It all started with Eula Robinson—Grandma, as we called her. Eula always had the most robust plants, and we would ask, “How do you get that growth?” She’d always say, “Oh, a little of this and that, a pinch here and there”.

Well, hey, I can do that! I was always a lazy one—couldn’t be bothered with schedules. Osmocote 14-14-14. A 4-month time released food was very attractive to me. A no-brainer. I used that for awhile and discovered it was good but I wasn’t getting “lush”. I decided to add Blood & Bone Meal to the program. Slight improvement. Finally decided I didn’t want to wait until I was as old as the trees to see development, so with nothing to lose I tried half-strength Orchid Food and Miracle Grow. Well, that cocktail did it.

I can now achieve the growth and development needed on so many of my trees. For years they were starving. I’m a firm believer in that old saying, “Better living through chemicals”, and “Man unified with science”.

John Edwards started the program and has been showing up with trees that look like mine. I mentioned this and he said with a wink in his eye, “Force Feeding”.

Here is the program: Once a year in March/April or when buds begin to swell and push, place one measuring teaspoon (per 6-inch pot) Blood & Bone Meal and Osmocote. Once a month dilute by ½ an Orchid Food (25-25-25) Rod Mclellans or Miracle Grow. Feed through September and then in October you can begin with 0-10-10.

For acid-loving plants I believe Miracid is what you want. I would dilute and feed ½ strength.

For newly potted trees wait a month for the first application of liquid fertilizer.

(June 2000)

Tag: Fertilizer