When can I start adding the neptune's harvest fish/kelp? In the past, I waited about a month before I started. Can I start adding it now, with only be transplanted a week a go?

Thanks
Dave

BTW: what is the analysis of liquid fish/kelp ?

Foliar feeding, as opposed to root drench feeding, is a different ballgame. Foliar feeding has its own set of guidelines and risks if not done correctly. For that reason I prefer to avoid foliar applications until the plants are well established and the risks reduced.

The key to providing nutritional supplements (rather than just guessing or because "it is Tuesday") is the plant's stage of activity and appearance.

Of course your container plants will require more frequent nutrient supplements than the in-ground plants will.

Dave

It's Neptune's Harvest Fish-Seaweed Blend 2-3-1. Last year I used compost tea in place of the water. It really does look like they need it, don't think it will hurt - plus I use it every 4 weeks instead of every 2-3 according to instructions. And every week for the smart pots.

I'm just trying to get some wisdom or something set so I don't have to over think it too much every year.

Yup, you helped me with the smart pots last year - I was wondering why they weren't growing :)

I'll stay away from the foliar feeding, don't won't to overcomplicate my brain. I overthink this in the first place.

And thanks for all your wisdom and simplicity, Dave

They aren't "regulations", Linda. No one is going to come arrest you. :)

They are simply research-based guidelines. many of them we talk about here frequently:

~well-diluted formulations only,
~use only low-salt index products to avoid leaf damage
~use only high atomization spray nozzles
~no mixing of different products due to possible interactions,
~light misting of both sides of the leaf rather than drenching the plant,
~not in the direct sun or the heat of the day,
~water-based formulations only to avid stomata occlusions or cuticle coating,
~apply only at appropriate stages of plant growth to avoid triggering blossom drop etc.

I'm sure you are aware the foliar feeding in and off itself is a somewhat controversial practice with naysayers and research supporting both sides of the argument.

Nutrient manufacturers, of course, come down heavily on the "it's great" side of the argument but their reasons for supporting it are sometimes questionable. Some horticulturists argue there is simply no way it can work given plant anatomy but their claims are also undermined by research.

So as with many things, the truth lies somewhere in between. That's where I am and I do use and advocate foliar feeding - in moderation..

It isn't a magic cures/fixes all, nor should it be practiced helter-skelter especially by the under-informed. While it has some documented benefits when done correctly, it can also harm the plants when done incorrectly. All of its benefits can be achieved by other less-risky methods like root drench, Just not as quickly. But then quicker isn't always better either. :)

Articles to explore:

The Myth of Foliar Feeding by Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D.

Midwest Labs:Foliar Nutrition

Haifa Group - Foliar Feeding Note section on limitations.

For a fun but informative look at both sides:

Farmer Fred Rant: Foliar Feeding: A Waste of Time and Money?

A&L Canada Labs: Leaf feeding vs. Foliar Feeding

Hope this begins to answer your questions but much more info is available.

Dave