From

Location

Message

Date Posted

San Luis Obispo Ca

A local grower suggested I try a product called "miracid" Made by Miracle Grow, what is this stuff and what does it do???

3/30/2004 9:11:35 PM

Puyallup, WA

It is Rhododendron and Azalea food. Pumpkins are not "acid loving" plants.

3/30/2004 9:38:33 PM

Taber, Alberta

I used it last year because it was the only high nitrogen water soluable fertilzier I could find (30-10-10). What does the acidity do to pumpkins? Does anyone know of anything else I can use that is high in nitrogen?
Alan

3/30/2004 11:23:50 PM

[email protected]

If you're growing in calcitic or sodic soils, then Miracid (or any other acidifying) fertilizer is a good idea. Here in the humid Northeast our soils are already acidic enough to warrant other types of fertilizers.

A soil test is your best guide.

Steve

3/31/2004 6:07:30 PM

Taber, Alberta

My soil sample came back in the fall at 7.5 I'm assuming it's ok for me then. Let me know if I'm wrong. Thanks.
Alan

3/31/2004 6:15:54 PM

Montoursville, PA

You are a mere three tenths higher than what some folks call perfect. You might consider adding some Canadian Peat to drop it gently and just a tad. Then fertilize with products designed for non-acid plants. I would start with two five cupic feet bales per each 500 sq. ft. of patch.
Water it in good as you till this spring. Give it time to absorb lots of moisture and improve your tilth. Test again in the fall.

3/31/2004 9:59:09 PM

Taber, Alberta

I added about 6 inches of horse manure in the fall, as well as about 20 bags of leaves to my 450 sq foot patch. I also put in about 15 pounds of corn meal, 20 pounds of coffee grounds and about 1/2 gallon of molasses 2 weeks ago. Will these additions have lowered my ph already? I've got a bale of peat ready to go this weekend. Thanks
Alan

3/31/2004 10:47:41 PM

Taber, Alberta

Also, Plantprod has an evergreen and shrub fertilizer (30-10-10) Would this be better than the Miracid?

3/31/2004 10:56:38 PM

[email protected]

Pay no attention to the name brand. Look at the label for the "Nutrients derived from:" statement. It is quite likely that producrs are identical. Acidifying ingredients are usually sulfates.

There is very little movement in pH when using these products & most of what we read is hype from the marketing guys.

All fertilizers tend to acidify a little.

4/1/2004 8:25:39 AM

San Luis Obispo Ca

So people, tell me, will this acid stuff help my flowers get bigger and more lush??? Should I use it only on flowering plants like Roses and so on???

4/1/2004 11:10:10 AM