Quote:
Originally Posted by HardDrive
At the start of every season, I put in one bag of organic manure for every 4'x4' of soil, and sprinkle some Osmocote fertilizer on the surface. I turn that into the soil. Works like a champ.
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Glad you mentioned fertilizer.
I think most here know that Osmocote is a slow release fertilizer.
Little liquid filled pellets, more or less.
As the pellet material breaks down over time - the nutrients contained within' slowly eek their way out thus providing a nice even flow to the plant(s).
There are other forms of slow release and also a variety of products with various analysis's and slow release combinations.
If memory serves....Osmocote makes a 14-14-14 which is 100% slow release, meaning all the NPK is slow release. (They used to also make a nursery fertilizer 18-6-12 too).
From a different company (I think Scotts makes Osmocote) I have used a 13-3-13 with 40% slow release on the NK, but not the P.
If you really want to play with the numbers - it's all there in the 'guaranteed analysis' - which by law is on every bag. Sometimes a little tricky to do the calculations.
But a reputable company will put the info you need right on the front of the bag.
I guess bottom line is slow release type fertilizers cost a little more but are worth it in the long run, so do your homework and don't forget this vital aspect of proper gardening....
One last comment....for years and years I have always said the 2 most misunderstood components of landscape maintenance are pruning and fertilizing. And it is so true.....
