Question
Hi Kenneth
I am excited about the new shrubs I just planted!  They are very small (less than 1 ft diameter)I prepped the bed with lots of organic matter like dried grass and leaves, but I don't know how to take care of my plants. What type of routine would you recommend?

Here's what I have:
Boxwood
Azelea
Juniper
Alberta Spruce
Laceleaf Japanese Maple (weeping)

Please let me know what to do to keep them healthy and strong! thanks.

MG  

Answer
Newly planted shrubs benefit from fertilzier to "fill out" quickly.

Generally shurbs need very little fertilizer, but a single application of fertilizer in early spring can be used. This way growth is promoted at the right time. The best times to fertilize is before or during bud-break in the spring. Fertilizer will be taken up by the roots whenever the soil temperature remains above 40 degrees F. A fertilizer application now would be ok, but don't put it off much longer.

The way I apply slow release blends is really simple. I just pull back the mulch, disperse the fertilizer and then cover it back with mulch and water it in.

Azaleas should be fertilized with an acidic forming fertilizer. A good choice is "Holly Tone". It is an organic fertilizer packaged in a brown wrapper and produced by a company called ESPOMA. It is quite common.

The other shrubs should be fertilized with a regular fertilizer suited for shrubs. Most garden centers and home improvement centers sell a varity of shurb/tree fertilizers which you can use. Instead of the spikes (common), I prefer to buy a box or bag of granular fertilizer and distribute it as "salt and pepper" as explained above.

While there are many different brands available I can mention: "Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Slow Release Plant Food" (11-7-7). This is just one example. there are others.

Instead of holly tone you can also use "Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Slow Release Plant Food" (8-4-4)

Whatever type of fertilizer you choose, always use as directed on the lable.

I would limit fertilization to one early spring application.