Saturday, April 14, 2012

GARDENING LAINE: Osmocote - The only fertilizer I use! Find out my secret....

An annual plant:   "Dragon's Wing Begonia"....  Go from this... 


  .....to this!!   and here's the secret.....(oh how I love a good mystery....) 

Fertilizing Perennials, Annuals, Trees or Shrubs
For me there is only one word in my fertilizing vocabulary:   OSMOCOTE   
Simply put, I think Osmocote is the best fertilizer on the market.  I have been  gardening for over thirty years now and I generally use nothing else.  Osmocote is a granular fertilizer that is worked into the soil during the initial planting process, either in the ground or in a pot.  I also use it for established perennials by broadcasting around the plant base whenever I feel the plant needs a little "help" from their friend. (me, of course) 

When planting most new specimens, (excluding evergreens) I put some Osmocote on the bottom layer of soil in the pot or ground hole.  I place the plant into position and begin to add more soil in layers of about 4", incorporating tablespoons of Osmocote as I go.  If planting in a pot remember to leave at leave 3" between soil/ pot rim for watering purposes.  If planting in the ground I follow the instructions for depth required.  Firm the soil around the finished pot and add 1 tablespoon of Osmocote for good measure!

I cannot tell you how important this product is for the infrastructure of your plant.  The root system will be stronger than ever and your plant will grow strong and upright.  Years ago my friend Carol (another gardener) shared with me the benefits of using this miracle fertilizer.   Her plants did not bend over or fall -they were so upright that I could not get over it.  I would not leave without finding out exactly what was used on them.  When I was told to try Osmocote I could not wait to get out to purchase it and try it on my gardens and trees.  

My plants were always nice and healthy, or so I thought.  The first season I used it I saw a marked difference in the appearance of the plants.  The leaf colors were vibrant; the flowers larger and long lasting and the stems straight.   The most noticeable  difference was in the overall size of the plant.  (as in the above photo samples).  Annuals definitely tripled in size by the end of the first  season.  Perennials benefited greatly over each season/year in the ground.  They were not "long and leggy" as some plants can get but grew consistently true to their species.   In my garden club I learned a gardening rule of thumb and it is so true: First year sleeping, Second year creeping, Third year leaping.  Believe me, Osmocote will help make your plants leap for joy! 

In an average planting season in upstate New York, which is from May through November, I probably go through about the equivalent of about 10 gallons.  Yes, it is a pretty expensive product to buy but, once again, when I garden it is for the sheer joy of reaping the fruits of my labor.  Isn't that what all we gardeners live for?   Why not have the healthiest plants, trees, or shrubs you can right from the get go?  I’m telling you – get some Osmocote today.     Your plants will love you for it!

Your friendly tip from
Gardening Laine

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