A question:

[elleng]

A friend suggested I treat my newly adopted Hydrangea and Camellia plants (they've been at my cottage for years, I suspect; I've only been here since September) with organic fertilizer.

Any suggestions as to brands etc? Will have to be easily transported.

Thanks

[Major Nikon]

1. IMO the best organic fertilizer is AACT (Actively Aerated Compost Tea)

Unfortunately this is something you really need to make rather than buy, although you can buy the components required to make it.

Here's a kit that provides everything you need except for the bucket:
http://www.simplici-tea.com/5gallonbrewer.htm

If you want to save some money and make your own home grown solution, there's plenty of stuff on the youtubes about it.

[elleng]

4. Thanks

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. The "tone" products are pretty good - but go easy - see this link

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/quickref/shrubs/camellia_culture.html

they seem to like it acidic. Some hydrangeas can change color depending upon the pH (acidity/alkalinity) of the area.

[elleng]

3. Thanks.

Yes, I know that about hydrangeas, and would like blue; last year it was pinkish. I wonder whether, if I put it on now (in a week or so?) it would have any color effect? I won't worry about it, this first year.

Here is my camellia, which bloomed a few weeks ago, much to my surprise and delight! As I've only been here since September, I didn't know what it was! (I did recognize the hydrangea, of course. Had bloomed and was still flowering when I arrived.)

[Curmudgeoness]

5. If these plants have been there for years,

I would just leave them go and see how well they do with what is available to them. They may do so well that you will know they are getting all the nutrition that they need from nature. Fertilize if you realize that they are not doing well or don't bloom well.

[elleng]

6. Thanks. I suspect the camellia, above, doesn't need any help,

but friend thinks hydrangea may. Here's a pic, from an awkward angle. I'm pleased to see green, and realize I can remove the dead wood.

[Curmudgeoness]

7. I have never grown hydrangea

but have a friend who has some. Every year, if I remember correctly, there are two years of growth. Dead wood has to be cleaned out, it flowers on second year wood, and there will be first year branches that will not flower this year but should not be trimmed at all. At least, that is how hers works.

We were just out looking at all the plants, and many do not even look like they made it through this past bitter winter.....but time will tell.

[elleng]

8. Well, as there is new green stuff,

I think it has survived the winter, but won't know, comparatively, how well it will do. MAY give it some 'organic fertilizer,' as friend who suggested it is, apparently, a serious gardener (contrast with me, very newbie here.) Sound reasonable???

[bettyellen]

9. oh, that baby needs a pruning. did your friend recommend an organic fertilizer brand?

maybe offer to buy enough to dose those two plants for her to start? I use organic soil amendments while I plant and top dress w/ organic compost every year. Also use a basic time release sprinked on for heavier feeders once they really start going.

[elleng]

10. No, she didn't mention a brand.

that's why I mentioned it here. She lives NO WHERE near me, so won't be sharing.

I intended to prune this baby today, but didn't get around to it. ONE of these days!!!

[bettyellen]

11. I gotcha. I use the basic shake on slow release. It is hard to over do it, and is shelf stable.

Lasts forever. And then a bag of good compost I use for top dressing and add to holes when I plant new stuff. Easy, peasy!

[elleng]

12. I pruned her,

and took this pic today, a few days after the last. I'm rather pleased, even without fertilizer.

[bettyellen]

13. Very nice job! If you're looking to upgrade skills and further look

For organic solutions, I'd recommend Rodale's books. Pretty widely available, clear and comprehensive.

[elleng]

14. Thanks

[bettyellen]

15. Of course!