Gardening in containers is great in so many ways but does need some special consideration: thinking about feeding potted plants. Because potted plants live in a finite amount of soil, nutrients are depleted more quickly than earth-bound counterparts. For container plants, a balanced water-soluble fertiliser is generally suggested. Water-soluble, dry (or granular) or slow-release fertilisers are all good options.

 

 

Liquid fertilisers are an excellent choice: convenient and easy to apply by mixing in a watering can. Plants absorb them quickly. They should be given every two to three weeks at full-strength or diluted to half strength and given weekly. 

 

 

 

I’m an advanced Master Gardener. My County hosts an enormous plant sale annually as our primary fundraiser (biggest one in the State of Indiana, actually). This sale is enormously dependent on the donation of plants grown by Master Gardeners. This year I signed up to grow two kinds of tomatoes. I was supplied with soil and seeds and asked to transplant the seedlings into 3 inch pots in preparation for the vegetable plant display at the sale. Among the specific instructions, I noticed the suggestion that transplants be fed a particular brand, SUPERthrive just after re-potting. I found it on Amazon. It takes a TINY amount per gallon of water and is the best thing I’ve used. Highly recommend (and I have NO affiliation with this product). Plants went from barely 3 inches to almost 8 inches in one week. Not kidding.

 

Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor feeds both indoor and outdoor potted plants for up to 6 months. Osmocote® claims this to be their best formula,  fortified with 11 essential nutrients. It works with virtually all plant varieties, in all growing conditions. They offer a no-burn pledge when used  as directed.

 

Grow Queen is a go-to for Organic gardeners who want natural options when feeding potted plants. The manufacturer boasts, “This versatile plant food is excellent as a complete food for indoor potted plants & hanging pots, as well as a superb microbe inoculant and starter for garden beds—indoors or out. It also reduces transplant shock, promoting rapid, vigorous root growth, offering advantages over liquid fertilisers in root development.” I concur and love that it comes in small and large bulk bags as well as single-use packaging.