Plant food like Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food should not expire if stored properly and kept in a dry and cool space where the particles won't get wet. However, some plant foods, especially organic ones, contain microbes which can eventually expire.
The general answer is no, fertilizer does not go bad if it is properly stored. Fertilizer is made up of a variety of natural minerals and elements that do not break down over time allowing you to store your unused fertilizer from year to year.
Most fertilizers don't go bad when they're stored properly and they can be used for many years. Granular fertilizers, for instance, typically don't have a set expiration date, while liquid fertilizers generally stay fresh for about 8 to 10 years. An exception to this rule are lawn fertilizers that contain weed killers.
The Gardener's Answer
According to the Miracle-Gro representative that I spoke with, the liquid plant food is best used within three years after being purchased if stored properly. It is still viable for up to eight years.
Remember, while an old granular fertilizer may still be usable, it may not be as potent as when it was fresh. Over time, some nutrient degradation may occur. However, a minor decrease in nutrient content will not significantly affect its overall effectiveness.
If plant food is exposed to harsh conditions and changing temperatures, or other exterior factors - like moisture, it may break down sooner. It is very important that your plant food is not exposed to water or high humidity.
Fertilizers that do not contain herbicides (weed killer), or insecticides (bug killer) may be disposed of as a solid waste in the garbage. If you are in doubt, please dispose of it as a hazardous waste.
Miracle-Gro actually stresses your plants out and makes them more susceptible to pests and disease. Miracle-Gro contributes to air pollution. Miracle-Gro can actually make your plants less productive and less healthy. Miracle-Gro is harmful to human health.
Lightly work a granular fertilizer, like Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® All Purpose Plant Food, into the surface soil around each plant base, being careful not to disturb the roots or new growth, then water thoroughly to release the nutrients into the soil.
MG is so strong that if used incorrectly, the fertilizer will actually burn the leaves and roots of your plants (you may have already experienced this). Imagine what it's doing to the healthy bacteria, fungi and other soil microbes that are working so hard to provide the nutrients your plants need.
Depending on the formulation, liquid fertilizers can last around 5–10 years if kept sealed and stored properly. Once opened, they are more prone to degradation, particularly if exposed to air and moisture.
Acidic fertilizers have a pH which is below 7, while alkaline fertilizers have a pH higher than 7.
Over- fertilization can lead to sudden plant growth with an insufficient root system to supply adequate water and nutrients to the plant. Poor root structure reduces the number of flowers and fruit production, and can result in plant growth spurts that won't be supported or sustained.
Fertilizer is very hygroscopic, so unless it is well sealed, it will pick up moisture from the air and get clumpy. I store my fert in the garage, sometimes over winters. I have used them the next year with no issues, minus breaking some clumps up prior to application.
Signs of deterioration include clumping, changes in color or odor, which may indicate moisture infiltration or the breakdown of ingredients. Check the product label for any specific recommendations or consult the manufacturer for guidance on storage and usage.
You can try to mix your wet lawn fertiliser with dry horticultural sand or granulated limestone. This will help to break up the wet lawn fertiliser clump and it may even become spreadable. If it still won't go through your spreader, distribute it over your lawn by hand.
A: DO NOT SPRINKLE the granules directly onto the soil!!!. It will burn and kill your surface roots. Use as directed or buy a sprinkle alternative.
Wash hands with soap and water after handling product.
As opposed to Miracle-Gro which offers synthetic NPK (Nitrogen - N, Phosphorus - P & Potassium - K) and little else, Neptune's Harvest products, made from fresh North Atlantic fish, contain vitamins, micro and macro nutrients, amino acids, and natural growth hormones.
A: There are no pesticides in the product. While we do not recommend feeding it to pets, to our knowledge there should not be any adverse reaction if a pet were to accidentally consume Miracle-Gro Miracle-Gro for Christmas Trees. Just like people, some animals have more sensitivity.
Per the manufacturer, Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food can be applied at anytime. If plants are experiencing drought or really dry soil, then it is suggested to water the plant before applying the product. Light to moderate rain is perfectly fine before or after an application.
Soil from a diseased plant may carry pathogens that remain in the soil long after the plant has died. Your best bet is to solarize (baking in the sun) the diseased soil before burying it away from your garden.
Yes, over fertilized plants can recover with proper care. To help them recover, you should flush the soil with water to remove excess nutrients. Adjusting the watering schedule and providing adequate sunlight can also aid in the recovery process. 3.
According to Dr. Jonathan Galindez, RM-CARES Director, food wastes such as vegetable, fruit peelings and leftovers, are composed of organic matter which can be composted to produce nutrient-rich organic fertilizers.