Difference Between Osmocote Extended release and Miracle-Gro Shake & Feed 6 Month

[Gebo]

Trying to decide which to use on my Japanese Maples in containers? Any suggestions?

 

[alarmguy]

Trying to decide which to use on my Japanese Maples in containers? Any suggestions?

Good question, they are now both brands owned by Scott’s.
Osmocote and Miracle Grow are one and the same.
I would read the labels and decide. Personally for no other reason then because I would consider Osmocoat as that was the original. Scott’s owns everything fertilizer in name brands.
https://miraclegro.com/en-us/shop/o...-outdoor-indoor-smart-release-plant-food.html

 

[Gebo]

Excellent point!

 

[thastinger]

Don't know how many you need to fertilize but you should have done that back in the Winter. A general 10-10-10 or 13-13-13 is easy to find and works fine, you can make it a "slow release" by boring 6" deep holes (one of those bulb drills works fine) then fill the holes with the fertilizer but cover the last inch back up with soil or mulch.

 

[Gebo]

I’ve already fertilized. Just planning ahead.

My understanding is with Japanese maples in containers you fertilize in the spring in April or May.

You want a 3:1:2 ratio of NPK. Or close to it.

The regular miracle Gro shake and feed is that ratio. However, I just found out the miracle Gro extended release (6 month) is a 1:1:2 so I’m done.

I’m gonna stay with “tried & true” like alarmguy advised.