AboutJames L. Crowder Expertise I can answer questions about soils, soil amendments, drainage and proper planting. I have extensive background in homeowner labeled pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) and their proper use. I can also answer questions about the growing requirements of specific plants
Experience I have 37 years experience in the lawn and garden business split fairly evenly between the retail nursery business and wholesale distribution of consumer lawn and garden products. From 1990 to 2000 I co-hosted a weekly call-in talk radio program in Memphis, TN.
Organizations Garden Writers Association
Horticultural Board of the Mid South Fair
Publications Green Thumb Magazine - out of print
Education/Credentials 37 years of learning everday.
Awards and Honors Past president of the Memphis Horticultural Society.
Past president of the Memphis Bonsai Society.
Memphis Horticultural Society 2008 Horticultural Excellence Award
Question I live in Cent. Texas where soil is sandy. I have had good luck with hybrid sweet corn in the past but heard that a good thing to do is at some point to side dress it with amonium nitrate and water it in. If this is true, at what point of growth is this done? My main fertilizer is a mixture of cow manure (we raise cattle) and water...we call it Texas Tea. Triple 13 is applied at various times. Anyway, am really interested in hearing from you re. the amonium nitrate application.
Answer Hi Dennis, A light dose of a high nitrogen fertilizer when it's past the 3-leaf stage will really make it jump. You could use nitrate of soda (16-0-0) or urea (46-0-0). Ammonium nitrate is 33.5-0-0 but not often found anymore. If you look closely at bags labeled as such, it is often diluted urea. You still need phosphorous and potash, so continue with the 13-13-13. Follow the label rates and water thoroughly after applying.
Continue with your Texas Tea. It will supply micro nutrients and help your soil microbes, which in turn makes a healthier plant. Jim
