I saw it in the add for Houston Garden Centers and wondered what peoples comments were. I was thinking of trying it out. It says it is good for lawns, flowers and vegetables. I am just beginning to use fertilizers and other things to enhance growth and color so just curious if anyone has had much success with this. Thanks for any input!
Ironite
I have used Ironite and it's ok, I guess. When I was at my nursery the staff member was using something else (of course I don't remember the name) but it comes in huge bags. It is yellow and very staining when it hit things like concrete and brick. At the nursery they used it on all their acid/iron loving plants and it has more iron in it than Ironite so is a better buy. their plants were fantastic, of course.
Ann
I have distributed ironite via spreader on my lawn for the past three years. Ironite contains iron, nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and sulfur. It definitely greens the grass. This year I mixed epsom salts with ironite and put the mix in the spreader. I did this a week ago with nice results. I felt that I was doing the right thing by using a " natural soil additive" instead of synthetic fertilizer (that's how it's marketed). I just did some searching on the web. It appears that ironite contains small amounts of lead and arsenic (not good).
See link http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=120
fertilizers, are apparently, poorly regulated.
I now don't feel great about using it. Alfalfa meal + epsom salts in a spreader might be the most "natural" way to go--this; however, won't give the grass much iron. Will have to brainstorm on a feasible, "organic" way to supplement iron for a lawn.
I have used Ironite too, esp. when I was in the Houston area. It was a constant struggle to keep the azaleas from getting chlorosis. Like plantladyhou said, keep the Ironite off the pavement, cement, etc. It stains and the stain is permanent. Neither sun, time nor muriatic acid will wash the stain away. If I see plants that are beginning to suffer from chlorisis and need a quick boost of green, I sometimes use Green Light Soil Acidifier & Iron. I mix it in a watering can and apply it to the root area. Correct me if I am wrong, but the way I understand it is- if your soil is not acid enough, then the iron gets locked up and the plants cannot use it. This is why I use the Green Light product, knowing it will acidify the soil as well as provide the iron. I use it on plants like the Yaupon, Magnolia, etc.
tosaho AKA SandiO
I use Ironite with good results. I put it on the magnolia, hydrangea, azelias, roses and lawn. I've always had great results with it and no problems. I didn't know it contained traces of arsenic, but then, so do peach pits!
Well, I bought a small bottle of Ironite plus today. It is in a liquid form. The one I had seen in the paper was in a bag. I went ahead and put it in some of my flowers: fuchsia, mini roses, gardenia, hydrangea, carnation, and chrisanthemums. It says to add it evertime you water, but I think I may try to do it once a week or every two weeks. I think if I get good results I will get a the bigger bottle to attach to the garden hose. Thank you everyone for your comments! I will let you know my results!
I have been using greensand as an iron source here in Universal City. It is collected here in Texas and is non-burning.
Thanks for the greensand tip ksathelo. Will be looking into this as a substitute.