I rescued 2 maple seedlings that were sure to be weeded out of a flower bed. I plan to grow them in containers on my patio. I dont know their nutritional requirements but I dont want to shell out for a new container of fertilizer right now. I have a bunch of 20-30-20 that Id like to use. What strength should it be mixed at (1/2 strength, 1 strength, etc.) to be the most benefit? And Ive never seen maple food, so what other fert could I use or is my 20-30-20 a pretty good general fertilizer for containerized maples? M.
There is no doubt that you will read various recommendations regarding fertilization of maples, as well as composition of potting soil for maples, but on a low budget you certainly may use what you have on hand, which is what I do. When I finally get time in spring or early summer, I usually water with a half-strength solution of Peter's 20-20-20 just once for the season. I like your 20-30-20 even better because of the additional phosphorus for the roots, but it must be fertilizer specifically meant for containerized plants, e.g. water-soluble, not for the landscape. I try to add a half-dose of three-month (likely 16-16-16) slow-release fertilizer to each of the pots as well. I don't think that you need to fertilize these seedlings this year, but if you do, I think that quarter-strength is probably better. Do you know which species you found? If your collection of maples begins to grow, you may wish to look into the low-nitrogen fertilizers, which will be recommended.
Thanks a lot Laurie. No, I have no idea what variety they are. The leaves are just light green and quite broad; not deeply toothed. It's a really common one that is planted in parks and along the side of the street. Nothing special, except that these ones are on my patio! I've read a lot on container soil and so forth, I just didn't want to look for 40 hours to find some reference 20-30-20. You gave me just what I needed. Right now I’m not looking for ideal, but for good enough. If I go and spend a bunch of $$$ on food, etc, then I loose the joy of them being free, make sense? My 20-30-20 is water soluble plant food. It has different mixing directions for indoor, outdoor, potted or in the ground plants. Should be ok. Thanks again.