fert options-confusing, help please

[GailC]

Being a newbie, I am completely lost when it comes to fertilizing my trees. Went shopping yesterday and the only thing I could find besides azalea or veggie fert was some miracle grow shake and feed. Its 12-4-8 in granular form.

Is this ok for now and how should I apply it? I use napa dry either straight or mixed with a little potting soil, all trees are pre bonsai. I was thinking about cutting PVC pipe into short sections and using it as a applicator?

I also have azalea miracle grow which is 30-10-10 and is applied as liquid, been using this on the azalea (duh). Not sure any other trees would like this.

I've been taught that too much fert will burn roots and kill plants so the idea of over fertilizing my trees is a bit daunting.

 

[sorce]

3/1/2 is what they are "supposed" to use it at.

12-4-8 is good...but I don't like granules.

30-10-10 is a little high N.
I wouldn't even use that on the Azalea!

But our island friend used a 60-0-0 lawn fert I believe....so ?

The simplest for me is this.
Got it at Menards.
Ace has it too. Or can order it.

This stuff has had my ficus diggin for 3 months plus now.
I believe the micronutrients are really there and working.

7 drops per qt.
With a dropper!

Clean simple.

Sorce

 

[GailC]

Why don't you like granules? They seem easier/lazier then having to mix a new batch of liquid every time you need to water. I ended up mix a bit of granules into the top of the soil for most of my tress. For the ones that have a layer of moss, I just sprinkled it on top of the soil and covered back up with the spag. Still not sure how much to use so I follow the package direction for now.

I used to have some shults like that, really liked it for my african violets but I can't find it anywhere. As far as the azalea fert goes, I actually got it for my lemon tree and it really likes it but I mix it weak. I went ahead and used the miracle grow on the azalea this time, see if it likes it better.

Opinions on feeding newly dug/repotted trees? I dug a JM last night with a fair amount of fine roots and I really want to feed the poor thing, its the roots stock that outgrew the grafter red top. Cut all the red off and just want it to grow.