Steve,

The MG products have the right NPK; but if you check closely, they lack the micros such as Mg, Ca, Zn, and maybe Iron that a Meyer so clearly needs.

Thanks John My 2 Meyer lemons turned out to be Cuban Shaddock and grew very well. I would have found out if they had been ML's. Is it the rootstock that determines what micros a tree needs or the scion. does one have th choose the rootstock that best matches the scion's needs to insure that it can pull those elements out of the soil

johnmerr, you recommended a 3-1-2 Foliage Pro and suggested that I search for it on the Web. First, what surprised me the most in your response was the very low N number in the recommended ratio. Most of the citrus growers are strongly and unanimously in favor of a high N level, no matter whom you ask. Can you be more specific as to which particular DG Foliage Pro product you were referring to? The N component in the ones I have seen on the Web is rather high (9). How does that stack up to the 3-1-2 idea? Kindly clear this up for me.

limeinqueens, just to let you know that the organic potting soil I repotted my Meyer lemon into upon receipt from vendors was this (it was rather dense so after about a month I mixed in perlite):

http://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Gro-72983510-currently-Northeastern-Midwestern/dp/B0015WLTCK?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Given some of the welcome suggestions re the fertilizer, here's a question to all: If indeed my Meyer lemon stays well and at some point surprises me by producing fruit (it is in bloom now), will those lemons be edible at all if following your advice I now decide to use aggressive chemicals like DG's Foliage Pro.

alex what state and zone do you live in ?

All my citrus trees are in containers and I have a 3 year old improved meyer dwarf tree, a key lime, a dwarf Washington navel and 3 varieties of mandarins. see below

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/3718197/my-citrus-in-containers?n=59

Alex, the "aggressive chemicals" you refer to in Foliage Pro are also found in normal soil, and in the Miracle Grow potting soil that you bought. So, of course the fruit will be edible. That soil you bought, by the way, is very water retentive and will put your tree at risk of root rot. I am not sure that your adding perlite will help that. I suggest that you put the tree in 5-1-1 mix or gritty mix.

I find that my citrus that do best have a combo of osmocote slow release in the mix in addition to the weakly weekly method with foliage pro.

I am 100% organic with in ground plants but completely agree with the experts on this forum that say there is no place for organics in containers. They just don't work as intended, best to think of your container medium as inert.

What if you mix organic compost that you make and mix that in with your container soil mixture ?

won't work. Organic compost is what I use and it is very water holding and heavy.

Will not work...It will clog up your air spaces for the roots very quickly, and eventually the salts from tap water and fertilizers will kill off your finer roots.

Let me respond to some of the posts:

Nick, from what I understand, I am in Zone 6b (northern Bronx, NY).

johnmerr, I understand that the 3-1-2 is the NPK, but this is precisely what I was talking about. On the one hand, you were saying that Meyer lemon preferred the 3-1-2 NPK ratio, yet you recommended Foliage Pro, which, as it turned out, had a 9-3-6 ratio (will appreciate if you recommend a specific product). That surprised me. This is why I wanted you to clarify your point. Also, you for some reason didn't react to my comment that in contrast to your 3-1-2 approach, some of the citrus growers I had talked with, recommended a higher "N" number. Incidentally, I have said nothing about the "strength". I have already said that I am not as professional as many of you, guys, hence some of my questions. Perhaps, I am missing something here. Please, me if I am wrong. And, I cannot do custom formulations in my apartment, but need some solid fool-proof advice on fertilizing my plant. BTW, can you explain what this "weakly weekly" is and how it works.

hobbyartisan, are you saying that you're using both at the same time - osmocote slow release + the "weakly weekly"? What osmocote slow release product are you using?

Alex, 9-3-6 is exactly 3-1-2; as is the 18-6-12 that I use; the difference is the strength of the elements and how much you need to apply.

9-3-6 and 3-1-2 are the SAME RATIO. You must use Osmocote Plus with the pink label. It has the micronutrients as stated by another poster. (As opposed to standard Osmocote in the green label which does not)

johnmerr, limeinqueens, thanks much for the clarification. It just proves that you are way more advanced at this than I am. Three follow-up questions:

1) What is the "weakly weekly"?

2) Is this the right Osmocote Plus?

http://www.amazon.com/Osmocote-Outdoor-Smart-Release-8-Pound-Fertilizer/dp/B00GTDGMHC

3) Is this the right Foliage Pro?

http://www.amazon.com/Dyna-Gro-DYFOL008-Foliage-Pro-11/dp/B003SUT6VS

Alex, this is what is unanimously thought to be the best fertilizer for citrus. I'm no expert either, but have learned lots from members of this board. This is what I have used for over a year and it is quite effective - my trees are thriving (I live in Maryland, so all of mine are potted)

Dyna-Gro DYFOL008 Foliage Pro, 11 Oz/ 8 Fl Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003SUT6VS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_lmycxb4KF6JSK

I buy the bigger container - better deal on Amazon

Do you guys all mix the foliage pro as directed (1 tsp per gallon) weekly? or do you use more than that per gallon? I have a 5-1-1 mx that drains very fast, does that mean I should use more than directed?

Good question Sean. I usually mix it a little lower than the specified concentration. I'm not sure if this is correct. I'm I retested to hear what others have to say about this.

Correct limeinqueens I use the pink osmocote plus. And I do use the suggested foliage pro strength, but maybe a little less, Im a bit loose with the measurement. But then I probably only use the foliage pro every other watering or so, depends what's hooked up to my hose at the time .

Looks like I will be adding pink osmocote to my list for citrus . I've only used Vigora citrus and avocado for the last 3 years. It is 6-4-6. My trees have been doing well so far but I'm sure they could be doing better so I'll give it a go.

Do any of you add vinegar to your fertilizer to acidify and if so how much? I do not but I know some people do. How does one know if it is necessary to do so?

I believe you use as much vinegar is necessary to get the PH of the water your using to water with down to 6.0

Isn't Foliage pro sufficient? I assumed that was enough. Should I add the oscomote plus, or would that be overkill?

I tested my water with a cheap ph kit I got at the pet store (its for freshwater fish tanks and measures roughly around the neutral range of 7 +/- 1). anywhoo I found my tap water is slightly alkaline. Basically I experimented until I found the right amount to get it to pH 6ish. Its like, about a teaspoon per gallon IIRC (I use the cap of the vinegar to measure) (the ph test kit is drops and you get like 250 tests per $6 kit so you can experiement an awful lot before you run out.).

Only thing was, I have no idea why but I cannot add Foliage Pro to acidified water. It causes something to precipatate out of the solution and hang in wispy chunks in the solution. Its bizarre. No one else seemed to have this problem except me! but it made me concerned by plants weren't getting all the nutrients from the FP.

Loooong story short (too late!), I alternate just water with water+fertilizer. When its just water I acidifiy it, when its fertilizer I dont; I don't sweat it a ton since my tapwater is only slightly more alkaline and my plants (key lime, calamondin and dwarf fig) aren't suffering from any specific problem. Its kind fun doing the ph testing though (SCIENCE).

This is the kit: http://www.amazon.com/API-Freshwater-Test-Kit-tests/dp/B000255NAK/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1460248590&sr=1-2&keywords=API+freshwater

Looks like many here finally realize how beneficial vinegar can be and how well foliage pro works!

As for the Osmacote, I use it just as a cushion for the times that I forget to use Foliage Pro at every watering....I can be lazy at times and plus lots of rain will usually wash out much fertilizer when using porous mixes...

It nice to see how everyone cares about growing their trees to their full potential)

I only decided to add the osmocote plus to my mix because I noticed that the nursery trees that seemed to be the most vigorous had it in their mixes as compared to the ones that arrived without it. So I thought it looks to be working so I will try it.

So far so good and I have never seen any sign of fert burn and I do the periodic water flushes. So I decided to stick with it.

I believe a lot of the 5-1-1 mix threads in the container gardening forum advocate for it to be added to the mix as well.

All your trees seem to look great with whatever you are doing so maybe all is well. Laura and Nick, I have seen recent pics of your trees for sure.

I just tested my ph and I was luckily around 6 so no vinegar for me!

Some here are saying that in fertilizing their Meyer lemon (in containers) they use both - Foliage Pro and Osmocote Plus? Can anyone explain exactly how this works? I understand this should be done at watering times. Does that mean that today, for instance, I add Foliage Plus and the next time I water the plant I add Osmocote Plus? Why do the two? Do they work differently?

Hi Alex osmocote is a granular fertilizer that you mix into your soil when you pot up your plant, it's not something you add at watering time like you do with foliage pro. I'm sure you have seen the little colored balls of a similar type of stuff in potted plants you have bought. The instructions on the bag tell you how much to mix into your growing medium. Then the foliage pro is a liquid you mix with water and water in.

Like Mike said the osmocote is a nice back up to the foliage pro as it is always persistent in your soil mix.

Thanks, hobbyartisan. So, what you're saying is that since my Meyer lemon is already potted, there's no need for Osmocote Plus now and that I should've added it when I was potting it the first time. And, that at this point, I should use the Foliage Pro only. Did I get you right?

Yep exactly so you can see how it goes and at time for repotting you can decide if you want to add osmocote. Foliage pro is for sure the best all around fertilizer to use.

Thank you so much, hobbyartisan.

According to research at the University of Messina, Italy, meyer Lemon absorbs nutrients in a 5-1-3 ratio. Research was by Dugo and Di Giacomo. - Silica

Too to make it easy, if you want you can always scratch some Osmocote into the surface of your pots..I always do...I can tell you that Citrus are heavy feeders and love the extra boost..

mikerno_1micha, you're saying that you "scratch" Osmocote into the soil. A couple of questions: 1) What do you mean by "scratching" (these are just tiny pellets); and 2) Do you spread/sprinkle Osmocote on top of the soil around the trunk (or at a distance from the trunk) or you work it into the soil? If the latter, how deep and how much if you also use Foliage Pro?

That is what I was thinking of doing. As a result of this thread, I ordered both the Oscomote and ph kit. My trees are newly potted, but I also don't always add foliage pro. I think I'll work some into the top layer of the soil like Mike does.

Here's a more general fertilizing question. My potted Meyer lemon is flowering now. Is it a good idea to fertilize it at this stage or should I wait until the flowering period is over? In general, are there certain periods during which fertilizing is a no-no? BTW, because I purchased the plant rather late in the year (last October), the vendor I bought it from suggested that I do not fertilize it until next spring when it gets a bit warmer, which is approximately now.

I follow the directions of the label if I am new at it...Because I have been using it for years I just eye out how much I need..It is almost impossible to use too much in porous mixes..I sprinkle some of the top and then use my finger or a fork to push and wiggle the Osmocote into the mix. I do this every spring to all my plants, including perennials, annuals and tropicals in pots.. I actually buy a 50lb bag for 100 dollars!

I use Foliage Pro as often as I remember, at every watering starting now and use more than the directions say..I usually use 1 to 2 tablespoons once a week, or 1/4 tablespoon at every watering...Does that help?)

Think of plants like anything else that needs nutrition to eat especially when active..If your trees sort of hibernate, rest, or stagnate due to the lack of sunlight and cooler temps, you almost completely pull back and in fact I feed nothing at all all winter unless they are exposed to full sunlight, warmth and are actively growing.

During the warm growing season, starting about the end of March when my trees are most active into summer up to the fall, I resume fertilizing regularly whether they are flowering growing, or fruiting...All living things need nutrition when active...

My fish/Koi don't eat a drop of food from October until May, when the water temps rise to about 55 or they will die, because they are in a state of rest and their stomachs become inactive...If you are sleeping or inactive, don't you eat less? When you are very active don't you eat more? Just a thought)

Thanks, mikerno_1micha. This is helpful. But how often do you add both (Foliage Pro and Osmocote Plus) - every time you water or twice a month, for instance? Regards to your fish!

Alex, Osmocte Plus releases it's nutrients from the little pellets slowly over a 6 month period. Many of us put it on our plants in early spring as a backup fertilizer in case we don't have time to regularly fertilize with Foliage Pro or in case the weather is constantly rainy so it is not convenient to use the liquid application of Foliage Pro regularly. Citrus are heavy users of fertilizer, so the slow release of the Osmocote and a weaker regular dose of Foliage Pro will not burn the trees roots as the fertilizer salts will not build up in the soil, especially if you use a fast draining, airy mix like the 5-1-1 mix and remember to flush the plant's container about once a month with copious amounts of water to remove any excess fertilizer buildup in the soil that your tree is not using fast enough. As Mike says, follow the instruction on the products labels and watch how your trees react to those amounts. If they look like they may need more fertilizer, you can always add a little more Foliage Pro. As Mike also says, many of us stop fertilizing our trees when light levels and temperatures drop as the trees go dormant and do not need fertilizer when they are resting. If you put the Osmocte plus on your plants in early spring, all the nutrients will have been released from the pellets by the time the plants begin to go dormant. If you see the plants looking like they still may need some nutrients in the winter months, you can give them a weak dose of the liquid Foliage Pro every once in a while, or if you are keeping your tree in high light and high temperatures you can feed it more regularly with the Foliage Pro. If you want to feed your trees all winter if you have high light and high temperatures you could feed them with the Osmocote Plus and it will release nutrients slowly for another 6 months. However, using the Foliage Pro is more flexible in the winter because you can stop fertilizing with it if you decide to provide lower light and temperatures. You don't have that flexibility with the Osmocte Plus as it will keep releasing the nutrients slowly over 6 months. You may be wondering why you might want this flexibility. As Mike has often written, the warmer temperatures you provide in winter often attract insects that feed on the newest foliage your tree produces. It is also hard to provide as much light in the winter as the sun provides on a summer day and the trees new growth can become spindly. So you might find your trees are happier going dormant and may decide to grow them cooler with less light. You will not be able to stop the Osmocte Plus pellets from releasing their nutrients, but you could cut back on providing a liquid Foliage Pro feeding.

Cory

Sorry for a little off topic here.

mikerno_1micha, I didn't know you kept koi? I do too! I'd PM you but somehow I can't see how to do that on this new platform. They are endlessly interesting fish!

Yes....I LOVE them..Sort of like list;le creatures that like to eat out of hand..I have had one for 4 years and some for 3 and some for two..They certainly have their own personalities...)

mikerno_1@yahoo.com

Cory, a special hello to you..Great explanation. Worded perfectly)

I have a small koi pond with 3 koi and 3 gold fish. The largest fish is only 4 inches long right now they are really small.

Following strong recommendations of many here, I have just purchased a small bottle of Foliage Pro. Looking at its Application Rates on the label, I am a bit confused and now have specific questions re its use, which may seem silly to some of you - more advanced gardeners. In any case, since I have never used it before, I need some advice:

1) The label talks abt "maintenance" and "production" rates. Am I right that I should be looking at and guided by the "maintenance" rates?

2) The label says: "Mix ¼ teaspoon (3 squirts) per gallon of water with every watering". In my case, I water my lemon with 0.25 gal (32 oz/946 ml) every time. I cannot figure out the amount of Foliage Pro for amount doze of water use. Any pointers?

Duh!! mix 1/4 tsp in a gallon of water and use that for the next 4 waterings.

Thanks, johnmerr. Actually, that's what I was thinking about. Looks like the only practical solution for the amount of water I use when watering.

a tsp is 5 ml -- a 1/4 tsp is 1.25 ml.. 1/4 of that is very little... a few drops. You could eyeball it with a 1/4 tsp measure or apply .3 ml with a measured eyedropper. Or, and I recommend this course of action, buy a gallon jug at the dollar store.

Thanks, limeinqueens, that's precisely what I intend to do. You must have seen my reply to johnmerr. I'll get a one-gal bottle and do the mix. Will be perfect for four waterings.

How hard can it possibly be trying to fertilize one small citrus tree??? - Silica

The answer is as hard or as easy as you make it Silica :)

Careful, Silica... you are starting to sound like a curmudgeon; and everyone here knows that is MY territory.