I was just at Farm and Fleet doing some shopping for the garden. I asked the clerk for Miracle- Gro's Bloom Booster 15-30-15. She told me that it had been discontinued by Scott. She told me that it was her favorite product...didn't know why they had discontinued it. A gentleman, overhearing our conversation, said that it had something to do with killing fish in people's ponds. I came home and checked online and it's there for all to order. Have any of you heard about this?
We used to use just plain Miracle- Gro at our Mary's Garden, but switched to the bloom booster and noticed quite a difference in the size of the plants and the increase in blooms. Regular Miracle-Gro is 24-8-16.
The 1st number...Nitrogen in plants is what helps them to stay green and promote growth of the foliage or leaves on a plant. Nitrogen also helps growth and the production of fruits and seeds. Plants need nitrogen for all new cell formation. Lawn plant foods typically contain a high concentration of nitrogen to make lawns green. Too much nitrogen can be harmful to plants and it is best to use the recommended amount for specific plant
The 2nd number...Phosphorus encourages blooms in plants and helps the plant to grow quickly. Additionally, it promotes healthy stems and roots. Plant food for flowers, such as roses, is higher in phosphorus than in nitrogen. Plant cells require phosphorus for division and growth and for the transfer and storage of energy.
The 3rd number...Potassium increases a plant's resistance to diseases and is important to the plant's ability to withstand extreme cold and hot temperatures, drought and pests. This nutrient helps increase the size and quality of fruits and vegetables. Potassium is used in large quantities by plants like fruit trees. Tubers such as potatoes use a lot of potassium as well. Plants need potassium to transport sugar and for starch formation in the photosynthesis process.
So I think that the key number for flowers is the middle one. I guess that's why the blooms did better at our Mary's Garden. Are there other plant foods on the market with more phosphorus in them? I'm not sure. I know when Dad planted his garden...the numbers were always 5-10-5....and then I've heard to use a balanced fertilizer 20-20-20. Oh, these numbers are spinning around in my head. Tell me what you use....you ladies with those gorgeous flowers.
Balisha
6 comments:
I can see why your head is spinning--way too many numbers for me to think about!
I have only used regular old Micacle Gro in my containers.
I do use a bloom booster, first Peters and then Schultz's, both gone. But, my local nursery does carry a nameless one that has a very high middle number, 50, I think. It does make a difference, but I only use it on annuals.
It makes them perform like the Energizer Bunny! Do not use on perennials or other landscape materials.
Eileen
No...but perhaps I should.
Dirt.
I just use time release Miracle Grow. However I heard from a gardener friend that she always uses the Bloom Booster.
I use the regular Miracle Grow and didn't even know there was anything else. Goes to show you that I am not that great at gardening.
I don't feed as often as I should. Thanks for reminding me to pay attention.
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