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Q. Does the Fertilizer Ordinance affect potted plants?
A. No, the Ordinance doesn't apply to potted plants.
Q. When is the best time to fertilize?
A. The best time is when the soil is moist. This helps fertilizer reach the plants' roots instead of staying on the surface where it can wash away. Check the weather forecast and avoid applying fertilizer when a storm is expected to reduce the amount of nutrients washing into bodies of water.
Q. Why is using a slow-release fertilizer better than a regular (fast-release) form?
A. A slow-release form controls the nitrogen's release, which lessens the chance of nutrients getting into groundwater. Slow-release forms also need fewer applications. Regular fertilizer is more likely to cause nutrients to leach into groundwater, as they release nitrogen very quickly.
Q. If I decide to use fertilizer, how can I use it without harming our water?
A. First, use the right type of fertilizer for your lawn and landscape. Consider that much of Florida's soil contains plenty of phosphorus so you may not need to add this nutrient. Second, apply fertilizer only when you really need it, if you need it at all. Make sure not to over-fertilize, as this can harm your lawn and cause runoff into local waters. Third, apply the fertilizer properly, being careful to avoid spills and avoid bodies of water.
Q. What would over-fertilization mean for my yard and water quality?
A. Using too much fertilizer and applying it improperly are the biggest problems with fertilizer and water quality. Too much fertilizer is more likely to find its way into local water sources or groundwater. Too much fertilizer can also harm your lawn and landscape by burning or wilting plants.
Q. How often does the Ordinance allow me to apply fertilizer?
A. Under the Ordinance, fertilizer may be applied to a single area up to six times during the course of one year.
Q. What is the function of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium?
A. Nitrogen, which helps with the development of chlorophyll, is what gives plants their green foliage. Phosphorus helps with bloom development. Potassium aids with photosynthesis and controls the exchange of carbon dioxide.
Q. What are organic fertilizers? Are they a better choice?
A. In organic fertilizers, the nutrients come from only the remains or by-product of an organism. Examples are blood meal, fish emulsion and manure. Organic fertilizers rely on soil organisms to break them down to release nutrients, and, usually, this occurs over a long period of time. Lawns and landscapes grown with organic fertilizers can produce plants with a higher tolerance for drought, disease and insect resistance. Using organic fertilizers also costs less and takes up less time. One possible drawback is that organic fertilizers might not release enough of a nutrient when needed. Overall, it appears that organic and chemical fertilizers have similar rates of effectiveness on lawns and landscapes.
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