New and improved fertilizers

In the “olden days,” fertilizer came in big bags, didn’t smell very good and served virtually every planting need – including most landscaping jobs. However, today’s sophisticated customer is looking for more than the “same old, same old” – even when it comes to fertilizers. Now, “natural” and “organic” are big players, as is the notion that the best gardens are easily maintained. This month, we offer four new items that do plenty of what the fertilizer has always done – and then some.

What is it? The Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed line from Bayer Advanced
Why should you use it? Bayer Advanced’s pro-grade formulas are designed with two goals in mind: to feed plants in the landscape and to protect them from common pests. The dual-action formulations save users time and effort (and, ultimately, money) because they can take care of the complete nurturing process. 
Where to find it? www.bayeradvanced.com

What is it? Natural Industries’ plant supplement/protection line
Why should you use it? Professional-formula Actinovate offers biological fungus control, while suppressing disease and encouraging larger root systems in the plants on which it is applied. It is safe and effective on annuals, perennials, turf, trees and shrubs. The rest of the line tackles common landscaping problems.
Where to find it? www.naturalindustries.com

What is it? Jaz Rose Spray
Why should you use it? The Rose Spray (available in concentrate form) is a plant strengthener based on scientific data. It is designed to enhance rose plants’ built-in defense systems. With strengthened defenses, roses are better able to fight stress to become healthier, more resilient plants.
Where to find it? www.jazzsprays.com

What is it? The Soil Moist Plant Pak
Why should you use it? Each biodegradable “drop in” pak contains pre-measured Soil Moist granules. Once placed in the landscape and watered – or in containers, if that’s part of the job – the pak releases stored water back to the plants as the soil begins to dry. Using Plant Paks can reduce watering by up to 50 percent.
Where to find it? www.soilmoist.com

The author is editor and publisher of Garden Center. He can be reached at yyoungblood@gie.net.