Does fertilizer expire?

CookieCows · 06-20-2008, 12:19 PM

We have granular 19-19-19 that has been sitting in a covered spreader forgotten for the past 2 or 3 years. Does anyone know if it would be any good? If it is good to use, can you dissolve into a liquid to apply? I don't like using granular fertilizers.

Deb

AltadenaGarden · 06-20-2008, 12:50 PM

I would not dissolve a granular fertilizer. Most granular fertilizers are meant for a controlled release over time. I would worry that it may be either too acid or too basic and burn the plant and roots. As for the fertilizer going bad, if it is still hard and and granular I would you say it is fine, three years is not a long time.

cactus6103 · 06-20-2008, 01:02 PM

I would still spread it as it was intended to be used. I don't know if it has lost any of it's "power", but it should still be good. Do NOT disolve it in water then use. It is made as a slow release only. It would be like pouring acid on your plants. Good luck. Red

mskitty38583 · 06-20-2008, 02:20 PM

that was a great question cookie, i would of never thought of that one...

damaclese · 06-20-2008, 05:16 PM

fertilizer is subject to brake down with heat and light so if its been in a cool place were its relatively dark it will be OK the worst that will happen is you wont get much of a response from your plants

CookieCows · 06-20-2008, 05:29 PM

It's just sitting in a tool shed so has been subject to heat.

Well I think we can probably just spread it around the lawn to get rid of it. If I put it on the nanas and it doesn't do anything wonderous for them... I might be just salting the soil for no good reason.

Thanks for the responses.

Deb

Richard · 06-20-2008, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookieCows

We have granular 19-19-19 that has been sitting in a covered spreader forgotten for the past 2 or 3 years. Does anyone know if it would be any good? If it is good to use, can you dissolve into a liquid to apply? I don't like using granular fertilizers.

Deb

Some nutrients are best applied in granular form, and a few are not available as a liquid.

CookieCows · 06-20-2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

Some nutrients are best applied in granular form, and a few are not available as a liquid.

Well I didn't know that! I don't have any other reason for not liking to use granular except that it's easier to spray instead of crawling around sprinkling, being careful not to get any on the plants and feeling crawly thinking about spiders getting on me.

Thanks,
Deb

06-20-2008, 12:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
CookieCows Member CookieCows's Photo Gallery Location: Kentucky Find me on the map! Zone: 6-7 Name: Deb Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 555 BananaBucks : 2,927 Feedback: 2 / 100% Thanks: 188 Thanked 76 Times in 72 Posts Welcomes: 73	Does fertilizer expire? We have granular 19-19-19 that has been sitting in a covered spreader forgotten for the past 2 or 3 years. Does anyone know if it would be any good? If it is good to use, can you dissolve into a liquid to apply? I don't like using granular fertilizers. Deb __________________

06-20-2008, 12:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
AltadenaGarden Banana Hobbiest AltadenaGarden's Photo Gallery Location: Altadena CA Find me on the map! Zone: 10 Name: Shawn Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 84 BananaBucks : 289 Feedback: 1 / 100% Thanks: 12 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts Welcomes: 25	Re: Does fertilizer expire? I would not dissolve a granular fertilizer. Most granular fertilizers are meant for a controlled release over time. I would worry that it may be either too acid or too basic and burn the plant and roots. As for the fertilizer going bad, if it is still hard and and granular I would you say it is fine, three years is not a long time. __________________ : Announcements Naners Expected in August - Blue Java

06-20-2008, 01:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
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06-20-2008, 02:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
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06-20-2008, 05:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
CookieCows Member CookieCows's Photo Gallery Location: Kentucky Find me on the map! Zone: 6-7 Name: Deb Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 555 BananaBucks : 2,927 Feedback: 2 / 100% Thanks: 188 Thanked 76 Times in 72 Posts Welcomes: 73	Re: Does fertilizer expire? It's just sitting in a tool shed so has been subject to heat. Well I think we can probably just spread it around the lawn to get rid of it. If I put it on the nanas and it doesn't do anything wonderous for them... I might be just salting the soil for no good reason. Thanks for the responses. Deb __________________

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