Questions about Osmocote® PLUS Controlled Release plant food
1. Is Osmocote harmful to pets?
Osmocote simply contains fertiliser salts in a soybean coating and does not represent a danger to pets in the garden. However all containers of garden products should be kept well out of the reach of dogs who are inclined to break open containers and wolf down the contents. To eat a container of Osmocote would be similar to eating a large amount of salt that would, of course, make the dog sick.
2. Can I use Osmocote to fertilise waterlilies?
Yes. Because the fertiliser in Osmocote is released according to how warm it is rather than how wet it is, it is perfect for adding to the pots in which waterlilies are planted. Use Osmocote PLUS Garden Beds.
3. Does Osmocote harm earthworms?
Not at all. Research has shown that earthworm populations can be 400% higher in areas fertilised with Osmocote, compared to areas where traditional agricultural practices are used.
4. What if I use the "wrong" Osmocote by mistake?
The different Osmocote PLUS varieties are all formulated to be perfect for their particular application, but they will not harm other plants. The one exception to this is phosphorus-sensitive Australian native plants which must be fertilised with the low phosphorus Osmocote PLUS Native Gardens.
5. Can I use Osmocote on my vegetable garden?
Yes - Osmocote PLUS Garden Beds is an excellent complete fertiliser for vegetables.
6. How does Osmocote work?
The prills are made up of many thin layers of soy coating, all of which contain tiny fissues. Water can be absorbed into the prills to dissolve the fertiliser inside, but cannot be released until the prills expand sufficiently to allow the fertiliser to escape through the tiny cracks. When it's warm and plants are in active growth, the coating expands and fertiliser is released. When it's cold, less fertiliser is released.
7. Should I put Osmocote on top of the mulch or underneath it?
Put the Osmocote underneath the mulch. Mulch should not be applied thicker than 5-7cm deep.
8. Can I use Osmocote in conjunction with liquid fertiliser?
Yes. While Osmocote steadily provides all of the plants' nutritional needs, you can also give them a quick boost with an occasional foliar fertilising using a liquid fertiliser such as Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food. For Australian native plants you can use Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Azaleas, Camellias and Rhododendrons Plant Food and for vegetables, Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Tomato Plant food is excellent.
9. How should I store Osmocote?
Keep the lid of the tubs firmly sealed to prevent the fertiliser absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. Store the tubs in a cool, dry place. Do not store the tubs where it is too hot or sunny.
Questions about Osmocote® Potting Mixes
1. Can I use Osmocote Potting Mix to grow vegetables?
Yes, Osmocote Premium Potting Mix will provide all the plants' needs from planting to maturity.
2. Can I plant grevilleas in Osmocote Premium Potting Mix?
No. Because all the Osmocote potting mixes contain Osmocote Exact, phosphorus- sensitive plants such as grevilleas, banksias, hakeas, proteas, waratahs, etc may be adversely affected. Instead, for these plants, choose a mix that has no added fertiliser and enrich it with Osmocote PLUS Native Gardens.
3. Can I use Osmocote Premium Potting Mix in hanging baskets?
Yes. The coir pith retains moisture very effectively, which makes this mix an excellent choice for hanging baskets, as they tend to dry out very quickly.
Answers to questions about all Scotts® products.
