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FAQ #13286

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I live on a lake, and want to grow flowers and vegetables without using chemicals that may upset the natural ecological balance. What kind of fertilizer can I use that will be kind to the environment?

Related resource areas: Gardens, Lawns & Landscapes

There are fertilizers available with very little nitrogen. However, compost may be all you need. Before anything is added to your gardens, you should test the soil and see if any nutrients are actually needed. Contact your local Extension office for soil testing instructions.

Tomatoes and herbs prefer less rich soil than many other plants. In fact, too much nitrogen on tomatoes will give you huge, tall plants and very few fruits. Well-aged compost provides nutrients and organic matter without the worry of runoff. If home-composted materials are not available, a good commercial compost could be used and should already be well aged.

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