but have not added 'store bought' fertilizer of
any kind for eons.
snip, snip 
Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net



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