Re: container fertilizer
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] container fertilizer
- From: M* T*
- Date: Sat, 20 May 2000 01:13:21 -0400
Nancy,
Agree with Paul, Osmacote won't harm the Carex...use it on mine in
pots all the time. As for ferns, I'd be a bit careful with it as
some might be sensitive. The only plants I know for sure you
shouldn't use it on are Arisaema. The only other thing I've read
about Ozmacote is that, since it is temperature sensitive, conditions
can occur which cause it to release a flush of fertilizer all at
once, which can kill some plants. Seems this happens more in
greenhouse environments, but it is something to ponder. I use it all
the time because it's the only way my containers are going to get
fed...can't seem to organize regular feedings of other types of
fertilizers.
Your organic compost mix will probably last for a month or so.
Trouble with containers is that they need continual watering which
also washes nutrients out of the soil.
If you keep an eye on the containers, you should be able to tell when
they will need feeding; foliage starts to go a bit off. You can then
use Miracle Grow or Peters when you water or top dress them with some
organic fertilizer. Probably sometime around mid to end of July,
I'd think, depending on what you've got in the pots.
FWIW, I don't find ferns to be heavy feeders.
Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor: Gardening in Shade
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> From: Nancy Stedman <stedman@INTERPORT.NET>
> Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2000 10:27 AM
>
> There was a thread a little while ago about using Osmocote or other
> synthetic fertilizer for plants in containers. I've done this for
most of my
> plants but am reluctant to unleash such strong stuff on my ferns
and grasses
> (Carex). I planted the containers with compost and an organic food
(5-5-5)
> but I don't know how long that will hold the plants. I have in the
past used
> RootsPlus but I don't think it worked well--it's high in nitrogen
but not
> much else.
> Anyone have any suggestions?
> Thanks,
> Nancy S. (zone 6B, NYC)
