Opinion of Cambell Gro Green Fertilizer

[GDLWyverex]

Greetings all

I have just been gifted a carton of Campbell Grow Green 20-30-10 fertilizer and I am seeking opinions on whether I should use it.and even buy more.

I have over 500 unique species of plants in my collection with some 40 species of palm and 25 species of cycads. Hence; my collection is general and my interests are more towards healthy growth than blooming.

How does this fertilizer fit with these criterion???

Thanks

 

Richard

Edited January 31, 2019 by GDLWyverex

[PalmatierMeg]

Speaking from nutrient-deficient FL, I hate to discard any fertilizer. But I suggest you research the requirements of your plant groups then use it on those that want fertilizer high in nitrogen, very high in phosphorous but much lower potassium. Speaking generally, nitrogen promotes foliage growth, phosphorous promotes flowering (and fruiting, I believe). Here in FL, soil is critically low in potassium but high in phosphorous in many areas. Phosphorous runoff in waterways is a prime contributor  of pollution and algal growth so a reading of 30 phosphorous content sends me running for the exit. Nitrogen is also problematical. From June 1 through Sept1 (rainy season) each year our county enforces a fertilizer blackout against nitrogen and phosphorous. So I keep a bag of 0-0-24 (N-P-K) of potassium on hand to deal with a fertilizer problem.

In summary, I'm saying definitely use the fertilizer but take time to research where. Whether you should buy more, I can't say.

[Darold Petty]

Richard, the Cliff Notes summary... 

Palms prefer a fertilizer with the  ratio of 3-1-1 for the macronutrients Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).  Palms also need a broad spectrum of the micronutrients as well, including Boron.  Calcium and Magnesium should be balanced in the amount of each.  Phosphorus is not that important, since it is not very soluble, and is mostly used to stimulate flowering.  Potassium is very soluble, and is the most common deficiency.   Small frequent doses of fertilizer are better than infrequent large doses.  Synthetic salt fertilizers harm some members of the soil microfauna because of the high osmotic potential of the salt.  Organic fertilizers are better and less toxic.  However they may be inadequate in potted plants or in outdoor beds that have a large number of large plants in a small surface area.  (My garden, for example!)   Any fertilizer is usually helpful and better than not using any.

Here is a link to a site for further reading,  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep273

Also, Yah, what Meg said !   I think your gift fertilizer has too much Phosphorus.

 

 

 

 

[LJG]

Way too much P for palms and cycads. Also, it is the #1 cause of algae blooms because people use too much and it gets into waterways from runoff. 

[GDLWyverex]

Thanks so much for the valuable info. I'll use this batch in a watered down application and then get a more reasonable fertilizer for future use..

Thanks

 

Richard