Milorganite Fertilizer

Milorganite is a well-known brand of organic nitrogen fertilizer produced by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). The name “Milorganite” is derived from “Milwaukee Organic Nitrogen.” It’s been used for many years by both homeowners and professionals for lawn and garden care. Here are some key points about Milorganite fertilizer:

Composition

  1. Organic Matter: Milorganite is made from heat-dried microbes that have digested the organic matter in wastewater.
  2. Nutrient Content: It typically contains 5% nitrogen, 4% phosphorus, and 0% potassium. The nitrogen is mostly slow-release, which means it feeds plants over an extended period of time.
  3. Micronutrients: It also contains various trace elements beneficial to plant growth.

Benefits

  1. Slow-Release: The slow-release nitrogen helps to reduce the risk of burning the lawn or plants and provides consistent nutrition over an extended period.
  2. Non-Burning: Because of its slow-release nature, there’s minimal risk of over-fertilizing and burning your plants.
  3. Environmentally Friendly: It recycles nutrients from wastewater, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting sustainable practices.
  4. Improves Soil Health: Adds organic matter to the soil, which can help improve soil structure and microbial activity.
  5. Safe: Considered safe for children and pets when used as directed.

Uses

  1. Lawns: Commonly used for lawn care to promote lush growth and green color.
  2. Gardens: Suitable for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and shrubs.
  3. Turfgrass: Often used on golf courses and athletic fields.

Application Tips

  1. When to Apply: Best times to apply Milorganite are in the spring and fall when the grass is actively growing, although it can be applied any time during the growing season.
  2. Rate of Application: Always follow the recommended application rates on the packaging to avoid over-application.
  3. Watering: It’s best to water your lawn after applying Milorganite to help the granules settle into the soil.

Environmental Impact

Milorganite is often considered more environmentally friendly than many synthetic fertilizers because it recycles waste materials. It also has a lower risk of runoff and leaching compared to some quick-release synthetic fertilizers, which reduces the risk of contaminating water supplies.

Availability

Milorganite is widely available in nurseries, garden centers, and home improvement stores, as well as online.

Overall, Milorganite is a versatile and eco-friendly fertilizer option for gardeners and homeowners looking to promote healthy plant growth while maintaining sustainable gardening practices.