What's your opinion of that stuff?

I used to think it was good, you spray it on, and it fertilizes the soil... but now I'm thinking compost might just be better...

I chatted with someone regarding the *possible* fungus issues in my garden, and they basically said I made the perfect conditions for the fungus to grow...

oops

what's your take on Miracle Grow?

Miracle Grow was always good for smaller potted stuff. My grandmom swore by it for her potted stuff on the back porch. Anything garden related.. good ol' fashion compost is still king in my opinion.

It's bothering me because I just SO easily bought into the "use miracle grow + 7 other stupid things to spray on your stuff"

I didn't do the other 6, and now I see why they do the other stuff... because the MG throws things outta wack...


it's better to just NOT to overdo it.


But my backyard isstill awesome because I have 900 million mantids all over. they still seem kinda shy, though...

and toad! I've seen a few of 'em. tonight, we saw 6! and rabbits. man, I LOVE this - RABBITS? and cardinals and hummingbirds and all sorts of bugs...

wheeeeee...

For the first time ever, I used it this year, on my tomatos. Planted the plants in mid March, applied All Purpose MG, (from the "kit" you connect to your garden hose) when the plants were about 2' tall, and they're just hitting their stride --producing now.


Nice juicy, healthy fruit.

But, I also had a very good crop of tomatos last year, using nothing but dirt and some cow manure--'aged' cow manure. I canned over 40 jars of tomatos and gave about that many away as well last year.



So for me, it's "meh"--I really didn't see any difference.

Your fungus problems may be from the soil surface being too wet. It should appear dry on top, and "almost" dry down an inch or so. If the top of the soil is wet too much, you can bet the root area is as well leading to fungal problems. Compost needs to be "done"--meaning the breakdown is complete to the point it is not much more than rich soil. Incomplete breakdown means it will be breaking down in the soil--in your garden and the microbe activity is going to be in full swing--not a good thing--that also releases LOTS of nitrogen--often too much. The stuff I am composting right now, I won't use until next spring or summer.

Here's some of this years squash--no MG--just old cow pooh and plain old dirt. Note the dates--a month apart--the squash has been so prolific this year I can't give it away fast enough and the freezer is full.

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 06-18-2012).]

Thanks for your reply, MJ... I've grown small batches of stuff since I was a kid, but this is the first year with my own backyard, so to speak, and I tremendously value your opinion...


I think I overwatered.

I worry about that sorta stuff... roots being too dry...


sorry if I sound "sad" to those who actually HAVE "land"...(acres and acres)

this is more then I used to have - doin' the best I can.

actually, doing the best I can so my son undersands what it means to raise things... veggies, bugs,(pets)etc...
have no idea what is important, or what WILL be in our future.... just trying to make him able to survive and do alright...

[This message has been edited by TheDigitalAlchemist (edited 06-18-2012).]

1. I haven't always had "acres and acres".
2. I have often, when renting an apt had to grow stuff (legal stuff) in my backyards, flower boxes, and any other little patch of ground that wasn't asphalted over because that's all I had access to.
3. You will notice I never talk about anything that is produced underground........Radishes, potatoes, carrots, turnips, onions--even peanuts. I can't grow 'em and it isn't from lack of trying. The plants grow ok, but when it comes time to dig
em up, the produce is horrible--looks like somthing that was cut off a leper's nose. Little scrawny hard, thick skinned things that no matter how you try to wash it and peel it tastes like dirt. I don't even try anymore.

The trick, is to find out what will grow on your soil--so---plant small numbers of a big variety of things and go on from what does well. I don't remember from last year's garden thread who it is, but someone does all their garden in raised beds, whcih gets them completely out of the native soil. That might be an option for you-I've never done it except with roses.
It does sound too, like you may have poorly drained soil, which is usually caused by a boundry layer of impermeable clay just below the topsoil. The moisture can't get out and just lays down there and causes all sorts of problems with fungal growth and rot/stem rot. A raised bed will probably cure that.

Good luck, and what you're doing with your son is going to = treasured memories for him some day.

quote Originally posted by TheDigitalAlchemist: ...and toad! I've seen a few of 'em. tonight, we saw 6!

Excellent!

quote Originally posted by TheDigitalAlchemist: ...and rabbits. man, I LOVE this - RABBITS?

Ummm, not so excellent... if you wish to reap the rewards of your garden.

For some reason I thought you werent supposed to use miracle grow on plant you eat? But I was just looking up reasons online and don't see much about it. Maybe it is fine, or there are a few kinds and you don't want to get the wrong kind.

I have 3 200 gallon fish tanks and use the water from them when I do water changes to water my garden and gotta say it work better than any fertilizer I or anyone on my block uses in their gardens. The proof is my corn is about 6 inches taller than my neighbors and I planted 2 weeks later than anyone else I know on my block. Work wonders on flowers as well.

quote Originally posted by Patrick: Ummm, not so excellent... if you wish to reap the rewards of your garden.

Heh... we're not growin' anything they eat...

I use it on my houseplants in the atrium. from my perspective, the stuff works great. Just don't overdo it. It's easy to overfeed the plants.

quote Originally posted by Doni Hagan: It's easy to overfeed the plants.

I think that is the number one cause of disatisfaction with MG.

[This message has been edited by Boondawg (edited 06-18-2012).]

quote Originally posted by Doni Hagan: Just don't overdo it. It's easy to overfeed the plants.

Plants... people... what's the difference?