Fertilizing

[bluedog]

I recently read in a gardening magazine that when trying to establish perennials and shrus in a shade garden that yu should not fertilize for the first couple of years as fertilizer encourages top growth (foliage and blooms) at the expense of root growth. Do you all agree with this?

I planted them with a fistful of balanced organic fertilizer this spring and was about ready to refertilize again (as well as plant some new stuff). Should I fertilize again or stick to straight compost with nothing added?

Lt m just add that my DH is watching th most annoying movie right now. Why do men like annoying movies?

[SilenceOfTheClams]

Amend the soil with the TV Remote control.... Bury it about 6 inches
I've got the same problem here
-_-

[maynardmarie]

I got the problem too, but then if you use the remote to fertilize, will the plant look different every 15 seconds........ there's some ugly channels ya know :o

[Audwoman]

If you are planting now I would just amend the soil with good compost. I also use a root stimulator liquid,

I fertilize in the Spring and also mix in some compost in the soil. I think these people assume we all have Martha Stewat helpers to have perfect soil to begin with so the soil will make the plants grow big without any other help. I believe in doing both compost and fert from year one and every year after that.

The husband thing I cannot help you with I got rid of mine many years ago he is out there annoying some other poor woman. :D

[DandyLioness]

bluedog... is it "Sin City" that he's watching???? <_<

[boo]

Eek, mine was flipping from gone in 60 seconds (70's crap not the new crappy one) & US Marshals. flip, flip :mellow:

I always add a bit of compost when I plant a perennial and continue to topdress through the year.

[yellow22]

It really depends on the plant and your soil. I don't beleive to wait several years...that's a strange bit of gardening advice. I figure if the roots don't form enough and right away the plant dies. I still haven't seen great results from time release pellets other than in pots. That depends of rain or not allowing the soil to dry out. Compost is best. I don't think you can't get any better than dehydrated cow manure.


What movie was it any way? Last time it was Animal House for me.

[MrSeedy]

I'd maybe agree if you have better than average soil, but even roots can require a bit of extra phosphorous or potassium to grow well, and lots of trace elements or micronutrients.

[bluedog]

Mr Seedy, should I just use the stuff I have (the balanced organic fertilizer) or should I specifically get phosphorous/potassium/trace minerals separately so as to focus on root growth?

Audwoman, I looked for "root stimulator" at Home Depot and didn't see anything that was marked as such. Can you tell me more specifically what to look for?



Dandy, it was not Sin City, it was "Armegedon." Lots of smash-em-up, outerspace, men in rockets saving the world while acting like their rocket is bigger than anyone elses rocket when you know they are just acting like that because their rocket is the smallest.

I'm not sure what, if anything, this says about my DH.

Then again, he walked around all day wielding a pole chainsaw telling me not to use it without his permission. Maybe he is watching too many of these movies?

[HarleyGal]

Excuse me?!! -_- Without his "permission"?!! :P That would make me sure to use it!! :lol: :lol: That's just me, though, and that attitude has gotten me in some predicaments on occasion!! ^_^

[yellow22]

There's a product that's mainly made for trees call up start. I think.... It's been a while I walked around among the shevles, but sure it would have all that's needed for root growth. I swear by miraclel grow when worried.

[Audwoman]

bluedog....I brought it at Home Depot. Shultz Root Stimulator and transplant solution......Greenhouse Professional products. It reads......


Promotes new roots use on all ornamentsl bedding plants, flowers, roses, shrubs and trees. Great for starting bareroot plants encourages a vigorus start.


It works great I have seen good results using it on the bareroot plants for online orders and when I transplant.

[SilenceOfTheClams]

I got the problem too, but then if you use the remote to fertilize, will the plant look different every 15 seconds........ there's some ugly channels ya know :o
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: MAYNARD!

[maynardmarie]

well it's true Clams, sorta like the spike channel, espn, speed all hanging in the garden
NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gardenlady]

i use a root stimulator only when planting in september and after.. don't need any new top growth getting frosted. the roots will continue to grow in the fall, which is a good thing. in the spring blast it with your favorite fertilizer i use a time release and also a miracle grow type each month to supplement with. :D