Marianne's Response

jardinera’s Question

I accidentally put Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food for Outdoor and Indoor use into my vegetable garden, rather than the vegetable version. I am wondering whether this is safe to use in a bed where I am growing and will be eating what I had planned to be organic vegetables. If not, how do I get rid of it, short of throwing out all that enriched soil. The package label told me to go to a site online that would tell me how much heavy metal was in the formula, but nothing came up. I haven’t watered the bed yet, but will need to soon as it will be in the 90’s for the second day in a row.
Thanks for your prompt reply!

Posted by Maggie Shaw on August 26, 2016

Marianne's Response

No worries - water well. The Osmocote Outdoor Indoor is not only safe for vegetables, but you will see great results. The plants cannot read labels and they take only the nutrients they need so your veggies will do quite well. The difference in the formulas is in the amount or ratios of nitrogen and some other nutrients but Osmocote contains nothing that will harm your soil or health. The slow release formula means you are less likely to wash excess nitrogen into your water source so it is a safe fertilizer to use if you have well water or are concerned about water quality. Enjoy a great harvest and Keep Growing, Marianne Binetti

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