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Fertilizer
Horse Manure Compost
Question from Dave: I have a very reliable and steady source of horse manure (1 quarter horse, 1 draft horse and 1 shetland pony) and an equally reliable source of pine needles. Using the old compost addage “something green and something brown”...
Fertilizing and Rain
Q. Can you give me some reasons that it’s not good to fertilize when it’s raining? A. Walking on heavy soil when it is wet can compact the soil, but other than that caveat what’s wrong with taking advantage of rainfall to fertilize with...
Generic Fertilizers & Soil Amendments
This Generic Fertilizers Chart show you what products can be used for a “source of”, how quickly it works, approximate formula, and characteristics. Generic Fertilizers & Soil Amendments Chart. Be sure to reference “Southern California...
Chicken or Horse Manure
Q. I’ve heard you talk about the benefits of horse manure.What is your opinion of using chicken instead of horse manure? I was told recently chicken is stronger than horse. A. Chicken manure is superior to horse manure but needs longer aging and...
Terr-O-Vite
Question from Trinidad: Where can I purchase this product? Nobody seems to know about it. I live and work in Encinitas, CA. Places I have checked are Grangettos, Home Depot, Hydroscape… Please help. Answer from Pat: Terr-O-Vite is no longer available....
Brunfelsias
Question from Trinidad: I just read on one of your books that Brunfelsias can take two shots of high nitrogen fertilizer in December and January. What kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Do I do a soil drench or spray on leaves? I care for a garden that...
Fertilizing Deciduous Fruit Trees
Question from Jane: When do I fertilize my fruit trees and what do you recommend? Thank you I live in Fallbrook Answer from Pat: No, I do no suggest bloodmeal as the best fertilizer for deciduous fruit trees. It is strong nitrogen and can burn. Not...
Spent Brewery Grains as Compost or Soil Amendment
Question from Ica: My friend is a brewmaker and has tons of the filtered barley grains they use to make beer. Would this be a good soil admendment? Also should it be composted or can it be added directly to the garden? Answer from Pat: Spent brewery grains...
When to Feed Apple Trees and When to Thin the Fruit
Question from Robin: I put worm tea on my apple trees this month. I was going to add compost around them but don’t want to overdue the nitrogen. What else should I add to their schedule? Nothing until early spring? Also, thinned the apples...
Conversation Related to Fossilized Seabird (pelican) Guano
Message from Daniel: The main problem I am having is not the performance of the product but it’s the education of what it is . It seems like the West coast people have not been exposed to a significant supply of the fossilized guano so they do not...
Epson Salts
Question from Philip: I attended your lecture in April 2011 with the Master Gardeners where you mentioned to use Epson Salts on peppers. I did and the results are amazing, I have the biggest green/red peppers I have ever seen. Someone in the audience...
Terr-O-Vite vs Organic Fertilizers
Question from Dave: Your book recommends the use of Terr-O-Vite for so many things. I live in Thousand Oaks and can’t seem to find it. I don’t even see it on the internet. Can you recommend a source to buy it, or can you recommend a...
How to Fertilize Organically
Question from Zenna: I am just beginning to switch to organic gardening and would like to know the best way to fertilize my garden and outdoor pots organically. I live in Southern California about 7 miles from the ocean in Irvine. Answer from Pat: To...
