Osmocote

A few years ago I started using a controlled release fertilizer (CRF) called Osmocote. I was a bit skeptical at first but since then have become a true convert. If you want to save time and labor feeding your plants, start using this stuff.

The best way to describe a controlled release fertilizer is that it's like an M&M and slowly over time, based on temperature, the outer coating starts to melt away. As this happens small amounts of fertilizer are released into the soil around it. The best part is that the rate of "melting" changes with the temperature. When it's cooler, it slows down, when it warms up, it speeds up. This provides almost the perfect amount of feeding when the plant needs it.

I specifically use Osmocote although there are other brands on the market. From what I've read it was one of the original products of this type. Osmocote is from Scott's, although I'm not sure if they are the original creators or if they purchased it from someone.

They currently offer 2 "grades" of the product, a consumer and a professional version. For years I used the consumer version, and specifically the fruit & vegetable one, however this year I switched to Osmocote Plus professional. These come in 50 lb. bags and are more cost effective in larger volumes. But, for anyone at home, the retail will work just fine. The professional version is also available in several different strengths as well as versions with minor elements (other than NPK).

Applications rates are printed on the retail product, and for the professional version they have data sheets on their website. I've been using 2 TSP for a 4" pot, 1 TBSP for 1 gallon or 8" pots and 2 TBSP for 2 gallon mums. For the plants and baskets we plant up in May I plan on that lasting well through the summer, usually into August.

We apply it in what's called a "top dress" which simply means we sprinkle it on the top of the soil around a potted plant. The other option is to mix the product into your potting mix, however, if you do this only mix what you need for a short time. After the addition into your soil, the outside humidity and temperature coupled with the moisture in the soil will start the time ticking. It's because of this (and that mixing is labor intensive) that we use the top dress method.

All in all, it's a wonderful product. The only real downside is that's its not organic, in any way. But, if you want to prove what it can do, take two of the same plant and put Osmocote on one of them. In 2-4 weeks the one with the CRF will be noticeably different.