Is it ok to give shrubs and plants Miracle Gro in their first year?
Question:I have a bunch of new shrubs and plants. I have read that it is better to not fertilize in the first year shrubs/plants are in their new settings. However, I have a Nikko Blue Hydrangea which I would like to have blue blooms by giving it Miracid. Should I not give this Hydrangea Miracid this year because this is it's first year in my landscape? I do not wish to make this a religious discussion for or against Miracle Gro. I just want to know if there are situations where fertilizing in the first year is ok.
Answers:
Yes! Plants need their nutrients just like we do. I would definitely feed them, just don't over-do it. Follow directions on fertilizer package. I always start my new plantings with a slow-release granular fertilizer mixed in the soil near the roots, then follow that with a good drink of miracle gro to give them a good start.
Instead of using chemicals, try this:
Transplant Tonic
1/2 can beer
1 tbsp ammonia
1 tbsp instant tea
1 tbsp baby shampoo
1 gallon water
Mix all of the ingredients together. Use 1 cup of tonic for each plant that you are transplanting.
To turn a hydrangea blue, use Aluminum Sulphate fertilizer. This is the best way of turning your hydrangeas blue. Using an all-purpose fertilizer like MirAcid will maintain acidity but will not change the color very quickly. To turn your blue hydrangeas more pink, add lime to your soil. These techniques will work gradually. Lime, especially, take weeks or months to work in the soil.
Yes, but watch the amounts. Use 1/2 dose for seedlings.
I have had very good success with Miracle-Gro's Nursery Select (20-20-20) vs. regular Miracle Gro ( 24-8-16 ).
You can also use the Quick Start plant food on new seedling.
For Hydrangeas, I have used aluminum sulfate sucessfully which is what the Sunset Western Garden book recommends. I used about 1/3 cup around plants that were 5" tall and they turned nicely green in about a week.
http://www.miraclegro.com/index.cfm/even...
http://www.miraclegro.com/index.cfm/even...
-Doug
yes every two weeks
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