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About The Long Island Gardener
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Do you know the wrong fertilizer will keep your plants from blooming? Do you know that too much Nitrogen can kill your grass, even if it does not burn the roots? Do you know that Roses need a LOT of Nitrogen to bloom -- and why is that? There's some complex chemistry in those plant foods. The secrets behind N-P-K are the key to the ultimate lawn, the the biggest flowers, the most fruits and vegetables. And if you don't get it right, you could be sorry. I'll show you what you did wrong, and how to fix it.

Experience
Homeowner with gardens indoors and outdoors, lawns back and forth. I wrote my first gardening column for our college newspaper, teaching roomates about the right way to feed those windowsills gardens. Today I look for challenges. Organic Fertilizers are the key to proper feeding of all our plants. Can you make your own fertilizer? Some people think so -- but there are side effects. I have been there, done that for 54 years and there is nothing like the voice of experience when it comes to Horticulture and Fertilizers.

Publications
Numerous and sundry but only in college did I write about plants.

Education/Credentials
B.A., Botany and Mass Communications.

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Roses > Fertilizer

Questions Answered By Expert The Long Island Gardener
In Category Fertilizer

Subject	Date Asked

Lawn	9/4/2008
Q: We live in west Tennessee on five acres. We have bermuda grass around the house and fescue under ... A: First and foremost, you should know that most of those Weeds are ANNUALS. Do whatever you need to ...
Transplanting Azaleas	8/26/2008
Q: What time of year should I transplant my azaleas? Is there anything special I should do to them ... A: Late Summer/Early Fall is almost always the best time to do any planting or transplanting of Shrubs ...
Fertilizer?	8/23/2008
Q: I live in San Antonio TX and would like to ask you for an annual safe program for my Bermuda grass. ... A: San Antonio is the center of the Bermudagrass Universe. With triple digit temps much of the Summer, ...
Soil amendment	8/21/2008
Q: I have a question regarding soil amendment and hope you could help me with this one. I would like ... A: 'Coffee powder' sounds like instant coffee. I don't know what the pH of instant coffee is, but I ...
Soil amendment	8/19/2008
Q: I have a question regarding soil amendment and hope you could help me with this one. I would like ... A: Technically, you are right -- and to put this very simply, you could lower the pH with the method ...
Micronutients in Fertilizer	8/18/2008
Q: I am a analytical chemist that is interested in making a soil micronutrient solution that will make ... A: I'm speechless. Nine Point One. This is a tree you should donate to the Smithsonian. I didn't ...
dogwood tree	8/17/2008
Q: I planted a dogwood tree in a very sunny spot, what tips can you give me to really help it thrive? ... A: Add NOTHING without a Soil Test, my friend. This is not fun, and no one wants to be bothered, but ...
Watering Plants	8/15/2008
Q: is there any benefit to plants by watering them with: 1. Garlic water 2. Rice water 3. Vegetables ... A: When it's injured, Garlic produces Allicin, an unstable compound made during an emergency to defend ...
Micronutients in Fertilizer	8/14/2008
Q: I am a analytical chemist that is interested in making a soil micronutrient solution that will make ... A: HOOOOOOOOOOLD THE PHONE! You need a Soil Test first. Right? Odds are, you'll find there's PLENTY ...
CREPE MYRTLE FERTILIZER?	8/7/2008
Q: I HAVE A CREPE MYRTLE IN MY YARD AND IT'S KIND OF SHADED SLIGHTLY BY A RED OAK TREE. I THINK IT'S ... A: Fertilizer will NOT compensate for lack of Sun, my friend. People tend to forget that Plants are ...
Arapaho Crape Myrtle Bloom lossby wind and rain	8/6/2008
Q: At the end of the 1st full year out of the bucket and into a drought ridden ground site that was ... A: Just a suspicion, but are you familiar with the symptoms of Powdery Mildew on Crape Myrtles? ...
Best Ratio to Mix Coffee Grounds, Cow Manure and Compost?	8/5/2008
Q: Interested in knowing if the combination could be effective, and if so, the best ratio of mixing ... A: First, I want to correct my answer to you yesterday. I was quite tired and I should have stopped, ...
Best Ratio to Mix Coffee Grounds, Cow Manure and Compost?	8/4/2008
Q: Interested in knowing if the combination could be effective, and if so, the best ratio of mixing ... A: We can't determine this with your Compost because we don't know what went in, therefore we don't ...
Organic fertilizers that grows by eating waste.	8/1/2008
Q: i heard that there is this bacteria which eats up waste and multiplies itself. It then becomes a ... A: A company based in Canada? A plant for making it in China? And it's only Compost? I don't know ...
elimination of nitrates	7/31/2008
Q: In our community a central located pond is surrounded by landscaped lawns. The nitrate runoff in ... A: I have limited experience with solving this problem -- I work more along the lines of ...
FERTILIZER	7/29/2008
Q: I LIVE IN CENTRAL MISSOURI, WHERE MOST OF THE SUMMERS ARE ARE HOT & HUMID & DRY(W/AN EXCEPTION OF ... A: Michael, you can't grow first rate Grass without first rate Soil. Did you notice that I did NOT ...
Aspirin	7/23/2008
Q: have you ever heard or experienced the Aspirin's application on plants to boost up the health and/or ... A: Aspirin -- Acetylsalicylic Acid -- belongs to a family of drugs containing Salicylate, a common ...
My attempt at vegetable gardening	7/22/2008
Q: Good morning; Let me first say, I have a green thumb when it comes to flowers & shrubs, but my ... A: Lora, you need to test your Soil. What's in it? What's missing? You've got to do that. Whether ...
Combining Fertilizer	7/21/2008
Q: I have several potted plants and would like to give fertilizer as follow: only organic fertilizer in ... A: Ari. I just want to underscore the reasons in-ground compost curing is inadvisable: (A) It's ...
ckicken dropping tea	7/19/2008
Q: can i make a tea from dropping? how much water/droping how much to use in veg garden? A: The 'Cock-a-doodle-DOO' organic Fertilizer lineup from Pure Barnyard is 100 percent granular poultry ...
Organic fertilizers that grows by eating waste.	7/16/2008
Q: i heard that there is this bacteria which eats up waste and multiplies itself. It then becomes a ... A: Sounds interesting, Carey. I need to know what WASTE you are referring to. There are pollutants -- ...
Combining Fertilizer	7/16/2008
Q: I have several potted plants and would like to give fertilizer as follow: only organic fertilizer in ... A: Fascinating. I wish you lived next door to me, Ari. You sound like a fun guy. The problem here is ...
organic fertilizer for orange trees	7/12/2008
Q: we live in Hillsboro, Oregon and would like to know just what kind of organic fertilizer we can use ... A: Taiwan's Food and Fertilizer Technology Center posts a cheat sheet on this very subject, 'Fertilizer ...
fertelizer	7/9/2008
Q: how to use the sheep organic fertelizer for indoor plants?how often?how much? A: Let's visit the Sheep 201 website: www.sheep101.info/201/nutrientmgt.html N-P-K for Sheep, like ...
lawn whit fungus	7/4/2008
Q: We're in Maryland and have about 3/4 acre lawn; last year we hired a lawn care company to help. The ... A: It's that time of year again when Lawn Care Companies send their best customers to the internet to ...
schrub after care	7/1/2008
Q: In hopes of forming a shrub screen we planted containers of Lilac Dogwood Burning Bush and Ninebark ... A: You pose a complicated question here, and I hesitate to answer because you are combining four ...
organic corn weed/feed fertilizer	6/28/2008
Q: I used a brand of organic corn weed/feed fertilizer prior to seeding my dog run (grass) - it has ... A: Rule Number One: Never use ANY kind of Weedkiller, organic or otherwise, prior to sowing Seeds of ...
crapa mytle plant	6/24/2008
Q: I am wondering what type of fertilizer to us on my crape myrtle . Should it be an acid or something ... A: Crepe Myrtle ('Lagerstoemia indica' to botanists) blooms in July here up North. The Soil pH must be ...
schrub after care	6/23/2008
Q: In hopes of forming a shrub screen we planted containers of Lilac Dogwood Burning Bush and Ninebark ... A: Please tell me if I understand you correctly: You recently planted, in the ground, container-sized ...
Non-composted items as a fertilizer	6/22/2008
Q: Can I put partially decomposed fruits and vegetables directly on my garden without posing a hazard ... A: Researchers have found that the common fruit fly is capable of contaminating fruit with bacteria ...
grass is yellow	6/19/2008
Q: my grass has yellow spots in certain area, and i put fertilizer and it wont grow and it dyes ... A: Depends. If the Yellow spots are caused by a local visiting canine's calling card, post a sign to ...
pet safe lawn ferterlizer	6/18/2008
Q: do you know of a pet and child safe weed and feed fertilizer? A: Chemical weedkiller is bad for everyone. It's got legally mandated warning signs all over the ...
Pelleted Iron on my lawn	6/15/2008
Q: I saw a local garden expert on TV last week. He suggested putting pelleted iron on the lawn to keep ... A: Someone please put me on television to straighten these people out. IRON FOR YOUR LAWN! Yikes! ...
leaf smut???	6/13/2008
Q: I think I have leaf smut and it has spread across my entire yard due to the spores getting in my ... A: First, I'd like to know what kind of Grass you are growing. Bluegrass? Fescue? St Augustine? ...
Composting grass where Bonus is used	6/11/2008
Q: I have used Bonus S for many years on my Lawn, with good results I might add, but my question is can ... A: Ignorance is bliss. Unfortunately, Scotts 23-9-4 'Bonus S' may hold some surprises. Ones you may ...
Nitrogen	6/10/2008
Q: How much nitrogen is recommended to make my grass greener without damaging it? Denver,CO A: Slow-release Organic Nitrogen is the ultimate fertilizer for Lawns. Don't be fooled by the low ...
Fertilizing new grass	6/9/2008
Q: I have new grass and didn't spay or do anything to the ground before hand. I tilled the soil up and ... A: The key to a great Lawn is not great Scott's products. The key to a great Lawn is great Lawn care. ...
fertilizing evergreens	6/8/2008
Q: I live on a largw agreage with over a hundred evergreens I have used 11-34-0 & 11-62-0 ... A: Potassium shortage shows up in Evergreens that PREMATURELY drop large numbers of needle growth. How ...
soil alkaloids	6/7/2008
Q: i had sent you a question and you replied. what it is my friend has an antique yellow rose bush and ... A: I see this more clearly now. Meet Dr Huey: www.ph-rose-gardens.com/00704.htm This is the Peaceful ...
what is the best use of used coffee grounds	5/31/2008
Q: I understand that used coffee grounds act as an good fertilizer---but for what and how do you apply. A: I sure do hope you like coffee, Richard. Because Earthworms LOVE Coffee grounds. I'm not kidding. ...
impatiens	5/29/2008
Q: I have a bed on impatiens under a pine tree. It has a southern exposurer in Michigan. Last year I ... A: Impatiens are not Full Sun plants -- but this being under a Tree, I am hoping your Southern Exposure ...
Fertilizer for Zoysia Sod	5/26/2008
Q: My lawn has just had new Zoysia sod put down. Location is S.C. What kind of fertilizer should I ... A: The kind of fertilizer you should use depends of course on the SOIL TEST YOU DID BEFORE YOU PUT THE ...
Using wrong Fertilizer	5/24/2008
Q: This morning I used Miracle Grow on all my outdoor plants, including flowers...I realized later that ... A: This depends on how much you diluted it. If it was diluted for Lawns, your plants will be FINE! If ...
too much horse manure	5/22/2008
Q: I added a large dose of horse manure and grape compost (from a local winery that also has horse ... A: One of many reasons for aging Manure before use is that it gives you a chance to destroy any ...
making fertilizer	5/21/2008
Q: a person at a home and garden show recently told me that if you boil the limbs and leaves of a ... A: Indole-3-Butyric Acid -- 'IBA' -- is the most popular synthetic auxin in use for rooting plant ...
nitrogen & 10-10-10	5/18/2008
Q: I am a first time gardener in Georgia and think I put to much nitrogen on the vegetable garden. ... A: Shoot first, ask questions later... Now what? What you've learned the hard way, unfortunately, is ...
tomato root problems	5/12/2008
Q: I have an unexpeceted wilting of a tomato plant. AllExperts say, all fingers point to some sort of ... A: Marigolds must be within inches of the root system of any plant to repel Nematodes. But note these ...
weed and feed fertilizer	5/10/2008
Q: two weeks ago i applied scots weed and feed fertilizer to my lawn. the lawn was not wet and my wife ... A: The problem with a 'Weed and Feed' type chemical is that it does not kill all the Weeds you want it ...
Zoysia Care	5/8/2008
Q: You mentioned in one of your answers that putting down a slow release fertilizer, like Milorganite ... A: Sorry for the confusion. I get ahead of myself sometimes. Milorganite is a slow release fertilizer ...
Fertilizer for Kalanchoe and Rose	5/5/2008
Q: which NPK should we use for Kalanchoe and Rose ? I read one article told NPK 2:1:2 good for blooming ... A: Slow release is better than fast release - so yes, you have the Long Island Gardener seal of ...
Fertilizer for Kalanchoe and Rose	5/2/2008
Q: which NPK should we use for Kalanchoe and Rose ? I read one article told NPK 2:1:2 good for blooming ... A: You're right to assume that potting Soil is a very different environment from outside real estate ...
Fertilizer for Kalanchoe and Rose	4/30/2008
Q: which NPK should we use for Kalanchoe and Rose ? I read one article told NPK 2:1:2 good for blooming ... A: These amendments are moot, my friend, because you do not know what you HAVE in your Soil. You have ...
Sewage in Garden plot	4/27/2008
Q: Due to the heavy winter this year, our septic overflowed and ran downhill to our garden plot about ... A: Raw sewage contaminated Soil is absolutely NOT useable for at least 1 season. Look at it this way: ...
fertilizer	4/26/2008
Q: Is Dimension dangerous for kids and pets? A: In New York State, you need a special license to use DowAgro's 'Dimension' weed killer. And the ...
Cow manure vs horse manure	4/24/2008
Q: Which is best for vegetables gardens, cow or horse manure? I live in Connecticut and have used both ... A: I don't know why I did not say this sooner... I guess I am trying to keep it out of every answer I ...
Cow manure vs horse manure	4/19/2008
Q: Which is best for vegetables gardens, cow or horse manure? I live in Connecticut and have used both ... A: Manure in Vegetable plots makes me nervous. But that could just be me. To each his/her own. I am ...
Winter Fertizer	4/18/2008
Q: I accidently picked up Scotts Bonus S Winterizer fertilizer and spread over my yard and now my ... A: How do you accidentally pick up a bag of this stuff, Vickie? Tsk tsk tsk. Scotts has a standing ...
soil test location	4/17/2008
Q: Our zip code is 98662 can you suggest a local soil test location near us?? - Roger A: Correct me if I'm wrong, but apparently neither Washington State nor Clark County provide University ...
Fertilizer	4/16/2008
Q: How safe is it to use the new Scotts Organic Lawn Food Fertilizer? Is it totally organic? And what ... A: The Fair and Balanced answer to this is, Sure it's organic. Read the label. It's derived from ...
fertalizer vs. Regular soil	4/14/2008
Q: I've never gardened before but yesterday I planted two weeping Cherry blossam trees and lilac ... A: Tell me, my friend: were these 'seeds' GRASS seeds? I'm not clear on this. Sorry to delay your ...
HydroSeed lawn	4/13/2008
Q: I live in Nevada and I had 2000 sq. ft. of hydroseed sprayed last summer. Obviously it didn't do as ... A: Funny, but I thought there was no water in Nevada. Sounds like you spent a ton of money seeding ...
Moss in yard	4/11/2008
Q: and thank you What is the best way to kill Moss in my yard?? Around the driveway I racked it out, ... A: My friend, some people would love to have your Moss 'problem' - in fact I know several who are ...
chicago lawn	4/8/2008
Q: I live in Chicago and have a normal city lot (30x125) and my house faces west with front and back ... A: Long story deserves a long answer, my friend. The problem is that long answers are often corrupted ...
Thin Areas & Bare Spots	4/5/2008
Q: I bought this house almost a year ago. As a 1st time homeowner, how do I start solving the problems ... A: Let's get started. Your Sun situation narrows down your Grass choices to super-duper ...
turf builder	4/4/2008
Q: Turf builder is so expensive, is there any thing else I could use on my lawn? A: $20 to $30 a bag? Could be worse. There's not much bang for the buck there. What you need is to ...
Thin Areas & Bare Spots	4/2/2008
Q: I bought this house almost a year ago. As a 1st time homeowner, how do I start solving the problems ... A: We need to know a few things before we can make any decisions here, my friend: 1. Where are you ...
orange tree	4/1/2008
Q: Will a orange planet grown from seed ever product fruit? If so what is the best way to care for them ... A: This being the Fertilizer department, I am inclined to bounce it back to you because I don't know ...
manure	3/31/2008
Q: What kind of manure should I use for my flower garden and what kind for my vegetable. garden? Some ... A: Both are excellent amendments. All Manure carries valuable, slow-release levels of N-P-K PLUS ...
PROPER FRUIT TREE FERTILIZER	3/29/2008
Q: I live in Northwest Arkansas which I believe to be planting zone 7. My soil is heavy on the clay ... A: Fruit Trees are heavy feeders as you probably know. But without testing your Soil, you cannot be ...
Pet safe fertilizer	3/25/2008
Q: We have two dogs and they ware a path in the grass each winter and then all through the summer and ... A: Fertilizers are not bad for your pets unless they contain a Pesticide or Fungicide (or both). But ...
seedling fertilizer	3/24/2008
Q: What kind of organic fertilizer can I use on my seedlings from organic seeds/ A: Compost Tea and Organic Seeds are a match made in heaven. Let me know if you need a recipe. There ...
lawn repair	3/21/2008
Q: We are removing a dog run, and the grass is dead. The run has been there for about 5 years. I was ... A: Two Words: Soil Test. Some things never change. This is the time of year to tackle these things. ...
shelf life	3/20/2008
Q: I have several opened bags of Plant-Tone fertilizer that I have used over 4-5 years. How long is ... A: Keep a good thing going and leave the Plant-Tone on the shelf. Indefinitely. Unless you're going ...
wisteria	3/13/2008
Q: I live in a building that has an old and huge wisteria vine growing on the side of the structure, ... A: Get the Soil under this specimen tested before you start adding stuff -- too much of 'x' (including ...
Fertilizer for Leyland Cyprus	3/4/2008
Q: I have just planted 20 5 gal size Leyland Cyprus bushes. I would like to know the proper fertilizer ... A: A slow, gentle Time-Release fertilizer that amounts to a Soil Amendment would provide optimal ...
Confusing state soil test	3/3/2008
Q: Raised beds contain 1/2 top soil and 1/2 Mushroom Compost. Got results from Tennessee Ag. 1. Said ... A: Well this is most definitely confusing, my friend. I'd be dizzy reading that report. My concern is ...
horse manure	3/2/2008
Q: could any one tell me when horse manure is at its best to use: when it no longer smells but retains ... A: The older cured Manure is best to use in all situations. Horse Manure is widely considered one of ...
human feces as fertilizer	3/1/2008
Q: i have heard from a friend that it is possible to combine human feaces and ash, and after a time a ... A: 'Humanure' is the term for composting human waste. It was coined in 1994 in The Humanure Handbook ...
sewage sludge	2/27/2008
Q: What is your opinion on sewage sludge being spread on land and being made into fertilizer? Do you ... A: Sewage Sludge -- aka 'Milorganite' among other things -- is (only in my opinion) a decent attempt to ...
N-P-K	2/26/2008
Q: There is nothing more rewarding than a healthy plant full of blooms. My passion is to grow annuals ... A: The NPK Story is an unfinished book -- we have much to learn. But thinking ahead, with what we now ...
coffee grounds for raspberries/blueberries	2/21/2008
Q: We live where the soil is alkaline, but have raised raspberries with some success. I have read that ... A: Coffee Grounds are less acidic than you would think, because the Coffee has already removed a great ...
Ligustram japonicum	2/17/2008
Q: Would you recommend a feeding of Hollytone for Ligustram japonicum ?? I plan on fertilizing my ... A: Ligustram japonicum -- 'Japanese Privet' to us ordinary folks -- is one of the most cooperative ...
ringworm	2/15/2008
Q: I have been battling ringworm on my dogs' paws for a while now. I have been rubbing antifungal ... A: Pet questions would normally be answered in the Pet Department here at AllExperts, but you ask such ...
Science Project	2/13/2008
Q: I would like to know can a plant grow faster by using soda,vineger or water? A: With a pH of 3.0 or lower, Soda is not going to be a tasty treat for ANY plant. Take a look at the ...
use of wood ash	2/10/2008
Q: I understand that wood ash is the donor for potash and that this is good for the garden. I live in ... A: Wood Ashes by the pound were recommended thru the 19th century (V. Sackville-West and others) for ...
fertilizing overseeded lawn, fescue in Feb	2/4/2008
Q: I just overseeded my front yard, yes, in Feb, because in NC we had a terrible drout and are still in ... A: Fact of life: New Grass MUST be watered RELIGIOUSLY or it won't become established. Drought or ...
Soil Nutrients Depleted in Vegetable Garden	2/3/2008
Q: My vegetable garden soil plot is depleted in the nutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium, yet ... A: In editing the answer I posted earlier, I did delete quite a bit of material about the pro's and ...
coffee grounds	1/31/2008
Q: Is it a good idea to use coffee grounds (mixed with dirt) as fertilizer for fruiting trees ... e.g. ... A: Used Coffee Grounds are superb for amending Soil in almost any situation. Even plants that prefer ...
Soil Nutrients Depleted in Vegetable Garden	1/29/2008
Q: My vegetable garden soil plot is depleted in the nutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium, yet ... A: A+ work, sir. What a pleasure to read your report and the sage, intelligent steps you have taken. ...
I have a report to due?!?!?!	1/24/2008
Q: I have a project to due and i don't know what fertilzer to use? What to start with a plant or ... A: Seeds take time to germinate. Do they take more time if you fertilize them? That's a good research ...
fertilizers	1/17/2008
Q: what is the difference between seaweed fertilizer and synthetic fertilizer? what are the advantages ... A: Justus von Liebig, the 'father of fertilizer', was a 19th century German chemist who discovered ...
How much fertilizer should I use for SMALL scaled projects	1/16/2008
Q: I'm currently taking an environmental science course and my field study project is growing Lima ... A: 'Organic' Fertilizer is something of an Oxymoron. You remember those Oxymorons in English class... ...
magnets and plants	1/13/2008
Q: do magnets affect the growth of plants? and do any plants have iron in them? A: You've heard of Geotropism? Lie a potted plant sideways and in a few days you'll see the stem ...
fertilizer	1/11/2008
Q: What do the numbers stand for? A: You mean the N-P-K numbers? Or a lot of other numbers? Those give you basically the ratio and ...
tomatoes and whether fertilizer is better for them than miracle grow	1/9/2008
Q: is miracle better than cow manure for tomatoes. A: I would avoid Miracle Gro completely. Cow Manure is the better choice, but not for growing ...
sceince project on plant growth	1/8/2008
Q: i also am doing a project on whether commercial fertilizer will make a plant grow bigger than cow ... A: It depends on your Soil. Cow Manure, in modest doses, would definitely yield the best results if ...
Mg vs. Mn what's the difference?	12/24/2007
Q: I am wintering in Florida. Being an Illinois farmer I have a question concerning manganese (Mn) and ... A: 'Manure' as an amendment is one of the richest sources of organic matter you can put on the table -- ...
APPLE TREES	12/23/2007
Q: AT WHAT AGE CAN YOU START FERTILIZING THE APPLE TREE A: As long as you're old enough to hold a watering can, you can fertilize anything, Ernie. Sorry, I ...
Mg vs. Mn what's the difference?	12/19/2007
Q: I am wintering in Florida. Being an Illinois farmer I have a question concerning manganese (Mn) and ... A: Magnesium (Mg) is one of the 3 ‘secondary’ elements plants need to be healthy. A single Mg ion lies ...
homemade fertilizer using weeds?	12/15/2007
Q: Last year I pickled about 20kg of garden weeds (dock, dandelion, thistle, nutgrass, canola, ... A: Spooky experience you have described, Jed, because your Brew most likely was dominated by anaerobic ...
pumpkins & watermelons	12/8/2007
Q: I have searched and found no answers as to what kind of fertilizer to use on pumpkins or ... A: Pumpkins ('Cucurbita pepo') and Watermelons (‘Citrullus lanatus’) are tender plants that love Summer ...
Coffee grounds	11/28/2007
Q: Are coffee grounds a good acidifier? If so, how much does application of coffee grounds affect the ... A: Standard thinking: Coffee is an acid. People who want to grow Blue Hydrangeas and Blueberries are ...
Fertilizer	11/27/2007
Q: I am doing an Agriculture research project on the effects of fertilizer on plants. In the future, i ... A: The way I see it, there are 2 kinds of fertilizer, Garrett. Chemical. And Organic. One is like ...
fertilizer	11/16/2007
Q: Is it OK to use 10-10-10 on my rhododendrons? Thanks A: 10-10-10 is fine for Rhododendrons. But Barrie, one of the best things you can do for your ...
the chemistry of gardening	11/14/2007
Q: what are the importance of nitrogen compounds in home gardening A: Plants build proteins out of Nitrogen compounds in the soil. Chlorophyll (C55H70MgN4O5) molecules ...
AZELIAS	11/11/2007
Q: WHY IS IT THAT AZELIAS SOMETIMES WILL START TO LOOK LIKE THEY NEED WATER .OR LOOK WILTED. A: Any time you have Roots are not working right, a plant will start to wilt. Sometimes the pot is too ...
orange tree	11/10/2007
Q: I have an orange tree which is in a large pot and has grown to about seven feet, and has become too ... A: You do not have a choice in this matter, Conrad, if you live somewhere it's too cold for this plant. ...
Chlorosis	10/29/2007
Q: Deficiencis of Iron, Magnesium and Nitrogen all cause chlorosis. Iron chlorosis develops between ... A: 'Chlorosis' means 'lack of Chlorophyll.' Plants need Nitrogen, Magnesium and (in SMALL amounts) Iron ...
St. Augustine Possible Burnt Lawn	10/27/2007
Q: 2 weeks ago I fertilized my backyard with a cheap fertilizer (I know not too bright). The lawn seems ... A: Monsieur Laurent, you must be more careful. St Augustine is an EASY Grass to grow. It's also easy ...
How often should I fertilize my house plants and more...	10/23/2007
Q: i was wondering these questions: How often should I fertilize my house plants? types of ... A: A poet at heart, I see. Houseplants do not need to be fertilized often. Fertilizer companies would ...
fertilizer	10/22/2007
Q: I am a high school student this question is related to my chemistry I want to know about what is the ... A: First, I want to point out something very important that most people don't think about: The most ...
feritlizen	10/21/2007
Q: what type fertilizer should i use for Leyland cypress. when should i fertize the plants. A: Leyland Cypress -- 'Cupressocyparis leylandii' to botanists -- needs just the right soil more than ...
Understanding the numbers	10/19/2007
Q: what do the three numbers mean on a bag of fertilizer? Ex., 10-10-10. What do those numbers mean? A: Basic Fertilizer 101: The FIRST number is the percentage of NITROGEN that is Guaranteed to be in the ...
Leafgro ingredients	10/18/2007
Q: I have just completed spreading leafgro over my lawn areas (and then reseeded). However, my 13 lb ... A: The great State of Maryland processes cut Land Clearing Debris, mowed Grass clippings, and Autumn ...
new lawn	10/16/2007
Q: I have a newly hydro seeded lawn that was started on the 7 SEPT 2007 which type of fertilizer should ... A: Assuming you are in Cool Season Grass country, and it is now mid-October, and your Soil is in ...
Fertilisers	10/10/2007
Q: What is the essential element for healthy plant growth? A: Justus von Liebig is called the 'Father of the Fertilizer Industry' for cooking up the world's first ...
fertilizer	10/9/2007
Q: How can the use of fertilizers result in reduced O2 concetrations in the waterway A: Hypoxia -- a shortage of Oxygen -- occurs in ponds and lakes when dissolved Oxygen reaches levels of ...
chicken, mushroom fertilizer or Miracle Grow	10/8/2007
Q: I have used Miracle Grow for years, but wonder if fish emulsion or mushroom fertilizer is a better ... A: Fish Emulsion and Mushroom Compost are Organic Fertilizers. Miracle Gro is a Chemical Fertilizer. ...
additives, superthrive	10/5/2007
Q: I am a long time commercial hydroponic vegetable grower here in florida. I've used Superthrive ... A: The mystery potion sold as 'SuperThrive' gets a lot of press, but you'll find very little ...
pine needles as mulch	10/4/2007
Q: I have a LARGE amount of pine needles that I must dispose of,so I was wondering if I could use them ... A: This should be an easy question to answer. Numerous authorities use Pine Needles to mulch around ...
Household fertilizers	9/29/2007
Q: Are there any household products - things you would find int he cupboard - that would work as ... A: Absolutely! The BEST fertilizers money can buy are right there in the kitchen. Not the cupboard ...
High Nitrogen Lawn Fertilizer	9/26/2007
Q: A few years ago I bought a yard fertilizer made by a company named Parker's. The N content of this ... A: The Parker's brand name belongs to a fertilizer company named Chemsico in St Louis, Missouri. Their ...
Pachysandra Clarification	9/24/2007
Q: "Thick, heavy mulches should be avoided since they hold moisture. It is also important to remove ... A: Your ailing Pachysandra needs TLC to get it through this difficult time. Any Fungus in the area ...
fertalizer	9/21/2007
Q: How is fertalizer better than just not having it what's the difference. A: Good question, Caytie. Why does anyone need to bother with fertilizer? They don't need it in the ...
fertlizers	9/19/2007
Q: Is it ok to fertlize plants after they have entered the flowering stage. They have been ... A: Eli, if you are talking about indoor houseplants, you can fertilize them any time you want. If you ...
mussel shells as fertilizer	9/17/2007
Q: I was wondering if I could use fresh water mussel shells as a fertilizer if I crush them up? If not ... A: University of Maine's Agricultural and Forest Analytical Lab posts their Mussel Shells analysis at ...
Fertilizer	9/14/2007
Q: I live in Oklahoma and cannot find any fertilizer for my blood orange tree and my lime tree.Can you ... A: University of Florida recommends you fertilize Citrus 6 times a year. Most authorities agree you ...
dead grass	9/13/2007
Q: I think i over fertilized my lawn!OOOOPPPSS i just resodded it last year,it looked wonderful.anyway ... A: $$$$OD does not come cheap, my friend. For those prices, you deserve a lifetime guarantee on the ...
fertilizer	9/10/2007
Q: I live in an area that is primarily all sand. I was told today that I could use 13 13 13 and then ... A: Bermudagrass Seed? Not so fast! The Texas Cooperative Extension declares emphatically with an ...
Kinds of fertilizers	9/6/2007
Q: I am doing a project on fertilization and i would like to know which fertilizers would be best for ... A: This is very interesting. Let me tell you how I would have you proceed if you were my son. I would ...
plant growth	9/4/2007
Q: what three different types of fertilizers would be the best to test on plant growth? A: Assuming you are going to test a flowering plant, like a Sunflower, I would guess you would grow ...
lawn	8/31/2007
Q: Where do I start? My lawn looks terrible. I have lived in my current home for 10 years. It was new ... A: Lots of good information here, thanks. First, a word of warning: That pretty patch of Green you ...
lawn	8/29/2007
Q: Where do I start? My lawn looks terrible. I have lived in my current home for 10 years. It was new ... A: Easy answer, my friend. You are growing Cool Season Grass. This Grass goes semi-dormant in ...
Fertilizer for the Leyland Cypress	8/26/2007
Q: I planted a wall of Leyland Cypress last fall. What is the best fertilizer program for me to apply ... A: A slow, gentle Time Release fertilizer that amounts to a Soil Amendment would provide optimal ...
BROMELIAD FERTILIZER and blood meal	8/20/2007
Q: i was wondering what is the difference between BROMELIAD FERTILIZER and blood meal? What exactly is ... A: 'Bromeliad Fertilizer' can be anything, but it probably never has any bloodmeal in it. Anyone can ...
Fertilizer	8/18/2007
Q: I planted perennials this year. I want to increase the blooms and not harm the plants. I do not ... A: 'Aged' or 'Composted' Manure is the only kind that you can rely on to be safe. Fresh Manure will ...
organic fertilizer	8/5/2007
Q: Can you give me the names and amount of products to make organic fertilizer? Thank you Jack ... A: Tomatoes and Watermelons -- awesome! First, let's look at where your Tomato Plants and Watermelons ...
organic fertilizer	8/4/2007
Q: Can you give me the names and amount of products to make organic fertilizer? Thank you Jack ... A: Depends somewhat on what you want to do with this fertilizer, my friend. If you are using it for ...
fertilizer	8/2/2007
Q: I live in northwestern PA. Can I fertilize my lawn now using weed and feed? If not , can I use it ... A: First, there is never reason to broadcast Weedkiller on your Lawn if you do not have a Weed problem. ...
Super Thrive	7/25/2007
Q: I have bought a product called Super Thrive, and I would like to have your opinion on that product. ... A: I have seen SuperThrive (and a lot of other products) but I can't figure out what it's made of. If ...
Burning Grass	7/24/2007
Q: This year I have decided to fertilize the lawn myself. Over the past three years, I have had a ... A: Upton, Massachusetts. Some of the highest IQs in the workforce are in the Upton area, No? You've ...
Burning Grass	7/23/2007
Q: This year I have decided to fertilize the lawn myself. Over the past three years, I have had a ... A: Paying a Lawn Service to create a Lawn with Crabgrass, Red Thread and Grubs I agree is a waste of ...
Herbicides	7/19/2007
Q: I have some weed plants I'm trying to kill..Roundup browns them but doesn't kill them. What's the ... A: In that case, the most effective way to accomplish this mass destruction would be the time tested ...
Herbicides	7/17/2007
Q: I have some weed plants I'm trying to kill..Roundup browns them but doesn't kill them. What's the ... A: Solarizing is a foolproof way to wipe out ALL vegetation without killing most of the microbes and ...
Herbicides	7/16/2007
Q: I have some weed plants I'm trying to kill..Roundup browns them but doesn't kill them. What's the ... A: Are you trying to kill EVERYTHING in the yard, or just a few things? And where (state or zip)are ...
EPSOM SALT ON HYDRANGEAS	7/5/2007
Q: I put Epsom salt on my hydrangeas. One is doing fine, the other one has drooped way over. I did a ... A: Your Hydrangea is DROOPING????? HOW MUCH of this stuff did you use, Deb? 2 cups? 2 teaspoons? 2 ...
Best organic fertilizer for Lawns	7/2/2007
Q: I live in the Pacific Northwest and have become quite sick of the endless cycle of chemical lawn ... A: Cutting to the chase here: GET A SOIL TEST! I can't say that enough. It's the step NO ONE WANTS ...
fertilize, lime & kill bugs at same time?	6/30/2007
Q: OK, I’m new to lawn care. Our new lawn was seeded Oct 2007. We are in S. DE and have very sandy ... A: Holy Mackerel, Where do I begin here? First, Grace, you are not the only person in the country who ...
what product to use to control weeds in annual and perenial beds?	6/27/2007
Q: what preemergent can i use here in central florida to control weeds in my landscape annual beds? A: Chemicals will never be as effective as a good strong landscape fabric to protect your Garden from ...
Fertilization of plants, shrubs, and flowers	6/24/2007
Q: I have just re-planted my landscaping in Southern California with a mix of flowers, plants and ... A: You're going to LOVE organic gardening, Mark. Slow release Fertilizers, natural predators, no fuss ...
new lawn fertilization	6/23/2007
Q: We just had a new lawn put in about 6 weeks ago. We have a lot of weeds. How soon can we fertilize ... A: De-weeding your Lawn after you put down seed or sod is like baking the cake before you put in the ...
alpaca manure	6/22/2007
Q: My two alpacas are prolific producers of these little beans. My friends all say it's great for ... A: My Little Darlings Alpaca Farm, Chickamauga, Georgia thinks you can make plenty of money as a ...
Excess Horse Manure?	6/13/2007
Q: We have a garden plot that we added quite a bit of horse manure too. The soil tests we've done show ... A: Classic case of Too Much of a Good Thing! Nevertheless, and I hate to say it, your first move MUST ...
Frangiapani's	6/8/2007
Q: I have a Frangiapani plant( Hawaiian flower) The guy that I bought it from said That I need a ... A: Oh, sheeesh, a 'cactus' fertilizer! Relax, Paula. I've grown lots of these, and he should never ...
Bonemeal	6/5/2007
Q: What is bonemeal? What is the difference between bonemeal, orgrow and leafgrow? Can bonemeal be ... A: Very important, Claudia, NOT to put down seed a month after you put down Corn Meal Gluten. The CMG ...
Bonemeal	6/4/2007
Q: What is bonemeal? What is the difference between bonemeal, orgrow and leafgrow? Can bonemeal be ... A: Bone Meal (1-11-0) is a first rate, steady source of Phosphorus ('P'). It has a tiny amount of ...
aerating	5/27/2007
Q: Is core aerating the best method for Bermuda grass,or is it necessary at all? A: Perfect timing, Clifton! Actively growing Bermudagrass will LOVE a core aeration treatment right ...
Grill ashes and roses (we don't burn normal stuff in our grill...)	5/26/2007
Q: I live in the Sherman area in Texas (lots of rain lately) and we just got through roasting our ... A: So you think your question is long? You should see some of my answers. Fortunately this one will ...
Miracle Gro	5/25/2007
Q: I purchased Miracle Gro "lawn food" instead of the miracle gro I usually buy for vegetables, shrubs, ... A: There are better products out there -- Scotts purchased Miracle Gro and now has umpteen spinoffs to ...
Used The Wrong Fertilizer	5/22/2007
Q: I live in Connecticut and fertilized my lawn about a month ago using a Scotts brand starter ... A: Here it comes, the perfect excuse to run out and buy Scotts Turfbuilder with 2 percent Iron. Frank, ...
Used The Wrong Fertilizer	5/21/2007
Q: I live in Connecticut and fertilized my lawn about a month ago using a Scotts brand starter ... A: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. There is no reason 'starter fertilizer' should turn your ...
Scotts® Turf Builder® 29-3-4 Fertilizer	5/11/2007
Q: Today, I did work on my lawn. I dug the soil, put some garden soil, and then planted some flowers. ... A: 'Some' fertilizer? Can I assume it was a fairly small amount? A light dusting, like you would ...
using cow manure as fertilizer in transplanting roses bushes	5/9/2007
Q: What is the ratio of cow manure to potting soil in 12 inch clay pots? A: Use 1 part Cow Manure to 4 parts soil. The manure MUST be aged. Use un-aged manure and you'll wipe ...
Need help to find "ORGANIC COW MANURE COMPOST FERTILIZER" in NJ	5/8/2007
Q: I have a hard time to find organic cow manure compost for my garden in center New Jersey area. Would ... A: I have heard back from a company called Coast Of Maine -- Whole Foods sells their bags, so you know ...
Need help with lawn	5/7/2007
Q: I live in Maryland. Last summer my lawn was a complete mess, no grass, mostly weeds. Someone told me ... A: With regard to your Clematis, it is possible that the base of the stem was damaged. The stem is the ...
fertilizer	5/5/2007
Q: I am using a 13-13-13 fertilizer for both my lawn and flowerbeds. In the flower beds, I have Queen ... A: One fact we tend to forget is that no fertilizer is ever going to make a plant perform better than ...
Zoysia Help (Cavalier variety)	5/4/2007
Q: Greetings. I've consistently maintained an organic zoysia lawn since sodding our new lot ... A: My friend, that old DuPont slogan was Better Living Through Chemistry. I feel your pain. Dichondra ...
yellowing pachysandra	5/2/2007
Q: My pachysandra has never looked healthy, this being the 3rd summer after planting it. Herbicide ... A: 'Treflan should not be applied on ornamental groundcovers such as Ajuga, Myrtle and PACHYSANDRA as ...
arborviates	5/1/2007
Q: read your article about the arborvitae, about watering. my sprinkler system is on the dame side as ... A: One problem with hedges is that neighbors don't always take care of the hedge on the other side. If ...
fertilzer for avocados	4/30/2007
Q: potassium sulphate, can this be used to fertilize avocado trees or is there something better A: If you have an Avocado Farm, using Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4) would be an important choice you could ...
liquid and pelleted fertilizers	4/29/2007
Q: can you help me by telling me the advantages and disadvantages of using liquid and pelleted ... A: By 'pelleted' fertilizers, I assume you mean slow-release encapsulated fertilizers. Please correct ...
Vegetable / Flowers / Trees fertilizer?	4/24/2007
Q: Can I use the regular lawn fertilizer for Vegetables, Flowers, Trees? What do you recoomend? A: Nonononononono Muhanad! 'Lawn Fertilizer' is usually WAY too high in Nitrogen for Vegetables, ...
cow manure	4/23/2007
Q: I have some cow manure that is not overly aged (a couple weeks to a month). Can I work it into the ... A: Whether you're using Cow, Rabbit, Chicken or Horse Manure, ALL animal manure MUST be seasoned before ...
arborviates	4/20/2007
Q: read your article about the arborvitae, about watering. my sprinkler system is on the dame side as ... A: Arborvitae, known in some sections of the country as White Cedar, is a (usually) fast growing ...
Zoysia fertilizer	4/18/2007
Q: What is the best fertilizer to use for Zoysia grass? A: More precisely: How do you care for Zoysia? Feeding is only part of the Zoysia story. Zoysia needs ...
Wrong kind of Fertilizer Used on Lawn	4/17/2007
Q: I mistakenly used Scotts Bonus S (for St. Augustine)fertilizer on my bermuda grass about 4-5 weeks ... A: Houston, you have a problem. For the benefit of all mankind let us read the label on the Scotts ...
Urea	4/16/2007
Q: Simple question but make me confuse: can we produce urea from Nitrogen gas (N2) + H2SO4 ?? Thx for u ... A: Many cheap fertilizer companies produce Urea Fertilizer (CO(NH2)2) by mixing Ammonia and Carbon ...
aloe vera	4/13/2007
Q: what kind of fertilizers does i need for growing aloe vera? ANSWER: More than anything, Aloe must ... A: Aloe is a true desert succulent. Been to Florida? It's too cold for Aloe! This is a plant that ...
where to my urea	4/12/2007
Q: I want to know where to buy urea for gardening in Austin, TX. Thank you so much for your time and ... A: Urea is a common fertilizer ingredient. It is in the garden section of every Home Depot, every ...
red rocket crepemyrtle	4/9/2007
Q: I have a red rocket crepemyrtle about 1 foot high. What fertilzer to add for more blooms on my ... A: Red Rocket, a deciduous scarlet-flowered 7-year-old Crepe Myrtle hybrid ('Lagerstoemia indica' to ...
aloe vera	4/8/2007
Q: what kind of fertilizers does i need for growing aloe vera? A: More than anything, Aloe must grow in just the right soil to keep its shallow, spreading roots ...
Lawn burnt due to fertilizer	4/5/2007
Q: In response to your question, I used Scotts® Turf Builder® With PLUS 2® Weed Control.........did I ... A: Excellent question, Amanda. Years ago, when they invented 2,4-D, Malathion and other herbicides, it ...
Lawn burnt due to fertilizer	4/2/2007
Q: In response to your question, I used Scotts® Turf Builder® With PLUS 2® Weed Control.........did I ... A: Yes, I can see this is going to be a busy summer. Did you save your receipt? You, Amanda, are the ...
Fertilizer for blood orange tree	3/29/2007
Q: I purchased a blood orange tree a month ago. I have it in a very large pot outside. I live in ... A: Because these are subtropical plants, at least some Blood Orange cultivars require a cold spell ...
garden	3/26/2007
Q: we used to have a beautiful vegetable garden until 2 years ago my husband dumped a big bucket of ... A: First thing, Gale, we must learn how to spell Tomato. Dan Quayle and you have a little bit in ...

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