Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 16 · column 2 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
trees and shrubs growing in the lawn is probably unnecessary and would be considered luxury feeding where the plants may absorb and store extra fertilizer, but produce no appreciably extra growth because of it. It should be noted that if a soil test shows that additional phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are not needed, money is wasted if a* spike or any other type of fertilizer with a complete analysis is used.
Spike products do offer some addtional advantanges that may compensate for cost to some gardeners. They are a form of controlled or slow release fertilizer. Small amounts of fertilizer are available to the plant at any one time so that no burning occurs, In addition, slow meeting means that fertilizer is not leached away or wasted. Enough fertilizer is contained in each spike that using the number recommended gives slow, even feeding for a full year.
Spikes Can Contain
Other Features
A new type of spike has recently been introduced that contains a systemic insecticide in addition to the slow release fertilizer. The spikes can feed and protect plants against insects such as bagworms and aphids if used in the number and with the frequency recommended on the package. There are convenience and reduced waste benefits, but again, both the fertilizer and the insectidide costs more than if applied conventionally.
For people who would otherwise not fertilize or spray their trees and shrubs, spikes are an excellent product. For those who would do so, weight costs against convenience and purchase accordingly.
(Dr. Diane Relf is a horticulture specialist with Virginia Cooperative Extension and is a member of the faculty of Virginia Tech.)
89.0%