Scotts Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed Continuous Release All Purpose Plant Food Review

We have been gardening for about 18 years now.  My family eats primarily whole foods- vegetarian/vegan in most cases, and try to concentrate on raw foods as much as possible.  We do this primarily for health reasons, and have reaped tremendous benefits from it.

Every year, we grow approximately 1/4 acre of garden space with everything from tomatoes, to greens, to beans, to potatoes, and anything else we are up to trying. 

The few months in the summer time that we spent growing our food bolsters our health up to make it through the long often dark winters up here in the Northeastern US.  IT is essential that we have a garden that produces well for at least 3 months, weather permitting. 

We basically survive off of our garden for the summer months and what we can store away for winter too. 

The problem where we live is that often times we have dry summers.  This will leave our garden struggling because despite our mulching, watering, and constant care, we live on a hill where it is very windy, and our garden dries out.  Many times, the plant struggle so much that they do not produce much of anything certain years.

We are very adamant about using organic fertilizers only most of the time, but I have found something that has completely changed our gardening for the last few years- MIRACLE GRO SHAKE N FEED CONTINOUS RELEASE ALL PURPOSE PLANT FOOD.


HOW DOES THIS PLANT FOOD WORK FOR ME?

Although this is not organic, I have found a use for it that has really helped our gardening experience. 

When I plant the little plants in the hole, I usually plant a pile of composted seaweed in the hole and along with that, a quick shake of the Miracle Gro Shake N Feed in along with it. 

I mix it in well with the planting base and then plant my plant.

Beyond that, I mulch with seaweed and organic 5-10-5 fertilizer once during the growing season. 


WHAT IS THIS PLANT FOOD LIKE?

MIRACLE GRO SHAKE N FEED is in a jug similar to what you get laundry detergent in.  It has a top with a flip up spout on it and that is covered by a clear plastic lid that snaps on and off. 

When you open the spout, an assortment of little round green pellets come out- about the size of puffed millet if you have ever seen that. 

The traditional usage is that you place around the plants in the dirt and the food will release over a three month period.


HOW DOES IT PERFORM IN MY GARDEN?

For the first time ever, our plants have been so healthy and vibrant that they will hang on very well through drought and difficult weather.  They will grow up so strong in the first month that the leaves cover the ground quickly leaving little room for weeds to take over.

Also, they maintain a strong growth pattern so that they do not dwindle away in the late summer when it is essential to keep growing to produce fruit.

We have lost few plants with this new method.


HOW DOES THE HARVEST TASTE?

Because we use so little of this plant food, we get the primary feedings from the organic fertilizers and seaweed that we use to plant and mulch with.  The fruit and produce is delightfully flavorful and sweet.  Harvests incresed greatly too.

I was very hesitant to break our organic only rule, but I feel that the little bit that we use for this is a good compromise.  After all, you can not eat anything from a plant that does not produce at all, so this is a good combination for us.


OTHER USES?

I have also seen remarkable results with my flower boxes- they remain strong through the entire summer, and even last through a few frosts before they die.  I had a lemon verbena grow up to 4 ft tall last year- the first time ever.  In the past, I was lucky to see it reach 1 1/4 ft tall.

I have also seen great results with house plants as well. 

Very little is needed- just about 20 granules or so per pot- depending upon size.

This plant food really does last 3 months.


MORE INFORMATION

www.miraclegro.com

OR

http://www.scotts.com/smg/home/home.jsp

ADDENDUM

Last year my plants stayed bushy and healthy through a few frosts and right up until late October - early November.  This spring, I have tried a new plant that I never had any luck with- Martha Washington Geraniums.  I used to buy them all pretty in the nursery and then after a month at home, the leaves turned light green, the flowers got sparse and the plant looked horrid.

I have talked to many others with similar problems.  This year I planted them again with Miracle Grow pellets and Moisture control soil and the results are much different.  After being in the large patio pot for well over a month, they have lasted through very cold weather and look delightfully full and brilliant.  This stuff is amazing!  A complete difference.

I am using their organic fertilizer this year on our patio vegetables with organic soil only so I plan to report on that this summer.  The flowers, however are doing beautifully all over the porch.  I am completely thrilled.