Ciscoe Morris wants you to fertilize your Rhodies this weekend
Apr 13, 2012, 9:59 AM | Updated: 10:50 am
The sunshine is expected to last through the weekend with
highs in the mid 50s to 60s, perfect weather for yard
work.
Master gardener Ciscoe Morris, heard on 97.3 KIRO FM
Weekends, says it’s time to fertilize your Rhododendrons
and Camelias.
“They grow right after they’re done blooming. You want
to fertilize now so that you get a lot of good growth
and blooms for next year.”
But the trick is in the type of fertilizer you buy. Ciscoe
suggests getting organic.
“It’s more acid and Rhododendrons and Camelias can only
get nutrients out of the soil when it’s fairly acidic.”
Your task isn’t as simple as throwing down a handful of
fertilizer. Ciscoe says if you don’t do it right, you
could really harm your plants.
“Rhododendron’s roots are right up on the surface and if
you accidentally put too much fertilizer or you don’t
water it in just right, it’ll actually suck the moisture
right of the roots of your plant.”
He says it could be like putting salt on a slug.
Gardening with Ciscoe can be heard on 97.3 KIRO FM
Weekends Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
