New items pass tests

I’m a tough sell for the garden industry folks who send me products or plants to try. I usually test things for as long as a year before I feel I can recommend them to you. Sometimes though a product comes out that works well enough to pass right along. Here are two products that seem to be worth trying.

The first is Dynamite, a new type of timed-release fertilizer that begins feeding plants when the soil temperature reaches the low 50s instead of the low 70s that triggers most other timed-release fertilizers, including the very popular Osmocote.

Dynamite then feeds plants for nine months instead of the four months standard of other products.

This is a big deal in the short growing season of the Northwest. Because we don’t normally get 70-degree soil temperatures until well into late June, Dynamite also provides a full suite of micronutrients in addition to the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium macronutrients.

Dynamite is designed to be environmentally friendly. Its controlled release of nutrients minimizes excess run-off into ground water. Its nitrogen is the same found in most organic fertilizers. And the packaging is made from recycled materials. It should be available at most garden centers in the area or check it out online at dynamiteplantfood.com.

The second product is EnviroMoss, a peat moss substitute that takes the concept of recycling to a new height. EnviroMoss starts life as dairy cow manure and bedding from dairies around the Tri-Cities area. This waste is processed to release methane that is then burned to generate electricity which is sold to the power companies. What is left after this conversion is a soft, brown fiber that looks like coarse peat moss. Unlike peat moss, EnviroMoss is not hydrophobic and easily rewets after it dries out. That said though, it doesn’t dry out quickly. I have had an open bag of the stuff sitting in my office for a month, and it is still moist. It’s odorless, too. EnviroMoss can be used just like peat moss in container plantings and the garden.

In my book, it would be a great product just for finding a solution for the growing problem of farm animal waste management. But because it also takes on energy solutions and the challenges around the mining of ancient peat beds, it’s a no-brainer for me. More garden suppliers should be developing products like this. It should be available locally soon or you can check their Web site at www.EnviroMoss.com for a list of stores.

I’d like to hear about your experiences with these products. Let me know what you think.