Drop Down MenusCSS Drop Down MenuPure CSS Dropdown Menu

May 8, 2012

Favorite Fertilizer, Hydrangeas, Watering and Drying

Yesterday I was out fertilizing my hydrangeas and roses and I got to thinking about how steadfast I am about this product line.  I'm including pictures and links to make it easy to identify the products. 
(I am not compensated in any way, just sharing my favorite products)
Many years ago I became more interested in using more organic forms of fertilizing and I tried "Flower-Tone" by Espoma
I had always seen it at my local garden center but up until then I always used products like RapidGro liquid or MiracleGro fertilizer so I decided to give it a whirl. 

Their products are natural and organic and it breaks down in a slow gradual way that provides a safe, long lasting food reservoir for the plant throughout the growing season.

Last year I started the season with a dose of their Plant-Tone and gave everything a dose of it.  My hydrangeas get a dose of 
which is good for azaleas, rhododendrons, holly's and hydrangeas.  
My roses were treated to their Rose-Tone product also.
I have also used "Soil Acidifier" from their 
I have a very alkaline soil so decided to try the soil acidifier to see if I'd get more blue coloring.  I had a range of pink, lavender and blue last year on my Endless Summer hydrangeas. Notice the rich heavy leaves on the plant too.  The plants are really healthy.

The Limelight hydrangea is my other favorite and I was real pleased with it's growth last summer.
I adore this hydrangea! 

This was a newer one I put in the year before called CityLine- Venice.  It's a short compact  pink hydrangea.  
I have more but I better stop before you fall asleep!!  

Picking the right location makes a difference and keeping them watered does too.  They definitely react to the heat and wilt easily.
I water early in the day so the plants can dry off and be ready for the days heat.  I use this
A lot of garden centers carry them, but my favorite is this handle with the easy grip and lever actived handle.
I bought one version with a shut off valve rather than the lever type and didn't care for it.  These provide a very full but gentle rain that can't be beat.   I like this 16" version but there is also a 30" version if you prefer a longer reaching one.

At the end of the season I snip off stems of the hydrangeas- once they are what I call "past perfect" and starting to get that paper look.  
I set them in water for a few days, and then let them dry out. If you pick them too early the flower will shrivel and won't be good for drying.
 Freshly cut early in the season
End of season cut
Lastly I use this pelleted fertilizer that I add to my annuals and a fertilizer enhanced plant mix for my potted plants to ensure they are getting a good amount of fertilizer  

Annuals are hungry little guys!


Thanks for stopping by and I hope I provided some useful information for you!



10 comments:

  1. I love Limelight also. My very fave, and am spoiled because I compare everything to it. Your Hydrangea's are gorgeous.

    Cher Sunray Gardens

    ReplyDelete
  2. Liz, thanks for sharing this. I'll be on the lookout for these. Your hydrangeas are gorgeous!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Liz, I am going to look for this line of products. Any idea on what lilacs like? Mine are just not blooming the last couple of years, yet they were fantastic the year after they were planted. xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. Liz, your hydrangeas are always stunning! I love seeing them and look forward to seeing more of your photos...you can never show too many! Glad to hear about this product because it certainly seems to work for you.
    Have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Liz,
    I just found your blog and think it is amazing! Thank you for the fertilizer tip. Your flowers certainly look healthy. I just joined to be a follower of your blog and hope you will do so for me. I have lots of gardens to share when the weather warms up a bit.
    Enjoy your day!
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Gorgeous post. I'm pinning several pics. I had no idea you had 2 blogs. I don't know how you find the time but they are both wonderful. Wish me luck with my blooms this year!

    ReplyDelete
  7. so jealous of your hydrangeas. I can't get mine to grow...they've been in the ground for several years and are still the same size. My next door neighbor has some that are amazing...same amount of light that I have. I don't get it. My azaleas don't grow either. I'm using that brand of organic fertilizer in my veggie garden.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great goods from you, man. I have consider your stuff prior to and you're simply too great. I really like what you've
    received here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which by which you
    are saying it. You're making it entertaining and you still care for to stay it sensible. I cant wait to read far more from you. That is actually a great site.

    Feel free to visit my web page :: gohima.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I know this website offers quality depending articles or reviews and extra
    stuff, is there any other web site which offers these stuff in quality?



    Also visit my blog post: http://toptipstosavingmoney.com/finding-cool-kids-clothing-while-not-going-over-your-spending-budget/

    ReplyDelete
  10. When I initially commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and now
    each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
    Bless you!

    My webpage :: hebem.ath.cx

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comments! I don’t always get a chance to reply but I do read them!




ABOUT ME



Welcome to Home and Gardening With Liz. I have combined my previous blogs “Infuse With Liz” and “Sit With Me In My Garden” into this new blog. I love interior decorating and gardening. I enjoy redefining interior spaces by moving things around and reusing decorative items already found in the home. I also enjoy creating tablescapes and an occasional crafting project. I'm so pleased you've stopped by. I invite you to follow me and I do hope you will keep coming back! Liz
 Follow My RSS Feed  Follow My Google+  Contact Me Follow Me on Pinterest