Eco Gardeners

Fall is here and it’s time to fertilize. Why now? Taking the time to fertilize in the fall will strengthen your plants’ and lawn’s roots, giving them a strong base on which to survive the winter and thrive next spring.

• The first thing to understand about fertilizer is the formula, which is represented by three numbers such as the common conventional 10:10:10. The first number represents nitrogen, which promotes lawn blade and foliage growth; the second number stands for phosphorus, which helps root growth; and the third for potassium, which promotes cell function and absorption of trace elements. With organic gardening it is important to understand that the NPK ratio should be 1/3 of conventional formulas.

• In my opinion, all trees and shrubs need fertilizer, because most of them are located in mulch beds that use up nitrogen as they decompose. In addition, every fall homeowners usually rake leaves off these beds, depriving plants of the nutrients that decomposing leaves would traditionally release. To compensate, I recommend applying a balanced, slow release soil conditioner containing micronutrients to the bed and cultivating lightly.

• I prefer fertilizing trees in late September and early October to promote root growth. These nutrients will still be in the soil come spring when plants start to grow. If you have a tree or shrub that does not flower well, a fall feeding will help promote spring/summer flower growth. However, if the plant is not located in the right spot, all the fertilizer in the world won’t make it flower.

• Overall, the basic goal of fall fertilizing and organic gardening for plants and lawns is to promote root growth. When you have strong roots, you have healthy plants with numerous flowers.

Fall Lawn Care Calendar: Want to know when to do what to your lawn? Click here for complete details.

For many of us with limited time and space, planting our flowers, veggies and herbs in containers is a great way to “grow your own,” however, containers can be limiting for the plants’ root growth and water/nutrition intake. Follow these simple tips for the best container gardening:
• Start your containers with quality soil. We recommend equal parts garden soil or compost and organic coir (an environmentally-friendly alternative to peat moss). The coir will aerate the soil/compost for optimal root growth and air circulation and retain moisture;
• Mix 1 cup soil conditioner per 12 inch container. Consider THG’s exclusive Pour n’ Feed Soil Conditioner made from certified organic, vegetarian ingredients. Safe for kids and pets, it contains a balanced blend of minerals and micronutrients;
• Cut down on your need for watering by including water retention products such as THG’s Store n’ Feed Gel or Mats;
• Provide your plants with a monthly organic plant food supplement such as THG’s SeaResults Micronutrient Solution for continuous blooms and healthy edibles.

As you grow your own organic vegetables, fruit and herbs this season, you may want to rethink your fertilizing methods. We all know that to get the best harvest plants need quality organic feedings throughout the summer, however, just because you are using organics doesn’t mean you’re using the healthiest plant foods.

Remember the 2006 recalls of organically grown spinach? “Food safety is not an organic versus conventional issue,” says Shelly Diaz, spokesperson for the Center of Disease Control. Organic farmers using animal manure as a fertilizer method need to be careful of harmful bacteria such as E.coli. This strain of bacteria is found in the lower intestines of all warm-blooded animals and the O157:H7 strain that causes the most cases of food poisoning in the U.S. comes from cow manure that comes in contact with groundwater used on crops such as spinach.

Though E.coli receives more publicity because of its severity, the CDC reports more cases of salmonella than other type of bacterial illnesses in 2005. Salmonella bacteria also live in animal waste.

The Happy Gardener’s exclusive line of Happy Naturals organic plant foods and soil conditioners do not contain any animal by-products. We use certified organic vegetable and grain based ingredients in all of our garden and lawn care products to ensure the safest and healthiest produce for you and your family.

Square foot gardening is growing popularity as more and more people want to grow their own fresh veggies but have limited time and space. It’s also great if you hate to weed!

Here’s what to do:
1. Choose a location with full sun and good drainage.
2. Build 2′ x 2′ OR 4′ x 4′ boxes using untreated wood.
3. Fill your boxes with mix: equal parts compost and THG’s coir fiber mix. Mix 1 cup THG’s All-Purpose Soil Conditioner per square foot.
4. Use string, wood or other material to make 1 square foot grids in your box. The grids provide you with easy working space.
5. Plant 1 seedling per square foot grid or 2-3 seeds per grid.

Isn’t it frustrating when you have taken the time, energy and money to plant your annuals, flowers, veggies and then have them destroyed by an unexpected low temp night? I hate when that happens!!!

The Happy Gardener’s organic SeaResults Micronutrient Solution is an effective way to help your plants make it through a cold night. Made from OCIA certified sea vegetables, this top-selling fast-growth plant food will increase your plants’ tolerance to frost even when its applied just one hour before dropping temperatures! Simply douse the soil around the plants’ perimeter using 1 teaspoon SeaResults per gallon of water.

Save money, time and waste.

Compare our application rates with other products!

The Happy Gardener is committed to helping our customers, Club Members and distributors save time, money and waste by using our Happy Naturals organic products.

We use slow release, natural resources for our fertilizers, soil conditioners and lawn care products.

Compare and see for yourself:

• SeaResults fast-growth fertilizer supplement can be used on all plant/tree/shrub types so you don’t have to buy more than one variety for each of your plants.
• SeaResults fertilizer supplement comes highly concentrated. Only use 1 teaspoon per gallon of water and use it only once a month. Compare that to your average “apply with every watering, once a week” application rates.
• Drop n’ Feed Packets balanced fertilizer come in biodegradable bags so there is significant elimination of run-off into the ground water.
• Drop n’ Feed Packets last an entire year! Compare that to your average “apply every month” and “apply every 2 months of each season” application rates.
• Pour n’ Feed Soil Conditioner is applied once a year. Compare that to the average “apply every month” and “apply every 2 months of each season” application rates.

Questions?

Contact us for more information:

877.798.9280 | PO Box 804 | Ashland, Virginia 23005 | info@thehappygardener.info

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