Opinions on using a slow release fertilizer

[dcroswby]

I'm interested in using (can i say the brand name) a slow release of with an NPK of 15-9-12. These numbers work for me based on a garden analysis.

Any experience and/or thoughts?

Thanks!

Dale

 

[Meadowlark]

Howdy  and welcome!

If you are talking about using on ornamentals, house plants, non-food producing plants, I think it is a good way to go. Slow-release fertilizers provide a steady supply of nutrients, reducing the risk of over-fertilizing or nutrient leaching.

If you are talking about application to food producing plants, not a good way to go IMO. I can elaborate if you wish.

By the way, my compliments to you for your garden analysis.

Way too many people just throw something on their plants without any idea what the soil and plant needs...and end up wondering why "things went south"

 

[Chuck]

I'm interested in using (can i say the brand name) a slow release of with an NPK of 15-9-12. These numbers work for me based on a garden analysis.

Any experience and/or thoughts?

Thanks!

Dale

Is a garden analysis the same as a soil test? If so, then yes. But a word of warning. If the fertilizer you use is a synthetic be carefull and follow the instructions. If you use too much you can damage the roots whether it is slow release or not. If it is an organic OMRI rated fertilizer overuse is not nearly as severe. Many gardeners use synthetic fertilizers on food plants but I do not recommend it.

 

[dcroswby]

Hi
thanks for your thoughts!
Yes, a analysis is the same as a soil test.
The fertilizer is not organic. I understand the caution that must be used when using it. I've always used a granular fertilizer when planting and then followed up with an organic liquid fertilizer. Its a big job and the idea of a slow release sounds so simple. I just cant decide. I wish I knew of someone who's used this particular fertilizer
Can I say the name on the Forum?

 

[Meadowlark]

Can I say the name on the Forum?

Yes, certainly

 

[dcroswby]

OK, its called ONCE and is sold from Brecks.
I could just use it on my ornamentals and use something like Neptunes Harvest on food plants. Is Espoma organic?

 

[dcroswby]

Yes, I finally got my soil tested. Any time I went on a forum to ask almost anything about soil, I was harassed about not knowing my numbers. I'm still a little leery re my alkaline/acidity #s, though

 

[Meadowlark]

Is Espoma organic?

Yes. They have been making quality organic fertilizers since 1929...even before my time

I'm not familiar with ONCE...maybe @Chuck is.

 

[Meadowlark]

Yes, I finally got my soil tested. Any time I went on a forum to ask almost anything about soil, I was harassed about not knowing my numbers. I'm still a little leery re my alkaline/acidity #s, though

I doubt they harassed you...I know I would not.

They probably were just being insistent that the information from soil test is invaluable...and is absolutely critical to anyone attempting to offer you assistance on a garden/soil problem.

So, speaking of soil tests...it might be fun to discuss your results or not entirely up to you...but some members here have decades of experience reading those.

 

[Chuck]

Yes. They have been making quality organic fertilizers since 1929...even before my time

I'm not familiar with ONCE...maybe @Chuck is.

I am slightly familiar with the product. I never use synthetics but I know a couple of people who use it on their lawns and they seem happy with it. And yes, Espoma is an excellent fertilizer, one of the best.

 

[YumYum]

A slow release synthetic fertilizer is usually coated in something that takes time to dissolve, at least some of it is while the other part is left raw for a quicker release. For example so that the nitrogen isn't leeched away or is available all at once, hence slow release. A lot of synthetic fertilizers are made from the very same thing but mixed in different quantities. Some only contain NPK but some also contain other nutrients. I don't see one "brand" being better than the other one but what it actually contains does.

If you are looking for a real slow release, then an organic type would be the one I'd recommend in this case. You can however burn up roots with too much chicken manure.

Are you willing to share your soils test results by posting them? I and a couple others here love to look at them.

 

[Meadowlark]

...Are you willing to share your soils test results by posting them? I and a couple others here love to look at them.

Beat you to it @YumYum ...when I posted mine below, I was specifically thinking of you.

...So, speaking of soil tests...it might be fun to discuss your results or not entirely up to you...but some members here have decades of experience reading those.

 

[YumYum]

..So, speaking of soil tests...it might be fun to discuss your results or not entirely up to you...but some members here have decades of experience reading those.

Oh. Thanks. I will remain modest as I do not have decades of soil testing experience nor am I a university degreed professional soil analyst but I do understand a bit of it.

 

[Meadowlark]

you showing your age? @YumYum

I'll say this to everyone to clarify, I trust and value your expertise on this more than anyone, certainly including myself.

 

[cpp gardener]

Once is the same as Osmocote. Plastic beads with micro pores. Water goes in, dissolves some fert and the increased pressure pushes some of the nutrients out. They dry on the outside and dissolve with the next watering and the process repeats until empty. The beads take years to decompose. Sulfur-coated urea works sort of the same way, but you end up with added sulfur in the end.