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Australia

Just wondering if anybody has used a slow release/controlled release fertilizer for their pumpkins
what would be the pros and cons of using it.
Thanks for your help
Ben

9/6/2012 5:45:03 PM

sparks, NV

if you use a mix of miracle grow, seaweed, fish and calcium and spray it that would be the best. that is what i am going to do next year. but i would definitely try those garden spikes for fruits and veggies put one by stump and one half way down main vine

9/23/2012 4:24:57 PM

Connecticut

Ben, I have read in the past about growers putting 25lbs or more of Osmocote some grew nice kins...other not so good.
It is not the magic bullitt.

10/19/2012 10:07:44 PM

Bethlehem CT

I use osmocote early on in the season.
Pros are it is available to the plants in cooler soil temps. (organic aren't)
It is in a readily available form that the plants can use and be dispensed over several months.
They usually contain some micronutrients too. They are fairly complete and balanced. Potted nursery crops are grown almost entirely with slow release fertilizers. That say's a lot.

Cons.
It is not organic, The organic fertilizers would better help support biological activity in the soil.
Organic fertilizers and ammendments are better for building soil structure etc. You can overdo it with organic and inorganic fertilizers but I would say it is easier to overdo it with the inorganic.

In summary I think that slow release synthetic fertilizers can be useful, but should be used as a boost to a solid organic approach.

11/16/2012 7:36:41 AM