AusBonsai

Hi everyone!

Well Spring is practically upon us, I know my elms and maples are in leaf now, so its pretty much time to start thinking about feeding my babies....

I have no clue as to fertilising?!?!?!

I always see all this info about low nitrogen fertilisers being the best but when I go to the nursery I can never find any that look good. Can any one please give some specific brands or types that they have successfully used? I think I am tending more towards the liquid fertilisers but which one do I go for, a fish emulsion like charlie carp, but then that is apparently low in phosphorous which is needed for root development right? I used to use dynamic lifer on my garden but havent tried it in the potted plants...Organic / Chemical? I am so totally confused!

Then there are one camp that say only fertilise at half strength then the other that says use full strength...

Whats the story with Seasol, is it basically like a multivitamin for plants, so a a good idea to use around potting time especially?

Now I know azaleas on the like need special fertilisers but what about conifers like junipers and black pines? Do you just use normal stuff on them or do they need something special too??

Any guidance in this department would be great!! As you can most likely tell I am a bit fearful of killing trees with over fertilising or choosing the wrong kind, also I have heard that doing it fortnightly is the best approach.

Sorry for the gazillion questions in the one post but I do sincerely appreciate your help

Kindest regards,
Bonsaiboy87

To prevent headaches like the one your experiencing is to use a balanced fertilizer like a 6-6-6. Up here in the northern hemisphere products like Green Dream and GrowMax provide this balanced approach with outstanding results. Supplemented by liquid ferts like Miracle Grow you can see visible changes in your tree in a short while. Not sure whats available to you there but look for a NPK rating that is equal or close to equal and is below a 10. If you feel you need more down the line you can always pump up what ever ingredient your missing.

Cheers Tom

Hi BB,

I have been using these products with good, success.

Manutec Bloom booster (Low Nitrogen)
Osmocote both the native and the general purpose without the wetting agent.
Grow Better Organic Fertiliser is great for conifers and pines.
Miracle Gro is great too, both the all purpose and the Azalea one which you can use on natives.
And of course Seasol every 2 weeks - 10 days depending on time of year.

I use all of these at full strength, usually every 2 weeks or according to manufacturers recommendations. I have also been doing a some feeding even thru winter which some people might disagree with, but my logic is that if it's wants to grow it's gonna need food. But in saying that I wouldn't recommend feeding outta season unless you know what you doing.
I'll be interested what to hear what other people use, also maybe what frequency they apply fertilisers.

Thanks Tom
Thanks Elias

I had a similar feeling with the fertilising.... What i think I might try is Seasol every 2 weeks on everything, Miracle grow for azaleas on my conifers every 2 weeks, and the normal miracle grow on normal trees. Then I might switch it up and use some others like fish emulsions and nitrosol just to keep them on their toes