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Gardening Guide

Whether you're an experienced gardener, or a beginner, a nurseryman, landscaper, or farmer, AGGRAND products produce high yields and quality growth by stimulating biological activity in the soil which provides a continuous release of nutrients as the plants need them. AGGRAND products are useful during soil preparation, planting, transplanting and plant growth. In addition to the macronutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium (N-P-K), AGGRAND products contain micronutrients, growth hormones, chelating agents, vitamins and humus which provide a balanced nutritional program for plants and the creatures in the soil.

AGGRAND products are different from many other products. They are formulated to give excellent results when used for foliar feeding and root feeding. In addition, they build the soil which results in prolific root growth and enhances top growth. The high quality ingredients are used in AGGRAND products in order to give the best results, because people who use them want the best possible performance! We also understand that people who use are products need technical advice. That's why we have an agronomist/horticulturalist on the AGGRAND staff who works with our clients to develop and fine tune their farming and gardening practices according to their specific needs.


This guide shows first-time AGGRAND users and AGGRAND veterans alike how to get the most out of the products.

Use this guide in developing your gardening or farming plan around the use of AGGRAND. We're sure you will be impressed and enjoy the rewards that our system will provide to you!

Natural Fertlizer 4-3-3 Application on Bedding Plants

1. For commercial applications, AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer 4-3-3 is applied to the soil at a 200:1 (water to fertilizer) ratio through a standard injection system when plants reach 2 to 3 true leaves. The ratio can be decreased to 100:1 for more demanding plant types as the growth rates increases. AGGRAND 4-3-3 may also be diluted in a watering can 1 to 3 ounces per gallon of water (higher rates as growth increases related to crop demands). Soil applications: AGGRAND 4-3-3 should be applied at 10 to 14 day intervals (apply more frequently when non-soil mixes as used). Every four weeks the salts should be leached from the media by flushing the containers with fresh water. After leaching, fertilize with 4-3-3. Additional calcium, phosphorous and potassium are needed at planting. Mix in 2 to 3 ounces of AGGRAND Natural Liquid Bonemeal 0-12-0 (NBM) and 1 to 2 ounces of AGGRAND Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash 0-0-8 (NKP) with the 4-3-3 to provide more nutrients.

Foliar applications: A fine mist is applied to bedding plants for additional uptake of nutrients. Apply 1 to 2 ounces of AGGRAND 4-3-3 per gallon of water at 14 to 21 day intervals after the plants reach 3 to 4 true leaves.

Natural Fertlizer 4-3-3 Application on Transplants

2. Transplanting is a stressful period for young bedding plants. Minimizing transplant shock keeps plants growing vigorously, avoiding unnecessary setbacks which can delay flowering and reduce yields. AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer should be used for watering in small transplants. Trees and shrubs can be soaked overnight in a bucket of AGGRAND 4-3-3 or 0-0-8 before transplanting. Use a mixture of 1 ounce per gallon for soaking and 2 to 3 ounces per gallon of water for watering transplants. The addition of 1 to 2 ounces of AGGRAND 0-12-0 and 1/2 to 1 ounce of AGGRAND 0-0-8 to the solution to increase phosphorous and potassium availability when watering in the transplants will aid the fertilizer in long term root development.

  • Avoid transplanting during the heat of the day to avoid root dessication (drying out.
  • Cloudy weather is the best time to transplant.
  • Keep soil moist until plant root systems become well-established.

Natural Fertlizer 4-3-3 Application Foliar Applications

3. While plants do take up nutrients through their roots, they can't always meet all of their nutrient demands that way. For example, if soil pH is higher (more alkaline) or lower (more acidic) than the optimum range needed for plant growth, then essential nutrients become unavailable.

Foliar feeding is a very effective way of providing nutrients during periods of peak nutrient demands and in situations where the soil pH level is creating a nutrient deficiency without sacrificing performance. AGGRAND 4-3-3 and AGGRAND 0-0-8 contain concentrated kelp extract. Kelp provides a wide array of plant nutrients, chelating agents and plant hormones. Kelp promotes drought, heat and cold tolerance of vegetables and flowers. They are particularly effective when applied as foliar sprays. With foliar applications growers adopt one of two application methods:

With foliar applications growers adopt one of two application methods: a calendar-based approach where feeding begins on a certain and continues at set intervals throughout the growing season, or an approach based on the plant's developmental stages in which reaching a critical stage (i.e. bud formation, first bloom, fruit set, etc.) is the cue for application. When feeding foliarly, apply enough fertilizer solution to wet the foliage.

Effectiveness of foliar applications is increased by raising the fertilizer pH to 7.0 to promote vegetative growth and 6.0 to promote flowering and fruit formation. After mixing the fertilizer with water, test the pH with litmus paper. Add baking soda or hydrated lime one-half teaspoon at a time to raise the pH to the specified level or add apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon at a time to lower the pH to the specified level. The addition of a surfactant (spreader-sticker) to the spray mix also increases the effectiveness of foliar applications. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons to each gallon of spray mix and keep well-agitated.

Natural Fertlizer 4-3-3 Deep Root Applications

4. For trees and shrubs, a surface application of fertilizer may be used up by the lawn before it can penetrate down into the root zone of these wood perennials. Deep root feeding below the root zone of the grass effectively provides nutrients to trees and shrubs. The ideal fertilizer for deep root feeding is liquid, low salt containing chelated macro and micronutrients that releases slowly into the root zone.

Several application methods are used for deep root feeding. All of these methods involve penetrating the root zone around the drip line of the tree or shrub (the feeder forms a circle 2 to 4 ft. wide around the drip line). One method is to drill a number of holes in the ground 6" to 12" deep and pour the fertilizer into them. A second method is to rototill around the drip line just deep enough (2" to 3") to break up the sod but not disturb many of the tree's or shrub's roots. Then use a soaker hose to apply the fertilizer. A third method is to apply the fertilizer without any previous tillage. A longer time must be allowed to effectively penetrate penetrate the root zone. The final method uses a hollow tree spike which is pushed down into the root zone. The fertilizer is injected through the spike. It may be impractical to use this method in highly compacted soils; in this situation it is better to drill holes or use tillage.

Tree and shrub fertilizers are applied in early Spring or in the Fall. When performing deep root feeding by injection or through bored holes on trees and shrubs, use a grid pattern, with points every 2 to 3 feet, starting at least a foot away from the base of the tree and extending 1 or 2 feet outside the drip line. AGGRAND 4-3-3 should be applied at 4 to 32 ounces per tree. The ratio of water to fertilizer is 4 oz. of fertilizer to one gallon of water for hand watering down to one half ounce per gallon for injection and soaker hoses. Younger trees and shrubs and those in sandy soils need half the above rated applied both Spring and Fall.

AGGRAND 0-12-0 and 0-0-8 may be mixed with the 4-3-3 to provide additional calcium, phosphorous and potassium. Apply 2 to 16 ounces of 0-12-0 and 1 to 8 ounces of 0-0-8 along with the 4-3-3 to supply additional nutrients.

Natural Fertlizer Soil Applications

5. Gardens need to be tilled in the Spring and Fall. Fall tillage combined with a fertilizer application aids in the breakdown of crop residue and provides readily available nutrients from the fertilizer and decomposed organic matter by the next year. Spring tillage with a fertilizer application provides some readily available nutrients, but more of the nitrogen is locked up through the decomposition of plant residue. Either way, fertilizer should be applied at planting time for optimum results. AGGRAND 4-3-3, 0-12-0 and 0-0-8 can be applied either time. A soil test of your garden area is beneficial in determining the most useful fertilizer combination to use. For most gardens 1 quart each of AGGRAND 4-3-3, 0-12-0 and 0-0-8 tilled into 1,000 to 2,000 square feet of garden is sufficient.

Using AGGRAND products during Spring soil preparation and Fall tillage is straightforward. In Spring the applications are made by spraybroadcasting the AGGRAND products before the final trip over the garden and allowing them to dry before tilling in the fertilizer. In the Fall the soil should not be tilled finely or deeply, but the fertilizer application is still made before the final pass with the tiller.

Another way AGGRAND products are used for garden crops is banding the fertilizer in a trench near the seed. The best way to band fertilizer is to dig a trench slightly to one side and beneath where the seed will be planted (1" to 2" below and 2" to 4" to the side of the seeds). The fertilizer, mixed with water, is then dribbled into the trench, after which the trench is covered and a furrow is formed next to it for the seed. Finally, fertilizer is applied to some crops by broadcasting it before or after planting to the seedbed. Following are some guidelines for applying fertilizer during critical development stages on various crops.

AGGRAND products may also be applied on a calendar based approach (i.e. every week, bi-weekly, etc.). Rates given for soil application are for monthly fertilizations. When fertilizing more often reduce the concentration of the mix accordingly.

Garden Application Rates

Root Crops (i.e. carrots, beets, turnips)

1st application: Broadcast 2-3 oz. 4-3-3, 2-3 oz. 0-12-0 and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 100 sq. ft. after planting.

2nd application: Foliar feed at 4-6 weeks after emergence with 2 oz. 4-3-3 per gallon of water.

3rd application: Repeat foliar application 3-4 weeks later.

Soil application: Use 2-3 oz. 4-3-3, 2-3 oz. Liquid Lime, and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in 1 gallon of water on 10-20 ft. of row or 30-100 sq. ft.

Tubers and Tuberous Root Crops (i.e. potato, sweet potato, yam)

1st application: Band 3-4 oz. 4-3-3 and 2-3 oz. 0-12-0 and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 per gallon of water on 10-20 ft. of row during planting.

2nd application: Foliar feed at 2 weeks after emergence with 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 and 1-2 oz. Liquid Lime in one gallon of water.

3rd application: Repeat 2nd application 2 weeks later (for baby red potatoes use an additional application 4 weeks later).

4th application: Repeat foliar application 6 weeks after 3rd application.

Soil application: Use 2-3 oz. 4-3-3, 2-3 oz. Liquid Lime and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 10-15 ft. of row.

Leaf Crops (i.e. lettuce, celery, spinach)

1st application: Band 3-4 oz. (use more on soils with low fertility levels) 4-3-3, 1-2 oz. 0-0-8, in one gallon of water on 10-20 ft. of row or 30-60 sq. ft. during planting.

2nd application: Foliar feed 2-3 weeks after transplanting with 2 oz. 4-3-3 in one gallon of water.

3rd application: Repeat 2nd application every 3-4 weeks until harvest.

Soil application: Use 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 and 2-3 oz. Liquid Lime in one gallon of water on 15-20 ft. of row or 45-60 sq. ft.

Cole Crops (i.e. cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower)

1st application: Broadcast 3-4 oz. 4-3-3 in one gallon of water on 100 sq. ft. before final seedbed application.

2nd application: Foliar feed 2-3 weeks after transplanting with 2 oz. 4-3-3 in one gallon of water.

3rd application: Repeat foliar feed when plants begin to head.

Soil application: Use 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 and 2-3 oz. Liquid Lime per one gallon of water on 5-10 sq. ft. of row.

Solanaceous Crops (i.e. tomato, pepper, eggplant)

1st application: Band 3-4 oz. 4-3-3, 3-4 oz. 0-12-0 and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 10-20 ft. row before transplanting.

2nd application: Foliar feed at first bloom with 2 oz. 4-3-3 and 1-2 oz. 0-12-0 per one gallon of water.

3rd application: Repeat 2nd application at full bloom. Substitute Liquid Lime for 0-12-0.

4th application: Foliar feed during fruit fill with 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 10-15 ft. of row.

Soil application: Use 2-3 oz. 4-3-3, 2-3 oz. Liquid Lime and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 10-15 ft. of row.

Legumes (i.e. beans, peas, lima beans)

1st application: Band 1-2 oz. 4-3-3, 2-3 oz. 0-12-0, and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 20-30 ft. of row during planting.

2nd application: Foliar feed at first bloom (when terminal leaves are shiny) with1-2 oz. 4-3-3 and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water.

3rd application: Repeat foliar feed before the second flush of blooms on beans.

Soil application: Use 1-2 oz. 4-3-3, 1-2 oz. 0-12-0 and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 15-20 ft. of row.

Cucurbits (i.e. cucumber, squash, melon)

1st application: Band 2-3 oz. 4-3-3, 1-2 oz 0-12-0 and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 15-20 ft. of row or four hills during planting.

2nd application: Foliar feed 2-3 weeks after emergence with 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 in one gallon of water.

3rd application: Repeat 2nd application when plants begin to run.

4th application: Repeat 2nd application when the first bloom appears.

5th application: Foliar feed during fruit fill up to 2 weeks before final harvest with 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water.

Soil application: Use 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 in one gallon of water on 10-20 ft. of row or 50-100 sq. ft.

Small Fruits Application Rates

Strawberry

New Planting: Broadcast 3-4 oz. 0-12-0, 3-4 oz. 4-3-3 and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 per gallon of water on 100 sq. ft. before final seedbed preparation. Water in transplants with 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 or 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 10-15 ft. of row.

1st application: Foliar feed in spring after leaf formation with 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 in one gallon of water (only if leaves are light green to yellow) otherwise use 1-2 oz. 0-0-8.

2nd application: Foliar feed in late August with 1-2 oz. 4-3-3 in one gallon of water.

Blueberry

New Planting: Broadcast 1-2 oz. 4-3-3 in one gallon of water on 100 sq. ft. (on mulch around bushes) after transplanting when new growth appears.

1st application: Broadcast 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 in one gallon of water on 100 sq. ft. (on mulch around plants) as buds begin to swell in early spring.

2nd application: Repeat first application only if leaves are light green or one year old stems are less than 6 inches in length.

3rd application: Foliar feed in late summer after harvest with 1-2 oz. 4-3-3 in one gallon of water on bushes with low vigor as explained under 2nd application above.

Raspberry

1st application: Apply 2-3 oz. of 4-3-3 and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 100 sq. ft. in early spring.

2nd application: Repeat first application in monthly intervals up to harvest.

3rd application: Broadcast 2-3 oz. 4-3-3, 2-3 oz. 0-12-0 and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 on 100 sq. ft. after final harvest. Till into soil with organic matter or cover crop.

New Planting: Use same rates given under 3rd application.

Grapes

1st application: Broadcast 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 100 sq. ft. in early spring when buds begin to swell (feeder roots start 6" away from the plants and stretch as far as 6 ft. on well established vines).

2nd application: Foliar feed in spring after leaf formation with 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 and/or 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in 1 gallon of water (use 4-3-3 only if leaves are light green to yellow and vines lack vigor).

3rd application: Foliar feed with 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in 1 gallon of water in monthly intervals up to harvest. Till into soil with organic matter or legume cover crop.

4th application: Repeat 1st application in fall after harvest. Till into soil with organic matter or legume cover crop.

New Planting: Use same rates given under 1st application. Pour some of the fertilizer solution into the bottom of the planting hole.

Fruit Tree Application Rates

Apple and Pear

1st application: Foliar feed in spring after leaf formation with 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 in1 gallon of water.

2nd application: Foliar feed during fruit set with 1-2 oz. 4-3-3 in 1 gallon of water.

3rd application: Foliar feed during fruit fill with 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in 1 gallon of water. Add additional 1-2 oz. of Liquid Lime where bitter pit is problematic.

4th application: Broadcast 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 in 1 gallon of water on 100 sq. ft. in fall harvest or in early spring. Till into soil with organic matter or cover crop.

New Planting: Use same rates given under 4th application. Pour some of the fertilizer solution into the bottom of the planting hole.


Cherry and Peach

1st application: Broadcast 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 and 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in one gallon of water on 100 sq. ft. in fall after the harvest or in early spring. Till into soil with organic matter or cover crop.

2nd application: Foliar feed during fruit set with 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 in 1 gallon of water.

New Planting: Use same rates given under 1st application. Add an additional 2-3 oz. 0-12-0 to fertilizer solution into the bottom of the planting hole.

Citrus

1st application: Broadcast 3-4 oz. 4-3-3 in 1 gallon of water on 100 sq. ft. in spring.

2nd application: Foliar feed during pre-bloom period with 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 in 1 gallon of water.

3rd application: Repeat 2nd application after petals fall.

4th application: Repeat 2nd application during fruit formation.

5th application: Foliar feed during fruit fill 1-2 oz. 0-0-8 in 1 gallon of water.

6th application: Repeat 1st application in fall after harvest.

New Planting: Use same rates given under 1st application. Pour some of the fertilizer solution in to the bottom of the planting hole.

Houseplant Application Rates

Summer: Saturate soil with 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 in one gallon of water every 2-4 weeks (fertilize less often to slow growing plants such as succulents and cacti).

Winter: Use same rates but fertilize every 4 to 8 weeks.

Spring and Fall: Flush pots with plenty of fresh water and fertilize with 2-3 oz. 4-3-3 and 2-3 oz. 0-12-0 in 1 gallon of water 2-3 days after flushing pots.

Flowering Plants: Add 2-3 oz. 0-12-0 to the fertilizer tea at first sign of bloom or at the beginning of bloom season if known.

 
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