Osmocote Application

[bonsfl]

For those who use osmocote, what is your application method? Sprinkle on soil? Mix in? Do teabag method?

Have you ever experienced fertilizer burn with osmocote?

 

[penumbra]

For growing plants on (not bonsai in bonsai pot) I mix with soil. I also top-dress. I have not used or considered tea bags. On some of my bonsai I put a little Osmocote on top of bottom layer of mix and swish it in a bit, and then place plant and more soil on top. No, in my area I have never seen it burn. I have used it for over 40 years.

 

[Jrmcmich]

Have just sprinkled on top of soil on my pre bonsai trees. No burn experience for me either.

 

[fredman]

I'm a light sprinkler and scratcher.

 

[Mike Westervelt]

No bags, sprinkle on top of soil medium on all trees I want to grow at reasonable rate, not seen any negative effects.

 

[roberthu]

Cover the soil surface in nursery pots for max growth. Not mixed in soil.

 

[Shibui]

Scott's recommend drilling into the soil. 2nd best is mix with the soil. Spread on top of the soil is their last resort recommendation.
Controlled release works only when there is water outside the prills. Nutrients seep out through the coating and into surrounding water until concentration outside is equal to inside. No fert release unless the prill has water, so on top of the soil it will only release when wet. Most of the day soil surface will be dry so no fert release.
Not sure what effect sunlight and UV has on the coating.
I've also used controlled release for around 30 years and never seen any adverse reaction.