Advantages of slow release fertilizers are that the nutrients
are available gradually over time. This means that the gardener can fertilize less often, and the nutrients are provided slowly
and steadilly. This is how most plants prefer to be fed and helps them grow well. Think of it like a baby being fed
fruits and veggies, versus steriods. One might have a great result for a short time period, but the other is more sustainable
(and natural!). Most slow release fertilizers (organic and synthetic) release at specific (warm) soil temperatures. The benefit
of this is that plant roots generally are most active in warm soil and therefore the slow release fertilizer will start to
make fertilizer available as soon as the plants actually needs them. As the plant roots become more active (in warmer soil)
more fertilizer will automatically be released.
Lawn Fertilizer
Lawn fertilizers are a mix of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The ratio will be printed on the package
as three numbers (the first is nitrogen, the middle number is phosphorous, and the third is potassium). The recommended balance
for lawn fertilizer is a ratio of 3-1-2. There are a few commercial fertilizers available that come close to this
recommendation. Good proportions to look for are 10-2-6 or 5-2-4. Apply natural, slow-release fertilizer in mid- to late
May after the soil has warmed up enough to use the nutrients. Fertilize again in early September, and if you’re going
for the “perfect” lawn, you can fertilize again in early November. More is not always better, over-fertilized
lawns are more prone to disease, thatch, and drought damage. Always read and follow label instructions on the fertilizer bags.
Grass
clippings left on the lawn every time you mow can supply up to half of a lawn’s fertilizing needs. In other words, don’t
bother bagging the lawn clippings, leave them on the lawn to provide natural fertilizer every time you mow. Truly Slow
Release Fertilizers are tougher to find in the grass category than in the small package gardening category due to cost.
Producing a 9 month variety would be cost prohibitive for most consumers to buy, so most are 3 months. If you live near
a waterway of anytype, it is the right thing to do.
Clean Up
Sometimes, you might have just a ton of debris, old fertilizer, old plastic pots, old workbenches and
the like. There are many easy options like calling 1-800-Junk or I might reccomend trying our friends at www.rolloffdumpsterdirect.com,
their 10 yard roll off especially make sense for the more mid-sized jobs or just learn more about it at www.10yardrolloff.com
Micronutrients - The Hidden Story...And, Often Only Delivered
by Slow Release Fertilizers!
There are about seven
nutrients essential to plant growth and health that are only needed in very small quantities. These are manganese, boron,
copper, iron, chlorine, and molybdenum and zinc. Some consider
sulfer a micronutrient, but it is listed here as a macronutrient.
Though these are present in only small quantities, they are all necessary.
Boron is believed to be involved in carbohydrate transport in plants; it also assists in metabolic
regulation. Boron deficiency will often result in bud dieback.
Chlorine is necessary for osmosis and
ionic balance; it also plays a role in photosynthesis.
Copper
is a component of some enzymes and of vitamin A. Symptoms of copper deficiency include browning of leaf tips and chlorosis.
Iron is essential for chlorophyll synthesis, which is why
an iron deficiency results in chlorosis.
Manganese activates some important enzymes involved in chrlorophyll formation. Manganese deficient plants will develop chlorosis etween the veins of its leaves. The availability of manganese is partially dependent on soil pH.
Molybdenum is essential to plant health. Molybdenum is used
by plants to reduce nitrates into usable forms. Some plants use it for nitrogen fixation, thus it may need to be added to
some soils before seeding legumes.
Zinc
participates in chlorophyll formation, and also activates many enzymes. Symptoms of zinc deficiency include chlorosis and
stunted growth.
Look for premium Slow Release Fertilizers
hat carry the above important micros but also be aware of certain myths, which you can learn more about at:
Annuals and Perennials
If you are looking for some great information on the
basic Annuals and Perennials, than consider http://www.annualsandperennials.com/ its a great and simple site with just information,
and very few ads. Its written as always, for the simple gardener who is just looking for clean and helpful information,
that is easy to find. Take a look at http://www.annualsandperennials.com/
Beware the evil evil myths.....click here to learn