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Time-Release Fertilizers
Time-release fertilizers
(such as Osmocote) are chemical fertilizers that have been coated
with a type of resin that breaks down and releases small doses of
fertilizer over time.
Time-release fertilizers
are excellent to use at planting time. Follow the manufacturer's
directions carefully as to the size of the plant to be fed and the
exposure to sunlight.
For plants with limited
nutrient needs, time-release fertilizers may be enough to support
the plant throughout it's life. For others, subsequent applications
of liquid fertilizers throughout the growing season may still be
needed.
Keep in mind that time-release
fertilizers do not work in cold soils (a soil temperature of more
than 40 F is necessary), and tend to break down quickly when soil
temperatures rise into the 80's. Also, if a time-release fertilizer
is used after initial planting, it must be mixed very well into
the soil, never sprinkled over the surface.
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