Hi phylrae,

Here are some urls to threads(copy and paste into address window of browser) where I and others have shared on the topic of 'fertilizers' and related specifics

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/vines/msg0810113213949.html
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/vines/msg0317360012541.html?9
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/vines/msg071108225028.html?14
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/vines/msg080802299604.html
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/vines/msg0619400830909.html
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/vines/msg0820082610882.html
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/vines/msg0512302410407.html
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/vines/msg0717202231160.html
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/vines/msg0910415118618.html
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/684152/

The word 'fertilizer' actually refers to a number of different substances all having different effects...

I recommend referring to the Macro-Nutrient NPK ratio rather than the fuzzy term fertilizer to avoid confusion...
Micronutrients(e.g., trace minerals) can also affect plant growth and flowering in various ways...

Hope the info in the referenced threads helps...

Ron

Here is a link that might be useful: Fertilizer Myths and Realities

phylrae

I've grown lots of MG in those cheap 10-12 inch plastic pots from walmart for a couple of years now and they work just fine. I've also grown them in 10 inch hanging pots, with 1 plant in each pot.

I use miracle grow potting mix for a soil and they've grown beautifully with it and bloomed really well using the soil. I dont' use the one with the moisture control, because i've found that it holds to much water for the plants, no matter what the adds say for it. I also put a thin layer of bark mulch over the soil.

For something for the vines to climb on in the 10-12 inch pots I use a 2 foot plastic stake that i've found in the true value hardware stores. I think it costs about $.30 each. I put it in the middle of the pot and start the vine going around that.
Then I get wire coathangers from the local dry cleaner. They let me have the for no charge. I pull the out a bit to stretch them on the end with the hanger part and the bottom and then stick them in the pot pointed end in the pot. I use 3 of them and make a circle.
As the vine grows, I start winding the vine through the hangers and keep wrapping it around the coat hangers and the stake in the middle.

E-mail me and I will see if I have some bright pink seeds that I can send you for SASBE.

Fran

some pics of last years MG in pots and hanging pots

not sure what one this is

blue silk in a 10 inch pot

mt fuji dark pink in a 10 inch hanging pot

{{gwi:358559}}

mt fuji light blue in a hanging pot

{{gwi:373360}}

early call blue in a 10 inch pot

{{gwi:373361}}

Ron,
I know I wrote you back last week, but I don't remember where (can't find my response!) But thank you again, for all the info!! It was very helpful to me!

Fran,
Your photos are gorgeous! I LOVE the first dark pink/white picotee the best...I'm trying to picture what you're talking about with the coat hangers...and I REALLY appreciate your photos, which help! I'll ask my husband to help me do what you did with the stake/coat hangers. I understand the stake part, but not sure about the hanger part until I do it myself.
Oh, thank you for the seed offer, but I do have quite a few seeds here already!!

:0) Phyl

Another pretty MG is Flying Saucers. I always call them the 'Tie Dye' MG's. When you see them you will know why.