Organic...Yes Or No?

[K.Davidson]

I am pretty new to the biz, and am trying to feel my way around a bit.

I have been considering getting into liquid fertilizer apps. I have been considering going into the organics, but to be perfectly honest I was wondering if alot the "hype" surrounding organics, is exactly that; "hype."

Also, what are some of the more respected brands of brands of fertilizers, organic or otherwise for commercial liquid applications?

I live in Canada as well, so any information about availability would be greatly appreciated. Thank you...Any and all info appreciated.

[Ric]

K.Davidson

Organic have a place in horticulture. However you are right about the hype. Take the middle of the road and use Bridge products. Bridge Products are a combo of organic and synthetic.

How to really design a program you need to start with a soil sample. What that sample tells you is what is there and what is not there. Synthetic will give you a faster response while organic will take a long time to work. Organics can help hold the synthetics to the soil as in my case of sandy soil.

Now Organic--Synthetic is a heated debate. So someone will take exception to what I tell you. This is the 21th century and modern science has given us new products. Why not use them? Mother nature has give us some natural compounds that are great also. Why not use them?

Liquid vs Granular. Depends on your soil type once again. Liquids have there place also. Generally they are fast acting and short lived. Plants like to eat at a constant rate. Slow release granules in my opinion is the best. Supplement with Liquids if you have to.

Your question is a good one. However it can not be answered easily.

[amgroup]

I agree with Ric that it can't be answered easily. One thing I like to add is that, with sythetic products, you have to be extra careful not to misuse. I had three customers complained to me about their lawn company (one of the biggest Lawn care company) They sprayed too much chemical in the yard and dogs were having allergies after two weeks...I switched them to organics and they were happy. I do both, organic and synthetic right now. However I will be switching to organic only by next year. For me organic producs are little easier to store and use. I can just store in the garagae and pick it up when I need it.

arun
amGroup

[lorenzo piedra]

If you want to apply organic material to turf forget about any of the high priced snake oil sold in a bag or a bottle by a huckster.

To improve the quality of cool or warm season turf core aerate heavily, and apply local compost in conjunction with a "balanced" (as determined per a soil test from your state sponsored university) chemical fertilizer with minor elements.

[K.Davidson]

Thanks

Wow...Thanks everyone that was some good information.

I think with something as serious as fertilizers and/or any chemicals you are going to apply to someone's yard, it is important to understand as much as possible, about the different variations in quality and usage.

Personally I like the "idea" of organics, and the advantages they may hold. However, this is a results based business and the bottom line is, people expect to see positive results. Eventually I would like to offer both services. At the time being though, I would like to focus on just the one.

Thanks again everyone...Keep the advice coming!

PS: Any more prefered brands??

[mh1314]

If you're considering liquid apps, think about your average weather. If it's windy alot of the time, your business will be down unless you like waxing cars caught with drift and overspray....