Hi folks,
This is the time of year when I transplant my containerized hostas back into the ground for the long winter nap. Is it a bad idea to mix some Holly Tone into the dirt as I transplant?
Kevin in KC
Fertilizing in the fall?
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Re: Fertilizing in the fall?
I'm thinking that would be just fine. Espoma makes some wonderful organic plant foods which break down slowly and provide continuous feeding. Mixing a handful in a hole before planting your hosta is a good idea. I doubt that it would be harmful, even though you're doing it in the fall season rather than the spring. However, I think I'd use Flower-tone, Bulb-tone, or Tomato-tone which are higher in the last two numbers, not the Holly-tone.
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Re: Fertilizing in the fall?
Hi,
Though some of the nutrients may wash out of the soil before spring and before the hostas have a chance to use it, some of it will stick around and the extra sulphur in the hollytone will help to lower the pH of your soil which helps with acid loving plants like hostas. I always add Hollytone when I plant, even in the fall, and we have a naturally high pH soil so I use it on everything.
Though some of the nutrients may wash out of the soil before spring and before the hostas have a chance to use it, some of it will stick around and the extra sulphur in the hollytone will help to lower the pH of your soil which helps with acid loving plants like hostas. I always add Hollytone when I plant, even in the fall, and we have a naturally high pH soil so I use it on everything.