Fertilizer Has Changed Why It Matters & What You Need to Know | Gardening in Ottawa
New 17-5-17 Ratio
Recently, the ratios for N-P-K have changed significantly in fertilizer. Here's why we’ve embraced this new way of thinking in horticulture. It supports healthier plants, protects our waterways, and helps the environment through the use of a high-micronutrient, water-soluble fertilizer.
The short version: healthier plants don’t need more fertilizer, they need the right balance, and that balance matters for our soil and waterways.
Intrigued yet?
Ratios for N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) have shifted, so we thought it was important to explain why we’ve adopted this approach in our gardens and greenhouses.
For years, 20-20-20 or 15-30-15 fertilizers were considered the standard (think traditional all-purpose plant food). Research has since shown that gardeners have been applying far too much phosphorus without enough micronutrients. Excess phosphorus inhibits the uptake of essential micronutrients such as iron, manganese, and copper, and disrupts beneficial microorganisms in the soil. It is also a major contributor to algae blooms in lakes and rivers. This often shows up in home gardens as plants that look fed but never truly thrive.
At Gemmell’s, we’ve been using a 17-5-17 water-soluble fertilizer with high micronutrient content on all of our plants for several years, but until now, it wasn’t available for our retail customers.
We’re pleased to say that this fertilizer is now available for home gardeners and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. When research showed there was a better way, continuing with old formulas no longer made sense to us.
Doing our part for healthier plants, stronger gardens, and cleaner waterways here in Ottawa and beyond.
A customer’s response to our fertilizer? Well, let's let them speak for themselves:
"Thank you for creating a plant food that helps me and my friends keep the beauty of our baskets throughout the season. I started using your magical potion after purchasing my baskets at Gemmell’s this year. My girlfriends were so impressed with my hanging baskets they all wanted to know the secret. I said, “it’s a Gemmell’s recipe.” The ladies at the nursery suggested using it and it truly is magic. Now I show up to girls’ night with your plant food and a bottle of wine as a hostess gift — it’s always very well received. We’re excited for next year’s larger tub size!"
Warm regards,
Sonia P.
Well, thank you Sonia! So, what do you say??
Ready to Try It?
If you’re already putting time and care into your garden, choosing a fertilizer that supports long-term plant health and protects our local waterways is a small change that makes a meaningful difference. Ask us about the 17-5-17 fertilizer on your next visit to Gemmell's Garden Center, we’re happy to help you decide if it’s right for your garden.