Tree and Shrub Fertilizing Time

Tree and Shrub Fertilizing Time - In this video I talk about fertilizing plants in the late winter. I use organic fertilizers for this and I explain why. I used Jobe's Fertilizer in the video, but for some reason the price increased dramatically in two weeks so I am linking Plant Tone instead which is what I used last year. No real difference in the instructions. Never had that happen before.

30 Allen Rd. Clayton, NC 27520

[JimPutnam]

I ordered the Jobe's Organic fertilizer two weeks ago for under $16.00 a bag. I went to link it on the video and it is now over $35.00 a bag even with a two dollar coupon. Not sure what happened there, but I linked Plant Tone instead which is what I used last year. Thanks for watching.

[susiebuckner]

You just saved me so much time pulling back the mulch. Thank you! I did what you said with pruning the old leaves off my hellebores and they have flowered like never before (plus I can see the blooms better without all the leaves in the way.) You are providing very worthwhile and tested information on your channel and I really appreciate your time and effort!

[wesleyhackney]

Great suggestion for dispensing by hand. I do the same and it goes faster and easier

[NurayOConnell]

Perfect timing!!! I live in zone 7b too, so I really appreciate your videos. Thank you.

[pennyduncan]

Can’t wait to see your Spring & Summer videos of your yard.

[jeandunne]

Great information as always. Learn so much watching your videos.

[GardenObsessions]

Awesome video!!! Always learning from you thank you! 💚💚💚💚💚💚

[ltymore]

So I did some research on a fertilizer that I have been using in the past and came up with this answer from Osmocote. Is Osmocote organic?
No, Osmocote is an inorganic fertilizer but it has all the major benefits of an organic fertilizer. Let us explain; many people don’t realize it, but a plant can only use nutrients that are in an inorganic form. Any organic fertilizer needs to be broken down into inorganic nutrients before it can be used by the plant. The benefit of this is that all the nutrients in an organic fertilizer are not available all at once but are released over a longer and safer period of time, just like Osmocote.
The advantage of Osmocote over organic fertilizers is that the nutrients are already in an inorganic (useable) state and the plant can start using it immediately but it still releases over a pre-determined time, making it safe and efficient. Best of both worlds. The coating of Osmocote is organic and based on soybean oil only. Thoughts?

[jeffreydmclendon]

Super timely - I was planning on fertilizing this weekend. I always wait too late so trying to break that habit.

[adrianpuentez]

Thanks a lot for your thorough explanation. As a super noob on this matter, I learned a lot.

[nancybennett]

I prefer all the Espoma Tone fertilizers. I get wonderful results.

[chocolatechipslime]

Can you fertilize trees now that haven’t bloomed yet or are in the process of blooming?

[meredith]

Glad to see you don't recommend pulling back the mulch - I'll drop that chore and save a lot of time from now on. How do you feel about covering after feeding with compost and mulch on top of the old mulch? I used to use bone, blood and cottonseed meal and noticed the next day that some night time animal appeared to be eating the meal so I would work it in and cover it. Have since gone to food similar to what you use. I'm getting older and love finding out I can let a chore go. Seems the more natural we become, the more we are letting Mother Nature do the work for us. Used to till my vegetable garden every year and the last few years have gone the no till route and trying to learn permaculture methods.

[anitahadley]

I used the plant tone last year but I had to pull the mulch back because our new puppy at the time was wanting to eat it! now that she’s older I’m not sure if she will. But it would sure make it go faster if I didn’t have to pull back everything.

[CTYankee]

Thanks for another great video! Do you recommending pulling back the old mulch before applying the fertilizer? Also, I heard you should drill holes along the drip line of trees and fill the holes with the fertilizer. What are your thoughts? Thanks !!!

[pozzee]

What do you think of this method?

“you can test your garden soil pH without a soil test kit for a fraction of the price. Collect 1 cup of soil from different parts of your garden and put 2 spoonfuls into separate containers. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the soil. If it fizzes, you have alkaline soil, with a pH between 7 and 8.

If it doesn’t fizz after doing the vinegar test, then add distilled water to the other container until 2 teaspoons of soil are muddy.

Add 1/2 cup baking soda.

If it fizzes you have acidic soil, most likely with a pH between 5 and 6.

If your soil doesn’t react at all it is neutral with a pH of 7 and you are very lucky!”

[onacres]

Great video, what’s the recommendation on when to apply for new shrubs and trees recently planted?

[thomaslocke]

Hey Jim thanks for the video great content especially about the PH. I threw down some organic about a week ago and then had a down pour the next day. I'm worried some or most might have washed out. Should I reapply or let it ride? Thanks

[CTYankee]

Hi Jim, I have another fertilizer question. Are privets acid loving plants? Thank you!

[Jonadamify]

Hey Jim. I was wondering what you think of using Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub 12mo. I get hit pretty hard with Japanese beetles on my crape myrtles ever year. I also have a few maples I planted in the fall that I would love to give a good start to this spring. Thanks!