Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/fertilizer.html

Food for Thought
May 2002
Karen Hull, Johnson's East Greenhouse Manager

    We are finally beginning the gardening season. It's always "touch
and go" until the end of April, but now we can plant in confidence. Part
of that confidence is choosing the right plant for the right location.
Once this task is done, we can begin the summer care of our plants.

    There are several choices of fertilizers and different ways to apply
them. Start-N-Grow (18-6-12) is referred to as the "smart" fertilizer.
It is a slow-release fertilizer which works with the environmental
conditions, and is released only when plants are actually growing. Mix
this granular fertilizer into the soil at plantingtime and then reapply
every two months. Start-N-Grow is really great in containers and window
boxes.

    Water soluble fertilizers are mixed with water and applied every
week. Here are some of our favorite water-solubles:
      
    - ferti-lome Blooming & Rooting (9-59-8) is high in
        phosphorus so it promotes lots of blooms and dark green foliage.
        
    - ferti-lome Geranium, Hanging Basket & Pansy Food
        (20-20-20) is a balanced fertilizer for all annuals, perennials
        and houseplants.
        
    - ferti-lome Gardener's Special (23-18-16) can be used on
        annuals, shrubs and vegetables.
        
    - Daniels Plant Food (10-4-3) is an organically-based
        fertilizer derived from the soy bean seed coat. The best thing
        we can say about Daniels is that it's the same fertilizer we use
        in our greenhouses! This professional grade plant food provides
        balanced nutrition for dark green foliage and beautiful flowers.

    Stop by soon for your plant food. At Johnson's we always have the
best fertilizers for your plants.