I just bought 14-14-14 granular fertilize and the instructions say "Use 1 tablespoon and place 3 inches away from base of plant" but my pots are small, with the rims/edges definitely not more than 3 inches away from the base. I just used a "pinch" of the fertilizer and sprinkled them near the edge, as far away from the base as possible. Would that be bad for the plants? What happens when they're near the base and you water them?

Also, can you dilute granular fertilizer in water? If so, what should the ratio be? I've read that you should use half the amount as instructed when using them on C&S.