Time release fertilizer in containers

schill93 · August 23, 2015

I am speaking of planters that are top watered by the way. I know all you organic growers are against synthetic fertilizers, but for those of you who are using them and are growing tomatoes in containers, do any of you use a slow release type fertilizer like Osmokote or Dynamite? If so, do you mix it throughout the mix, put it near the planting hole, or in the top 4 or 5 inches of the container soil? I have read all three as recommendations.

I have read so many articles from agricultural centers on this advocating it, but stating that it is too slow a release for tomato plants, so it still must be supplemented with a soluble fertilizer as well.

I have also read where slow release fertilizers are very effected by the heat, and that areas where temperatures reach well above 95 degrees daily (106 here in Las Vegas) that they may release too much fertilizer due to the heat. I think I experienced that in a Geranium plant. I believe I put too much in and when the really hot weather arrived, it fried it up. Can't say for certain, but sure looked like it.

One poster on here was just using a regular top dressing of I believe it was 13-13-13 regular granules mixed with Mittleider micro nutrients and was adding I think but not positive, a tablespoon as a top dressing to each container weekly. I would have to go back and find their post.

Anyway, I was interested in anyone who used either type of granules and your experience. I am familiar with the Earthbox and Earthtainer regular granular applications. But I am at this time more interested in experience with top watering containers.

August 23, 2015	#1
schill93 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2015 Location: Nevada Posts: 275	Time release fertilizer in containers I am speaking of planters that are top watered by the way. I know all you organic growers are against synthetic fertilizers, but for those of you who are using them and are growing tomatoes in containers, do any of you use a slow release type fertilizer like Osmokote or Dynamite? If so, do you mix it throughout the mix, put it near the planting hole, or in the top 4 or 5 inches of the container soil? I have read all three as recommendations. I have read so many articles from agricultural centers on this advocating it, but stating that it is too slow a release for tomato plants, so it still must be supplemented with a soluble fertilizer as well. I have also read where slow release fertilizers are very effected by the heat, and that areas where temperatures reach well above 95 degrees daily (106 here in Las Vegas) that they may release too much fertilizer due to the heat. I think I experienced that in a Geranium plant. I believe I put too much in and when the really hot weather arrived, it fried it up. Can't say for certain, but sure looked like it. One poster on here was just using a regular top dressing of I believe it was 13-13-13 regular granules mixed with Mittleider micro nutrients and was adding I think but not positive, a tablespoon as a top dressing to each container weekly. I would have to go back and find their post. Anyway, I was interested in anyone who used either type of granules and your experience. I am familiar with the Earthbox and Earthtainer regular granular applications. But I am at this time more interested in experience with top watering containers.