Use of Miracle Grow in produce Garden - Ask Extension
Hello,
I have a question about the use of Miracle grow in my garden where I grow vegetables. Others have told me that miracle grow kills off the good...
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Use of Miracle Grow in produce Garden #882877
Asked August 25, 2024, 10:29 AM EDT
Hello,
I have a question about the use of Miracle grow in my garden where I grow vegetables. Others have told me that miracle grow kills off the good bacteria and good critters in the soil. I am trying to improve the environment of my soil by using good compost, but this year I have had blossom end rot and I understand that is a lack of calcium, but when I use Miracle grow I can almost see an improvement in the plants and produce go’s way up. Is there any truth to the claims some make?
Also does mint mulch have a detrimental effect on calcium?
Thank you
P.
Lane CountyOregon
Expert Response
Dear Patricia,
Thank you for contacting us about using Miracle Gro fertilizer in your vegetable garden. Fertilizers are chemically classified as salts, but this should not be confused with table salt (sodium chloride).
Fertilizers (both organic and synthetic) add nutrients to the soil, but the soil biota (bacteria, etc.) are responsible for converting the nutrients into the forms that can be used by plants. At that point, there is no difference between chemical and organic fertilizers. Example: Fertilizer must be converted to a form that can be used by plants.When used as directed, fertilizers not kill soil biota. Vegetable gardens require regular inputs of nutrients which are removed when the plants are harvested. This can be done with either synthetic fertilizer or organic matter. The biggest difference between the two is the time it takes for them to be converted to a plant-useable form. *
Blossom-end rot is associated with deficient calcium, but this does not mean your soil lacks calcium (or magnesium). Blossom-end rot is usually caused by inconsistent watering which prevents the plant from taking up the nutrients that are in the soil. So instead of adding calcium and magnesium to the soil, try to water your plants more often, especially in very hot weather.
Mint is actually high in calcium and will not harm plants. I believe the detrimental effect you are referring to relates to human consumption where there may be some relationships to irritable bowel syndrome. This is not an issue for plants.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again any time you have horticulture questions.
* Note: We recommend applying up to 1-inch of finished compost or manure to the surface of the soil annually, preferably in late autumn so the nutrients will be available by spring. Application of too much nutrient (either compost or fertilizer) will cause the excess to runoff into ground water and degrades the environment.
