I don't use fish emulsion as fertilizer but I know many people do. Supposed to be good stuff. When growing most plants I use the Miracle Gro granulated 24-8-16 fertilizer at the regular strength, but for seedlings I dilute it to 1/4 regular strength for about the first month. I think full strength might burn the tiny seedling roots. Seems to work well, haven't had any problems yet. Good luck.

> Probably the most important rule about fertilizing is to never feed a tree that is under stress. The causes of stress are many, ranging from over watering or under watering to newly pruned roots or disease. > Once again, it is so very important to know what type of tree your bonsai is. Different types have specific needs as to the type and frequency of fertilization. > Many enthusiasts who have some experience think the safest method, with no fuss, is 4 month type of 14-14-14 time release fertilizer, such as Osmocote. This is incorporated right into the potting mix or sprinkled on the surface and worked down into the mix. > Most broadleaf trees and tropicals can be fed with any general houseplant or garden fertilizer. > Conifers, azaleas and certain others can benefit from a monthly application of an acidic fertilizer, such as MirAcid. > Some growers include hormones such as Superthrive in their regimen to stimulate root production. > Trees should only be fertilized when in periods of active growth. This is generally from midspring through early summer and from late summer to early fall. > If your summers are extremely hot and your trees are outdoors, do not fertilize until temperatures have moderated and growth has resumed. > Likewise, do not feed trees in winter when they are either dormant or growth has slowed down. > Some growers prefer organic fertilizers over chemicals. This is an ongoing debate and much too lengthy to go into detail here.

I use a pre-emergent without nitrogen and look for what's available at my local stores. Southern States had a granular product with Dimension (0-0-7) and I got that. I used something similar last year, but I may have gotten it from Home Depot then. If you plan to overseed in the fall, be sure to read instructions on how soon after using the pre-emergent you can reseed. That may affect which one you choose.

Hi tropicbreezent, I live in Boynton Beach west of the Turnpike, I have never had my soil tested. Realistically that would be the logical thing to do to determine what type of nutrients and ratio to put back into the ground. My trees produce very well and the varieties I grow are delicious. I would fertilize monthly from March - October perhaps a quarter of the reccomended amount each month up until October at which time I would apply a larger amount with a heavier ratio of potash. TB, my thinking is that I probably only need to fertilize the trees 2 or 3 times a year and water as needed and cutting back on watering from October to February. This winter we had near record rainfall in Palmbeach County. I don't know how that extra rain will affect production this year. I often feel that I throw everything at my trees but they would do just as well with less. I'm trying to find the right balance of fertilizer and schedule to go by. In my surrounding area there are several of us that grow mango trees. Our fertilization plans are all almost the same except one neighbor who does much less but yet has high productivity and very tasty mangos. tropicbreezent thank you for responding and giving your advice, I certainly appreciate it.