Never use it but 9-3-6 can easily be diluted to 1/4 strength and used to replace the normal amount of water for the plant once a week. Becomes basically 2-.5-1.5 which is pretty close to the so-called ideal of 3-1-2.

Dave

If you only want to apply weekly (and that should be more than enough), then follow the directions for 1 tsp of the fert per 1 gal of water. If using this method, the fertilization would replace a regular watering so you apply to each plant/pot individually until the water runs out through the drainage holes. I would only dilute it down further if you were applying more than once a week.

Gardengal, my plan was to fertilize no frequently than every two weeks. Do you think 1 gallon of diluted fertilizer per plant is sufficient? I just transplanted 10 days ago, do you think it's too soon to fertilize? The logistical question I have is how do I measure a teaspoon from such a large container?

If you are fertilizing biweekly, then follow the label instructions - 2 tsp per gallon. And how much you apply to each plant will depend on how large the containers are - you want to thoroughly water the container with the dilute fert, not just drizzle in a gallon or so of water!

Start with as large a container for the diluted fert as you can handle - a 5G bucket or large watering can (figure the volume the can holds first) - and add the fert in an appropriate proportion. I tend to round up slightly so for a 5G bucket, I'd add a scant 1/4 cup of fert.

And in a container situation, it is never too soon to fertilize :-)

I'd take gardengals advice on using that particular fert. As I said I have never used it and would find it a bit to strong for my much more frequent approach to fertilizing container plants.

As for how to get a teaspoon from a large container, just pour some out into a small bowl first and then pour what's left over back into the bottle. ;-)

Dave

Thanks Ohiofem. I will try that strategy.