Garden Maintenance

What’s in plant food? The three essential nutrients in plant food arenitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Each plays a role in building healthy plants. Nitrogen encourages growth of leaves and stems while phosphorus and potassium increase flowering and root growth. Plant foods are labeled according to the percentages of each of the ingredients they contain, always in the same order: N-P-K. The label indicates the relative amounts of the three essential nutrients with an analysis formula (for example: 15-30-15, 10-10-10, or some other combination).

Selecting a Plant Food There are several types of plant foods. Different concentrations are used to achieve different results or meet different needs. Be sure to read the label of the product that you choose to purchase for more information on how to apply it. Check out our fertilizer aisle for a variety of products.

• Water-Soluble Plant Foods start feeding almost instantly through the foliage and roots. To apply this type, mix it with water.
• Slow-Release Plant Foods are easy to use and feed slowly and steadily for up to three months. This type should be applied directly into the planting hole and the soil should be watered thoroughly after applying.
• Organic products such as Cow Manure, Compost, Plant Tone, Blood Meal, Bone Meal, Whitney Farms, or Miracle Gro Organic Choice are available and should be worked into the soil before planting. Ask about our organic products area.

Insecticides
There are many insecticides to choose from, depending on the type of plant that will be treated, and the type of pest that will be controlled.

• Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plant and ingested by the bug eating the plant resulting in death. Systemic pesticides should not be used on vegetable or fruit crops except as recommended by the manufacturer. Systemic products to look for are Bonide Systemic Granules or Concentrate.
• Contact insecticides stay on the surface of the plant and are absorbed by the bug coming in contact with the chemical. These types are easily washed off fruits and vegetables to make them safe to eat. Contact products to look for include Sevin, Eight, and Garden Safe.
• Organic insecticides are safe mixtures derived from plants, and usually pose no threat to humans or animals. Organics seldom kill insects but rather repel them since they are made from something that the insect does not like. Organic products to look for include hot pepper wax, insecticidal soap, and garden dust.

Fungicides
These chemicals help to cure or control diseases on plants. Not all diseases can be cured, but can be prevented from spreading by the use of fungicides. Control of a disease can eliminate the need to destroy and/or replace a plant. Fungicides to look for are Daconil, Fungonil, RosePride, and Bayer All-in-One.

Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions when using any chemical.