adding fertilizer to MG potting mix?

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physeek New York, NY(Zone 7a) Jun 28, 2013

Ive got various large 14-16" pots going, there's a cherry tom, basil, ichiban eggplant, cubanelle pepper, and pole beans. They are currently in 1/2miracle gro,1/2 moisture miracle gro potting mix that states feed for up to 6 months (N-P-K .21-.07-.14)

Things have been slow with the cooler weather I guess...

-Do I add more fertilizer or is this enough for the season?
-I have MG slow release that's 10-10-10, and a box of regular general purpose MG, or I see now there is a newer slow release one for fruits and veg with calcium etc.?

Thanks

Post #9576894
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HoneybeeNC Charlotte, NC(Zone 7b) Jun 28, 2013

There should be instructions on the bag(s) as to when to add more fertilizer. I suspect it will be a time-release type that will be good for about four months.

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physeek New York, NY(Zone 7a) Jun 29, 2013

On the products website the question was answered as
"You may fertilize using Miracle Gro water soluble fertilizers 30 days after planting your plants in this soil, but you should not use any slow release fertilizers for 6 months."

-So about a month after planting I should start to use a soluble fertilizer? -Is feeding every 2 weeks good for this mix of vegetables, with the slow release still working.
-Any other recommendations, heavy feeders, a plant that would not like any more fertilizer etc.?

Post #9578513
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HoneybeeNC Charlotte, NC(Zone 7b) Jun 29, 2013

When using chemical fertilizers, I feel "less is best". Using too much fertilizer can burn roots and leaves. You could end up with dead plants.

If the mix you are using contains time release fertilizer, I don't know why the manufacturer would recommend using a soluble fertilizer 30 days after planting.

I would definitely NOT give basil more fertilizer. Herbs, in general, do well on a slim diet.

Perhaps the best approach is to wait and see how the plants are progressing. If they are robust, have green leaves, and are growing, I would hold off on adding any fertilizer. The time release fertilizer should be adequate. If in a few weeks, they look "hungry" give them a weak solution of soluble fertilizer.

Fertilizer manufacturers always seem to want their customers to use more product than is necessary, in my opinion.

I should tell you that I garden organically and do not use chemical fertilizers. I use an entirely different approach to fertilization. BUT, the above approach should work in your situation. The plants don't care if one uses organic or chemical fertilizers, just as long as you don't give them too much at once.

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