Miracle Grow

[gardengreenhorn]

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Hi! I'm new to gardening and new to this forum. I am going to be planting heriloom tomatoes in the spring, and have been informed that it is best to use 'MiracleGrow' fertilizer. I was planning on gardening organically, but was amazed when I saw dozens of tomatoes on one gentleman's MiracleGrow-supplemented plant. Could someone please tell me:

Does MiracleGrow change the appearance/color/size of the fruit? (in a negative way)

Does MiracleGrow affect the taste/texture/flavors of the fruit, again in a negative way?

How much does MiracleGrow cost, and what kind (formula?) should I use?

Thanks! :lol:

[luvorganic]

hi miricle grow works just like its name* iusu mircle grow for tomatos only you will be amazed

[jstr11]

I'm almost positive miracle grow is not organic. Stick to organic methods.

jstr:)

[align=left]Hi GreenHornGardener, [/align]

[align=left]Even though it's weeks past your post, I wanted to chime in support of JSTR's suggestion that you stick with organic gardening methods. Miracle Gro is a synthetic fertilizer, and therefore is not used in an organic system.[/align]

[align=left]Even if Miracle Gro tomatoes look bigger and brighter, they can only have in them the flavor and nutrients*present in*the soil that supported them - which is why you want to use an organic fertilizer. You can buy them or mix them yourself from organic fertilizer ingredients. [/align]

[align=left]I recommend a low-nitrogen fertilizer for tomatoes. Nitrogen is good for leaf production... not what you're after with tomatoes. :)[/align]

[align=left]Good luck, and have fun![/align]

[align=left]- Judith*[/align]

[align=left]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~[/align]

[align=left]Judith at A to Z Gardening is Talking Dirt: blogging true confessions of an organic gardener. [/align]

[Tomatomaniac]

[align=left]Hi There,[/align]
[align=left]Just wanted to take a moment to echo all the organic gardeners up there. The only reason to grow heirloom tomatoes is for their unique, non-cardboard box flavor, and using Miracle Grow isn't what you want to do. Miracle Grow is crack for plants. It's synthetic (chemical) so all it does is force its way into the plant and give it a high, but if you don't follow the 7 - 14 day feeding schedule on the box, your tomato will go into withdrawl, probably get dilirium tremens, decide it just doesn't want to go on, wilt and die. And you get no tomatoes![/align]
[align=left]Having been a part of Tomatomania! (see our website: tomatomania.com) for the past six years, one thing I've learned is how to grow a tomato. Use organic everything: planting mix, potting soil, fertilizer, etc. Amend the soil with organic amendment (either bagged, or your own garden compost made from plants that are chemical*pesticide and herbicide free. The best amendment I ever used was worm castings from my own worm farm. My tomatoes were delicious!).*Water deeply and infrequently, feed when you install the plant, and again when blossoms appear. Maybe once more if you're growing indeterminates. No every 7 - 14 day hogwash.*Another note on watering; as the catch phrase of the day says: not so much! Too much water when fruit begins to set and you get watery fruit and diluted flavor.[/align]
[align=left]Sorry to jump on the soapbox...I just can't help myself! That's why I'm a Certified Tomatomaniac![/align]
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[jstr11]

Anything grown with synthetic is like getting one of those delicious looking plastic fruit*that you think is real then you bite down and it's hollow.:shock:

jstr:)*

[redhatlady]

Hey I never thought about* I need Fertilzer for my Pot Veggies I would have used Mirale Grow also because I am new to this so do tell me what I need to buy* for my Tomotoes,Cayenne.Bell Pepper and lemons can I get it at Lowe's? or do I really need a fertilizer?

[Newt]

Redhatlady, I'm not a fan of synthetic fertilizers.* They leave behind residual salts that can harm plants over time, they don't have all the micro-nutrients of organic fertilizers and are like steroids for your plants.* By that I mean they force a flush of growth that is tender and juicy, just what insect pests perfer.* Synthetics also feed the plant and not the soil.* It's best to have good soil feeding your plants.* I prefer fish emulsion mixed with seaweed or with kelp.* You can also get that at your local Home Depot, Lowe's and nurseries.* It doesn't smell good so don't inhale, but the smell dissipates after watering.

Newt

[redhatlady]

Newt thanks for your answer about using* miracle grow I will be using the organic fertilizer now next question ,I mix this in with my soil right?I told I am new at this.:?

[Newt]

Redhatlady, you are very welcome!* I guess you really are new at this.**:)** You mix the fertilizer in with the water in your watering can.* The directions will be on the label.

Newt