Fertilizer Guide
The best way to keep your flowering plants in bloom and get a good harvest from your fruit and veggies is by feeding them. This is a great habit to get into to ensure planting success! What to use for each type of plant can be confusing, so we make it easy with our own line of soil and fertilizers for everything from annuals to trees & shrubs.
Annuals & TROPICALS
Van Wilgen’s All Purpose Slow Release 13-11-11
A true controlled release formula that feeds plants gradually and evenly. Apply every 2 months in a pot or 3 months in the ground. It is virtually impossible to burn plants with this, and it contains valuable minerals in addition to the big 3 (Nitrogen – Phosphorus – Potassium).
Van Wilgen’s Super Bloom Booster 10-52-10
The BEST KEPT SECRET that shouldn’t be a secret! Our bloom booster truly dissolves in water and has a high phosphorus number, which promotes root growth and blooms. Feed with this every 2 weeks to get the most out of your tropicals and annuals.
Herbs & Veggies
Van Wilgen’s Fish & Seaweed 3-1-1
Grow your edibles organically so you know your food is safe to eat, even on the day of harvest, and add some hard-to-get micronutrients found in the sea. Apply this every 2 weeks!
Espoma Organic Garden Tone 3-4-4 or Espoma Organic Tomato Tone 3-4-6
Use Garden Tone on all herbs and veggies! For herbs, apply during planting and after a large harvest. For vegetables, apply during planting and once per month from May through August. If using Tomato Tone instead (great for all tomato varieties and other fruiting crops like peppers, squash, & melons), apply 10-14 days after planting, and twice a month from May through August for established plants.
ROSES
Van Wilgen’s JumpStart 4-10-3
This starter fertilizer has a higher middle number, which is phosphorus. Phosphorus promotes root growth and helps get plants established fast. This formula is complete with IBA Root Stimulant that enhances rooting and reduces transplant shock. JumpStart is not just for when planting or transplanting, use it for any plants in the landscape!
BioAdvanced All-in-One Rose & Flower Spray
While there are many disease-resistant varieties available now, generally, roses can be magnets for disease and insects. This is why protection is an absolute must for all roses! Use this product every 1-2 weeks during the growing season to treat or prevent disease, insects, and mites.
Espoma Organic Rose Tone 4-3-2
Use this organic fertilizer for bigger blooms and deep green foliage! Apply during planting new roses, and about once a month from May through September.
PERENNIALS, SHRUBS, & TREES
Van Wilgen’s JumpStart 4-10-3
This starter fertilizer has a higher middle number, which is phosphorus. Phosphorus promotes root growth and helps get plants established FAST! Complete with IBA Root Stimulant that enhances rooting and reduces transplant shock. JumpStart is not just for when planting or transplanting, use it for any plants in the landscape, and it will benefit them too.
Espoma Organic Plant Tone 5-3-3 for perennials, trees, and shrubs
Use this organic fertilizer for greener foliage and faster growth! Apply when planting, and about once a month during the growing season.
Espoma Organic Holly Tone 4-3-4 for acid-loving trees and shrubs
Use this organic fertilizer for deep green color and bigger blooms. Helps keep hydrangeas blue! Feed in the Spring and late Fall at half the Spring rate.
Espoma Organic Tree Tone 6-3-2 for fruit and shade trees
Use this organic fertilizer for greener foliage, faster growth, and bigger blooms! Apply once in the Spring and Fall.
Tips:
1. Many plant signs around Van Wilgen’s have a little key on the bottom right corner with our suggested soil blend and fertilizer. These are there to help you pick the correct products to ensure the success of your plants!
2. Follow the recommendations on the bag. Remember like medicine, just because it says 1 tablespoon on the directions doesn’t mean that 2 is twice as good!
3. Our Jumpstart fertilizer isn’t just for perennials, trees, shrubs, and roses at the time of planting. You can use Jumpstart on ANYTHING, including containers and houseplants, and don’t be afraid to use it throughout the season!
4. Feel free to use Van Wilgen’s All Purpose Slow release for trees and shrubs, perennials, and more! It will provide a reliable slow feeding for all plants and can be safely used in combination with Espoma products.
