make sure you get the 3 month ..

4 month is stretching it in z5 ...

i just heard that there is a generic available that is significantly cheaper ...

ken

Slow release ferts are great because it allows you to feed without overfeeding. The nutrients are available as the plant needs them. Osmocote also has both micro and macro nutrients so it has everything Hostas need. Do you know the pH of your soil, Frank? Have you had a test?

I would use the Osmocote in pots also. Either mix it in with your potting mix or work it into the surface. There is no evidence that foliar feeding is beneficial for plants. Plants can absorb some micro nutrients through foliar feeding, but the NPK has to come through the roots. Liquid feeding applied to the soil works fine, but of course, you get run-off that way.

BTW, the Maple roots will love the Osmocote. :)

Steve

I did get the 3-4 month version.

Not sure what the pH of the soil is. I do know that this area used to be a lake bed long ago. There is about 16"-24" of topsoil with sand below that.

I use fertilizer spikes around all of the ornamental trees and shrubs.