Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Water Fertilizer In?

It is always a good idea to water granular fertilizer in. Granular fertilizer requires moisture to help it break down and begin feeding the plant. Not only that, fertilizer that was not watered in at application risks the chance of blowing away or being washed away by heavy rainfall, which can waste both your time and money. Also, in some rare instances, leaving fertilizer applied but not watered in could cause harm to the plant such as leaf burn or yellowing of the plant. Thus, always apply water after applying fertilizer for best results.

How Many Cubic Yards of Growing Media Do I Need For My Raised Bed Garden?

The amount of growing media you will need for your various projects is dependent upon the length, width, and height of the space you wish to fill. You will need the length and width of your project space as well as the approximate height or depth at which you would like to fill the area with growing media. The volume (length x width x height) converted to feet, divided by 27, since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, will give you the total amount of cubic yards needed to fill your space. For example, if you wanted to create a raised bed garden that measures 10 feet by 12 feet and want to put growing media in this raised bed at 6 inches deep, you would multiply 10 x 12 x 0.50 (0.50 is 6 inches converted into feet). The answer to this is 60, which you will divide by 27, which gives you 2.22. Therefore, you need approximately 2.22 cubic yards of growing media to fill a raised bed measuring 10 feet by 12 feet with growing media filling the inside at 6 inches deep. For additional information on calculating the amount of growing media needed for a specific project, try our mulch and growing media calculator, here.

When is the Best Time to Fertilize My Lawn?

For best results, most lawns should be fertilized several times per year. The best time to start a lawn fertilizing regimen is early to mid spring, when the soil temperature begins to warm. At this point, the grass is actively growing and will benefit from its first feeding. The release time of the lawn fertilizer you choose to apply in early spring will determine the time of your second fertilizer application. For example, with a 30 day release fertilizer, a second application in mid to late spring (approximately four weeks following the first application) is recommended. Plan for 2-3 more applications to your lawn, with your last application being in early to mid fall dependent upon temperatures. Do not fertilize during cold winter months when grass has become dormant. Be sure to always water fertilizer in after application to help dissolve fertilizer granules and provide enough moisture to help deliver nutrients to the plant.

What Would Be the Best Growing Media For My Plants?

Different types of plants prefer different types of growing media. Some plants prefer more drainage and aeration than others, while some need better moisture holding capacity. Knowing the specifics of the plant you are growing will help determine the best type of materials and conditions needed to help your plant thrive. Our experienced staff is glad to recommend a growing media that would work well for whatever type of plant you are caring for.

Is There a Minimum Order for Deliveries?

Yes and no. Graco is able to provide delivery of certain items with no minimum quantity order required, and at no additional charge. However, this is not true of all items. The following information encompasses our freight and minimum order policy:

Bag and Container Specialty Fertilizer, Soilless Potting Media, Chemicals, and Other Products.

There is not a minimum order required for deliveries of in stock bagged and container specialty fertilizer, soilless potting media, chemicals, and other products. Any special order chemical or product, or custom blended fertilizer or potting media does require a minimum order quantity, regardless of pick up by customer or delivery. Customers within our regional delivery footprint, and who have a valid commercial address, may order as much or as little of our in stock products as they choose, and Graco will deliver them via standard delivery at no additional charge (average 1-2 week turn around on deliveries within our regional delivery footprint). Rush orders and non-commercial orders will result in standard carrier freight charges at the customer’s expense. Questions regarding minimum order quantities of special order and custom blended items and regional delivery footprint parameters should be directed to our sales staff at (800) 343-5620.

Bulk Specialty Fertilizer, Soilless Potting Media, and Other Products.

Most of our bulk products do require a minimum order for delivery. All bulk mulch, compost, and soilless potting media require a 30 cubic yard minimum order for delivery. This minimum applies to both custom blended mixes as well as in stock bulk mulches, composts, and blends. Bulk fertilizers and other products may also require a minimum order for delivery or application. Questions regarding these minimums should be directed to our sales staff at (800) 343-5620.

What Do the Numbers on a Fertilizer Bag Represent?

Understanding the numbers on your fertilizer bag, or the N-P- K analysis, is vital in ensuring correct application. The first of the three numbers on the fertilizer label represents the percentage of nitrogen (N) in the fertilizer. Nitrogen is essential in photosynthesis and in green plant growth. The second number represents the percentage of phosphorus (P) contained in the fertilizer. Phosphorus helps with root formation and hastens plant maturity. The third number represents the percentage of potassium (K) that is present in the fertilizer. Potassium is responsible for the overall health and vitality of the plant. The N, P, and K numbers are known as the primary, or macronutrients, as they are essential to plant growth and development. Any other elements present in a fertilizer’s composition exist as secondary, or micronutrients, also vital to a plant’s health, but not in the same quantities nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are required.