Help slow release fertilizer.

[wonderfruit]

Please i will like to start using slow release fertilizer to use in 2 gallon container. Can anybody recommend  me a good product and where to buy it. Thanks

[Seanny]

I use Osmocote Plus. $15 for 8 lb from Amazon.

[andrewq]

osmocote plus. go buy it on amazon now. the usual price is $20-25

[pineislander]

You might want to compare Osmocote Plus with Nutricote Total. They seem similar polymer coated but I see Nutricote specifies "slow release by temperature" while Osmocote doesn't. I've found the Nutricote works wonderfully on containerized annuals, even directly below seeds so little chance of sensitivity. Compare prices including shipping if needed.

University test appears to show a higher release with Nutricote vs Osmocote:

http://ucnfanews.ucanr.edu/Articles/Feature_Stories/Nutrient_Release_from_Controlled-Release_Fertilizers_in_Nursery_Production_Systems/

Nutricote:
http://www.arysta-na.com/Nutricote/files/NUT_18-6-8_PIS.pdf

Osmocote:
http://cdn.greenhousemegastore.com/downloads/pdf/5-6-month-info.pdf?linkingParam=%7B%22__ctmid%22%3A%225aaf852e001caef3941d3e2f%22%2C%22__roit%22%3A%220%22%2C%22_ga%22%3A%22GA1.2.382924929.1521452335%22%2C%22_gid%22%3A%22GA1.2.1459355172.1521452335%22%2C%22_gat%22%3A%221%22%2C%22_gat_t3%22%3A%221%22%2C%22_gat_t4%22%3A%221%22%2C%22__roiNonDirect%22%3A%22true%22%7D

[Frog Valley Farm]

🗯

[Mark in Texas]

I have used a 12 mo. Polyon, 18-4-9 with micros on 1,000's of field Xmas trees.  I'm not anal about how much when planting small liners, 10" tall.  Plant, toss a handful at the base.....move on.   Same with greenhouse stock.  I add a couple of handfuls to a 55 - 100 gal. pot under the mulch.

I'm running out of the Polyon and switched to Osmocote 15-9-12 six month which is a helluva value at Amazon like folks said.  $14.86 for 8 pounds.  Nutricote is expensive by comparison.  Anyone with a good buy on it please link, I'm interested.

https://www.amazon.com/Osmocote-Outdoor-Smart-Release-8-Pound-Fertilizer/dp/B00GTDGMHC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521460711&sr=8-3&keywords=osmocote+plus+outdoor+and+indoor+smart-release+plant+food&dpID=51QVbepb5dL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch



8# Nutricote for $65?   
https://www.amazon.com/Nutricote-Release-Fertilizer-Pounds-Orchids/dp/B00J19WJ3C/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1521461053&sr=8-4-fkmr1&keywords=nutricote+fertilizer+8+pounds

[Mark in Texas]

If given a choice of alfalfa pellets between a non gmo feed, a conventional feed or an USDA certified Organic feed.  They will always go to the Organic option, finish it off and leave the non-gmo and the conventional feed options.

Wow, so you organic types have even brain washed your horses?     I've heard some good testimonials but this beats the best of 'em.

Love the bonnet! 
 

[Frog Valley Farm]

🗯

[zands]

HD and Lowe's have their own brand slow release nitrogen fertilizer that has micro- elements. Bags come in different sizes. There are superior fertilizers but if you want convenience head to HD or Lowe's

Vigoro --- Citrus and Avocado Plant Food  -comes in a few sizes---Lowe's has similar
https://www.homedepot.com/s/avocado%2520fertilizer?NCNI-5

[Jose Spain]

I have used a 12 mo. Polyon, 18-4-9 with micros on 1,000's of field Xmas trees.  I'm not anal about how much when planting small liners, 10" tall.  Plant, toss a handful at the base.....move on.   Same with greenhouse stock.  I add a couple of handfuls to a 55 - 100 gal. pot under the mulch.

I'm running out of the Polyon and switched to Osmocote 15-9-12 six month which is a helluva value at Amazon like folks said.  $14.86 for 8 pounds.  Nutricote is expensive by comparison.  Anyone with a good buy on it please link, I'm interested.

https://www.amazon.com/Osmocote-Outdoor-Smart-Release-8-Pound-Fertilizer/dp/B00GTDGMHC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521460711&sr=8-3&keywords=osmocote+plus+outdoor+and+indoor+smart-release+plant+food&dpID=51QVbepb5dL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch



8# Nutricote for $65?   
https://www.amazon.com/Nutricote-Release-Fertilizer-Pounds-Orchids/dp/B00J19WJ3C/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1521461053&sr=8-4-fkmr1&keywords=nutricote+fertilizer+8+pounds

That price seems strangely high. Here in Spain a 55 pounds bag of Nutricote costs around 85€ (+VAT tax) and 1 Kg box around 7€. Nutricote is a Canadian product I think (made by a company called Arysta LiveScience according to my Nutricote box).

[Cookie Monster]

HAHAHA

If given a choice of alfalfa pellets between a non gmo feed, a conventional feed or an USDA certified Organic feed.  They will always go to the Organic option, finish it off and leave the non-gmo and the conventional feed options.

Wow, so you organic types have even brain washed your horses?     I've heard some good testimonials but this beats the best of 'em.

Love the bonnet! 
 

[pineislander]

8# Nutricote for $65?   

$1 per pound for me when bought in 50 lb bag, picked up at a local fertilizer wholesaler in Florida's citrus country.

[Cookie Monster]

I've used this before and been happy with it for potted plants: https://www.amleo.com/osmocote-fertilizer-15-9-12-slow-release-8-to-9-months-50lb-bag/p/159128/

[Samu]

How about Vigoro brand sold by Home Depot:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-20-lb-Citrus-and-Avocado-Plant-Food-160327/203091325. (Promoted as "slow release Nitrogen for extended feeding").

The N-P-K ratio is about half to that of Osmocote Plus, but the minors are similar. Don't know how good or effective this brand is, but the it's priced lower than Osmocote: $14.98/20 lb bag. The 40lb bag price is even better: $19.48! Any thought?

[palmcity]

I've used this before and been happy with it for potted plants: https://www.amleo.com/osmocote-fertilizer-15-9-12-slow-release-8-to-9-months-50lb-bag/p/159128/

Says 1 to 5 bags for $99.99/50lb + $27.99 shipping for 1 bag to my zip.
              Vs. 1 bag 8lb amazon $14.86 + free shipping if 2 bags or greater. buying amazon multiple bags comes to 50lb for $92.875 using ratio & breaking small bags open.  However the plus bag Does say reapply every 6 months (says polymer coating) & has minerals vs. regular bag without minerals reapply every 8-9 months (says encapsulated within multiple layers of polymeric resin). Unknown if same or different resin coating but similar sounding.
Presently much cheaper to buy 2 or more 8lb bags from amazon on price alone & especially with free shipping and added minerals (if desired).

The 40lb bag of HD Vigoro citrus/avocado on 40lb size recommends fertilizing more frequently so not so slow slow release vs. other 2 choices:::  When to apply: apply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for in ground plants and every 3 months for potted plants (funny being longer for indoor so I guess sunlight or moisture from daily dew breaks down the slow release characteristics faster on this choice...............Then again, leave the pots outside & complain when it doesn't last 3 months... ha.......Then again, maybe pots are part of the slow release function per the manufacturers home depot listing and you must buy them separately...    ha ) https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-40-lb-Citrus-and-Avocado-Plant-Food-162125/203089345  .......And the deal Clincher listed to sway your purchase of Vigoro is "Use around other plants: safe to use around other plants"....     We all sincerely hope soooo.... 

[Cookie Monster]

That's a good deal. I never bought it online myself. The local nursery supply shop always had it at a better price.

The 8-9 month is really more like 4-5 months here in FL.

I've used this before and been happy with it for potted plants: https://www.amleo.com/osmocote-fertilizer-15-9-12-slow-release-8-to-9-months-50lb-bag/p/159128/

Says 1 to 5 bags for $99.99/50lb + $27.99 shipping for 1 bag to my zip.
              Vs. 1 bag 8lb amazon $14.86 + free shipping if 2 bags or greater. buying amazon multiple bags comes to 50lb for $92.875 using ratio & breaking small bags open.  However the plus bag Does say reapply every 6 months (says polymer coating) & has minerals vs. regular bag without minerals reapply every 8-9 months (says encapsulated within multiple layers of polymeric resin). Unknown if same or different resin coating but similar sounding.
Presently much cheaper to buy 2 or more 8lb bags from amazon on price alone & especially with free shipping and added minerals (if desired).

The 40lb bag of HD Vigoro citrus/avocado on 40lb size recommends fertilizing more frequently so not so slow slow release vs. other 2 choices:::  When to apply: apply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for in ground plants and every 3 months for potted plants (funny being longer for indoor so I guess sunlight breaks down the slow release characteristics faster on this choice...............Then again, leave the pots outside & complain when it doesn't last 3 months... ha.......Then again, maybe pots are part of the slow release function per the manufacturers home depot listing and you must buy them separately... ha ) https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-40-lb-Citrus-and-Avocado-Plant-Food-162125/203089345  .......And the deal Clincher listed to sway your purchase of Vigoro is "Use around other plants: safe to use around other plants".... We all sincerely hope soooo....

[Seanny]

I try to use Vigoro for in ground plants, every month. It has only 0.90% Urea slow release.

The other slow release fertilizers are much better at slow release.

[CA Hockey]

One HD staffer told me that vigoro was miracle gro rebranded under the HD store brand. Just putting it out there. I haven't confirmed or tested the products :-)

[Mark in Texas]

Presently much cheaper to buy 2 or more 8lb bags from amazon on price alone & especially with free shipping and added minerals (if desired).

Yep, good micro package too.

A Harrell rep has yet to return my call but Polyon is the best technology on the market with dozens of formulas, rates, release times available.  Releases based on temps.  Commercial product popular with folks like golf course managers, greenhousers.

[Empoweredandfree]

The Polyon looks good. I try to avoid any products with EDTA and that appears to be free of it.

[zands]

How about Vigoro brand sold by Home Depot:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-20-lb-Citrus-and-Avocado-Plant-Food-160327/203091325. (Promoted as "slow release Nitrogen for extended feeding").

The N-P-K ratio is about half to that of Osmocote Plus, but the minors are similar. Don't know how good or effective this brand is, but the it's priced lower than Osmocote: $14.98/20 lb bag. The 40lb bag price is even better: $19.48! Any thought?

Lowes also has similar in 40lb bag for $15  ......  I have to revise about HD and Lowes 6-4-6 slow release nitrogen fertilizers with minors. It seems that only a third or so of the nitrogen is coated to make it slow release.
Does anyone know how much of the nitrogen is polymer coated to make it slow release in the 8 3 9 sold in South Florida by Excalibur and others? Also by Universal Supply in Broward as fruitilizer?

[Cookie Monster]

I don't see the label, but the vigoro "slow release" stuff is likely going to be mostly water soluble with a small % of water insoluble forms of nitrogen -- and this oftentimes means milorganite (recycled biped feces) or some other cheap form of organic nitrogen (not sulfur / polymer coated).

Sulfur / polymer coated slow release (where a significant % of all nutrients are slow release) is generally quite expensive at the big box stores -- if you can even find it there. You don't really want to buy your fertilizer at a big box store unless you don't have any other options (ie, you don't have a grower's supply nearby).

Update -- I found the label. It's a laughable 0.90% nitogen. At least it's polymer coated. But that basically means that they tossed in 50 cents worth of slow release nitrogen granules to be able to woo / dupe consumers with the "slow release" label :-).

http://www.kellysolutions.com/erenewals/documentsubmit/KellyData/ND%5CFertilizer%5CProduct%20Label%5CVIGORO_CITRUS___AVOCADO_PLANT_FOOD_6_4_6_4_25_2011_11_06_00_AM.pdf

[spaugh]

I got a bag of this osmocote pro.  85$ for 50lbs 19-5-8

http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/osmocote-pro-19-5-8-50-bag-8-9-month/fertilizers

Dont remember what shipping cost but dont remember it being excessive.

They also have osmocote classic, osmote plus, etc in different release rates.

I like the pro stuff better than the 8lb osmocote plus little balls on amazon. 

[cbss_daviefl]

.90% polymer coated is 15% of the nitrogen. The Helena Chemicals and Howard Fertilizer 8-2-12 formulations are 7.2% polymer coated or 90% of the nitrogen for a slow and long feed.

I don't see the label, but the vigoro "slow release" stuff is likely going to be mostly water soluble with a small % of water insoluble forms of nitrogen -- and this oftentimes means milorganite (recycled biped feces) or some other cheap form of organic nitrogen (not sulfur / polymer coated).

Sulfur / polymer coated slow release (where a significant % of all nutrients are slow release) is generally quite expensive at the big box stores -- if you can even find it there. You don't really want to buy your fertilizer at a big box store unless you don't have any other options (ie, you don't have a grower's supply nearby).

Update -- I found the label. It's a laughable 0.90% nitogen. At least it's polymer coated. But that basically means that they tossed in 50 cents worth of slow release nitrogen granules to be able to woo / dupe consumers with the "slow release" label :-).

http://www.kellysolutions.com/erenewals/documentsubmit/KellyData/ND%5CFertilizer%5CProduct%20Label%5CVIGORO_CITRUS___AVOCADO_PLANT_FOOD_6_4_6_4_25_2011_11_06_00_AM.pdf

[Cookie Monster]

Yep. I think it's just a marketing tactic on the part of vigoro.

.90% polymer coated is 15% of the nitrogen. The Helena Chemicals and Howard Fertilizer 8-2-12 formulations are 7.2% polymer coated or 90% of the nitrogen for a slow and long feed.

I don't see the label, but the vigoro "slow release" stuff is likely going to be mostly water soluble with a small % of water insoluble forms of nitrogen -- and this oftentimes means milorganite (recycled biped feces) or some other cheap form of organic nitrogen (not sulfur / polymer coated).

Sulfur / polymer coated slow release (where a significant % of all nutrients are slow release) is generally quite expensive at the big box stores -- if you can even find it there. You don't really want to buy your fertilizer at a big box store unless you don't have any other options (ie, you don't have a grower's supply nearby).

Update -- I found the label. It's a laughable 0.90% nitogen. At least it's polymer coated. But that basically means that they tossed in 50 cents worth of slow release nitrogen granules to be able to woo / dupe consumers with the "slow release" label :-).

http://www.kellysolutions.com/erenewals/documentsubmit/KellyData/ND%5CFertilizer%5CProduct%20Label%5CVIGORO_CITRUS___AVOCADO_PLANT_FOOD_6_4_6_4_25_2011_11_06_00_AM.pdf