Marianne's Response

Osmocote 14-14-14

I thought I was buying the Osmocote 7-7-7 (?) I know it started with the seven but received the 14. How do I use this on my ornamental plants? I used a light dose two months ago. We have had considerable rain area 7. The soil ph is reading low on alkaline. The garden is primarily hostas and coral bells. Any suggestions for slugs I have tried every thing. Thank you. Karen Simpson

Posted by karen Simpson on June 22, 2020

Marianne's Response

The numbers on the formula of Osmocote you purchase are important to tell you what the ratio of NPK (these are the big three nutrients)  but those numbers are not as important to the plant as it takes only what it needs from a slow release plant food. This means the 14 Osmocote you bought is going to be just fine. In your shaded garden one application of Osmocote in the spring is all you need. As for slugs there are several pet safe slug baits that work including Worry Free and Sluggo slug bait. Handpicking slugs at night or after a rain and luring them into saucers of beer also helps. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti