I need to go shopping for fertilizer so I thought we could all use a review. Here’s a Fertilizing Basics Guide from Anderson’s La Costa Nursery & Garden Design Center in Encinitas.
Some basic info to aid in selecting fertilizers:
All Purpose Fertilizer (4-4-4):
4-4-4 means 4% Nitrogen, 4% Potassium, 4% Phosphorous (by weight). All fertilizers will have many other nutritional elements in its ingredients. A gentle fertilizer blended with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Formulated to provide plants with both a quick start and long-term benefits. Feed every 2 months. Recommended for vegetable gardens, annual and perennial flower gardens, ornamental plantings and all types of container gardening.
Azalea, Camellia and Rhododendron Food (5-5-3):
A special plant food formulated for use on acid-loving plants. A balanced ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus to support vital early season growth and to encourage seasonal flowering. For best results fertilize when growth starts in springtime and immediately after blooming. Feed once more in midsummer. Recommended as a plant food for rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, hydrangea, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, and other acid-loving plants.
Transplant/Starter Plant Food (2-4-2):
A great transplanting fertilizer for annual flowers, vegetables, and perennials during initial settling in. A non-burning formula blended from all-natural ingredients to help plants get off to a vigorous start. Contains bone meal (rich in phosphorus) to enhance root growth. Blended with alfalfa meal which provides naturally occurring growth stimulants to enhance the growth of your plants. Use at planting time and switch to regular Flower food during the growing season.
Organic Citrus and Avocado Food (7-4-2)
A high nitrogen formula for the unique growing requirements of citrus, avocados, berries, and grapes. An effective all natural blend developed both for in-ground plantings and for plants in containers. Contains blood meal and dried poultry waste for fast-acting response. Fertilize crops twice a year – once at planting time or in early spring and again in late May.
Organic Palm & Hibiscus Food (6-5-3):
Give palms a head start with beneficial bacteria and fungi. With a balanced fertilizer formula developed for the unique growing requirements of palms and hibiscus. An effective organic blend developed for both container and in-ground plantings.
Organic Rose & Flower Food (4-6-2):
Mycorrhizae (beneficial bacteria and fungi) gives newly-planted roses a head start for faster establishment. Loaded with alfalfa meal – the ideal rose supplement. A unique plant food with fast-acting nitrogen for early season plant growth and added phosphorus to enhance blossom and root development.
Bon Appetit!
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