Slow release fertilizers
Alberto Castillo (Thu, 19 Feb 2004 05:03:29 PST)

Hi Kathy:
Bulbous plants are not completely like the other kinds of
plants. Besides, the same existence of a bulb implies that they are adapted
to endure abnormal hardships. Part of these hardships include the scarcity
of food in the soils. We tend to regard our bulbs like chicken or pigs that
need enormous amount of food and leftovers. I always read with interest
postings to the forum in which people state very seriously that their bulbs
do very well with THIS or THAT (in many cases formulas that contain a
chemical element in a noxious form to bulbs). What they are really saying is
that their bulbs can endure THIS and THAT without dying or visible damage.
Of course the company that manufactures a certain chemical will put it in
heaven as the cure all blessing. The fact is that slow release fertilizers
are not apt for bulbs as the release curve in most formulas is dependent on
temperature (lots of it released in warm weather), this first. One way to
overcome this is to use very minute quantities (not that recommended by the
maker) but there are periods of the year when bulbous plants must not
receive additional fertilizer at all and other times when they need it.
This is not the topic of the week of course but so many
disparate things are being said on the subject that a word of warning is
important specially if you are new to the itching.
Regards
Alberto

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