I'd wait a couple of weeks before fertilizing, though you CAN fertilize now with no problem, other than the fact that you don't know much about the current fertility level & could over-fertilize.

There's lots of good evidence that roots tend to colonize a container faster when fertility is low, but that idea should be tempered with the fact that would be a more significant advantage in soils heavier than you're using.

I only have 1 hemlock (dwarf). It's in a hypertufa trough w/other conifers (several years old) and doing very well on a steady diet of FP 9-3-6, though it is in full sun. Oops - that's a lie. I have 2 hemlocks. The other is in a large terra cotta pot, also with several other conifers.

Al

Hi Al,

Thank you for so generously sharing your expertise - I'm going to wait 2 weeks to fertilize. I am hoping all my research and planning will result in a successful container. BTW, Al, if you click on my hyperlink below, you will see that on my blog, I've listed Al's gritty mix soil recipe--just so I have a record of it and can share it with friends and family. Would you prefer that I be attribute the recipe to you more formally (or not re-post it outside of Gardenweb?). Just don't want to step on toes, being a newbie here...

Below are the pics. (I've added a hyperlink in case I don't post the pics correctly.)

{{gwi:47673}}

{{gwi:47674}}

Here is a link that might be useful: Pics of Hemlock

No - that's fine. I'm not one to get all upset about someone using anything I've shared here if they think it will help someone. The only thing I find annoying is when someone copy/pastes and takes credit, or has slightly paraphrased something I've written. I'm smiling as I remember an instance here on GW where I had shared some somewhat technical advice with someone on the bonsai forum who was obviously fresh to growing. Two days later, I was looking at the 'foliage plant' forum and guess what I discovered. That person dispensing the word for word advice to someone else, as though it was a matter of course. All I said Was "Gee Joe, that advice sounds very familiar." - just so he'd know he'd been discovered.

Thanks for asking; but don't worry - you're not stepping on any toes. Besides, I'd be inclined to overlook something like that from anyone named Kookybird. ;o)

Al

Al,

I realized belatedly that I'd not signed my post. My name is Karla and I do appreciate your knowledge and generosity!

Best,
Karla (aka kookybird!)

We're all pleased to make your acquaintence, Karla, I'm sure. ;o)

Al

I am using Foliage pro and pro-tekt and wondering how often to fertilize this planting. It's been growing for about 7 months in a container with Al's Gritty Mix. I did no fertilizing over winter but need to start up again). Any advice from someone with a hemlock would be great! Thank you!

I have hemlocks in containers & I use Foliage-Pro 9-3-6 every 1-2 weeks (depending on temperatures) when the plant is growing well, at a rate of 4 tsp in 2.5 gallons of water, which figures out to about 1.5 tsp/gallon. I also add about 1 tsp of ProTeKt 0-0-3 when I fertilize any of my woody plants.

Al