Do n’t let fertilizer go tough by store it wrong . Here ’s what to know .
Does fertilizer go bad ? That ’s a motion every nurseryman may have enquire when deal out with half full liquid plant intellectual nourishment containers and open bags oflawn fertilizer at the end of the growing season . But there ’s no reason to flip these products in the methamphetamine or into your compost heap . Both organic and syntheticfertilizers have longer ledge livesthan you might carry , but they do need to be stored properly to maintain their potency .
This template will give you answers to all of your fertiliser storage motion , along with essential baksheesh on how to maintain the quality of remnant fertilizer . After all , if you use up the fertilizer you already have , you cansave a wad on your gardening budget and convulse garden wastetoo .
Credit:Reed Davis
How Long Does Fertilizer Last?
Most fertilizers do n’t go defective when they ’re stored right and they can be used for many long time . Granular fertilizers , for instance , typically do n’t have a set expiration particular date , whileliquid fertilizersgenerally detain smart for about8 to 10 years .
An exception to this ruler are lawn fertiliser thatcontain weed killers . While the fertilizers in lawn care products may still be effective after several class , herbicides typically have a shorter ledge life , so manufacturers in general recommend that lawn fertilizers be cast aside of after1 to 2 years .
If you ’re in doubt about the ledge liveliness of your fertilizers , read through the storage instruction manual on the computer software label . If those instructions do n’t heel an going date , you could habituate your old fertiliser in next year ’s garden .
Reed Davis
Why Fertilizer Should Be Stored Carefully
While fertilizers commonly stay fresh for years , fertilizers can go bad if they ’re not stored in the right way . Improper fertiliser storage can sometimesattract pests , and grainy fertilizers can becomelumpy and difficult to applyif they get wet . Worse yet , fertilizers may leach away some of their nourishing subject matter in moist environments and sure fertilizers can evenbecome fire hazardsif they’restored near inflammable chemical substance . But although these problems are certainly troublesome , they can be avoided by follow the childlike fertilizer storage tips below .
How to Prevent Fertilizers from Going Bad
1. Store fertilizers indoors.
Bothgranular and liquid fertilizerscan degrade when they ’re exhibit to the elements . So the single best thing you could do to keep your fertilizers fresh is to store them in a protected spot , such asin a dry potting shed , service department , or cellar .
2. Separate products.
Certain fertiliser sometimes respond with other products and these response can potentially have fires . To avert this , be certain to keep fertilizers off from other family chemical , herbicide , andcleaning products , and cleanse up any spills as before long as you’re able to .
3. Keep fertilizers in their original containers.
Whenever potential , it ’s always wise to keep fertilizers in their original packaging . This will help you keep course of what fertilizers you have and you ’ll be able-bodied to easy cite any lotion and repositing instruction listed on the container .
4. Seal fertilizer containers.
restrain fertilizer packages seal when they ’re not in enjoyment will limit spills and contaminant . It will also help to forbid pest and humidness issues . If your fertilizer packages do n’t seal tightly on their own , record them shut or identify them inside airtight containers or charge card bags when they ’re not in use .
5. Monitor humidity levels.
High humidness can cause granular plant food to clump , which make them difficult to apply . Sealing fertilizers in airtight packaging is one elbow room to engage out humidity , but if humidity is still a job in your storehouse area , you may want touse a de - humidifieror move your fertiliser to a drier location .
6. Limit UV light exposure.
UV light from the sunlight or other source degrades thenutrients in certain fertilizersand decoct their effectiveness , while the hotness from direct sunlight can make some fertiliser more inflammable . To invalidate this , always store plant food in a cool , sullen place that ’s out of direct sunlight .
7. Avoid temperature extremes.
While extreme heat can disgrace fertilizers , freeze temperatures can also cause separation in liquid plant food and lessen their usefulness . However , if you stack away fertilizers in a protect position , they wo n’t be as vulnerable to freezing temperature or high rut .
8. Use a shelving system.
stack away fertilizer on the storey increases the chances that fertilizers will become damp and grow mould . Keeping fertilizers onsturdy storage shelveshelps to increase air current around your container , define humidity issues , and keep fertilizers safe from pests too .
9. Consider pests.
Not all fertiliser attract pestis , but strongly odorous constitutional fertilizers like Pisces photographic emulsion , blood meal , and bone mealcan occasionally draw inrodents and other critters . If you know there are pest on the prowl , keep fertilizers in rodent - proof container , like metallic element storage tubs .
10. Protect fertilizers from kids and pets.
Of course , if you ’re stash away plant food indoors , always be sure to locate them out of the reach of pets and small children . Even constituent fertilizers can pose wellness problems if they ’re used improperly .
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have honest-to-god , constitutional fertilizers that you no longer take , you may simplyadd them to your compost megabucks . But synthetic fertilizers should be throw away of at your next hazardous waste collection day .
farinaceous fertilizers can spring up thud when they ’re queer to moisture . However , you’re able to normally cave in plant food clumps aside with your hands and still habituate these product . Just be sure to wear a protective mask and boxing glove when you ’re manage fertilizers .
Most grainy fertilizers have an impressive shelf aliveness and they tend to last longer than liquid fertilizers . Lawn fertilizers and fertilizers that hold microbial inoculant have the poor ledge last and they may want to be used up by the end of the growing season .
