Mid February to early March is the time to feed your woody plans and shrubs: Rhodies, Azaleas, Roses, etc. Any fertilizer with a nitrogen count of less than twelve percent and high potash and phosphorus count along with a five to six percent iron in the blend is what they need. 12-20-20-5, 9-10-16-6, or any commercial Rhododendron food is ok. Don’t be afraid to use this blend on other plants as well such as roses, bulbs (if you know where they are), day lilies, trees of any variety (especially fruit), and more. Do not use more than 12% nitrogen as this will give your plants too much growth. The high mineral count is used to build better blooms, roots, and a healthy, overall plant structure.
Any plant that has a circumference of more than 24 inches, evenly spread one cup of fertilizer around the drip line. Less than 24 inches, use one half cup. If applying your plant food without slow release nitrogen, you will want to feed three times before fall. With slow release, feed once now and again at mid-summer.
Meanwhile, back at the farm…
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