We love customer testimonials!

By nancyc on December 28, 2012

Early in December, Monty’s received a hand-written letter (a treasure in itself, on gardening stationery) and photo from a satisfied customer who uses Monty’s Growth Formula (Yellow Label 8-16-8) on her fern. We love to share these letters because, even though we know how amazing Monty’s is, we want others to know the contentment and success experienced by Monty’s customers everywhere.

Fern grown indoors and outdoors using Monty's Growth Formula

“I have enclosed a photo of a fern that I purchased in the Spring of 2011, keeping it outside on my porch through the summer and moving it into my sunroom for the winter of 2011.  The fern was small, in a small container, and did not grow very much in 2011.

In 2012, I put the fern back on my porch and ordered Monty’s Joy Juice 8-16-18.  This is a picture of the fern after using Monty’s through the year 2012.  I have the plant in my sunroom again and will move it back to my porch for 2013.  I will order Monty’s Joy Juice again in 2013 and see if the fern continues to grow.  I would recommend Monty’s Joy Juice to any and all gardeners.”

SK, Tennessee

Thank you, SK!  We think it’s fun that while we have not used the term “Joy Juice” for several years, many customers still refer to it that way.

If you would like to send us a testimonial or gardening love-letter, please email to customercare@montysplantfood.com or mail your letter (and photo) to:
Monty’s Plant Food Company
4800 Strawberry Lane
Louisville, KY  40209

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Perfecting your soil this fall

By nancyc on October 4, 2012

Whether you’re an avid vegetable gardener, a flower enthusiast, or just want a nice looking landscape, the secret to your success begins with your soil. Rather than simple and static, the soil is a dynamic environment. In an ideal situation, it is full of tiny plants and animals, microbial activity, and all of the organic processes that lead to healthy plant life.

Here are a few ways to tell if your soil is functioning properly, and if Monty’s Liquid Carbon Organic Soil Conditioner can help.

Look – The first step to assessing soil health is to simply look for clues.  By observing what is going on at the surface you will have a good indication of what is taking place throughout your soil profile.

Key things to look for include:

  • Large clods after tilling
  • Cracks in the soil as it dries
  • Bare patches or areas where vegetation won’t grow
  • Heavy weed population
  • Standing water after a rain
  • Persistent “wet spots” or mud
  • No, or few, earthworms, pill bugs, and other signs of healthy insects
  • Heavy thatch layer or plant debris that does not decompose after a season
  • Pale soil ranging from almost white to light brown.  Healthy soil should be a rich brown to black.

Touch – Dig in to your soil. This is the fun part of gardening and maintaining your landscape.  By actually getting your hands into the soil you can tell a lot about the make-up, tilth and texture of your soil.  Good quality soil should be loose and light. In the morning when moisture will be at its peak level, dig in a few inches and grab a small handful of soil. Clench your fist around the dirt and then open your hand.  What happens?

  • If it falls apart into small pieces the soil is lacking enough organic matter and is tending towards a sand content that is too high.
  • If it stays together in one large clod it is likely holding too much water and is primarily clay, which can lead to compaction problems and anaerobic conditions which will favor the formation of harmful bacteria.
  • If it forms one central clod that breaks apart easily with slight touch or movement, is encircled by loose, separate bits of soil, you are on your way to creating an ideal environment for most plants.

Finally, if you have problems even digging into your soil at least 5-6 inches, you know that you have compaction problems that need to be addressed.

Smell – This is one that you may not have thought about, however, with a little practice your nose can tell you much about the condition of your soil. Healthy soils should smell earthy and moist, almost like well-maintained compost. If, on the other hand, what you smell is flat or non-existent, if it smells like a stagnant pond, or if it smells somewhat acrid, you know that you have situations that need to be addressed.

Gardening Practices – Some gardening practices themselves actually can be harmful to soil, especially over time.  And, even beneficial gardening practices may be enhanced. If you are currently doing any of these things, consider using Monty’s Liquid Carbon to remediate, improve, or expedite your current practices.

Not all soils can be transformed into an ideal state, but they all can be improved. By observing, touching, and smelling your soil, and by analyzing your current lawn and garden activities you can begin to see where improvements can be made. By making simple, seasonal applications of Monty’s Liquid Carbon Organic Soil Conditioner, either in concentrate or with the new ready-to-spray bottle, you can maximize the potential of your soil and return it to a plant-friendly, vibrant environment.

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Ask Monty’s – “OMRI Listed” versus “Certified Organic” labeling

By nancyc on June 9, 2012

What is the difference between plant food or fertilizer that is “OMRI Listed” and “certified organic?”  Who certifies these organic products?

Rick, Eagle Mountain, Utah

Rick:
This can be confusing and maybe even redundant, but the terminology and two endorsements actually work together and maybe even simultaneously.

First, the term “certified organic” can only legally apply to food and fiber products, and not to fertilizers or plant food.  Second, as mentioned in an earlier post, fertilizer companies can use the term “organic” to refer to organic — or carbon-based — content, without any verification that any or all of the ingredients meet specifications set out by the National Organic Program to be listed by OMRI (see below).

The USDA has established the guidelines to meet “organic certification,” which ensures that the end product — food or fiber — has conformed to their strict uniform standards, which are verified by independent state or private organizations. The certifications include:

  • Inspections of the processing facilities
  • Detailed record keeping, and
  • Periodic testing to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set.

OMRI - Organic Materials Review InstituteThe Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) provides organic certifiers, growers and manufacturers and suppliers a listing of input products for use in the production, handling and processing of goods which will comply with the National Organic Program.  One example of an input product is the fertilizer used in growing a crop.  It is not the fertilizer that can be certified organic, only the food or fiber produced with the fertilizer than can ultimately be certified (by the NOP). The OMRI listing generally reads, “OMRI listed for use in organic production,” and should be accompanied by the OMRI logo.  Again, OMRI does not certify food or fiber (or fertilizers) as organic: OMRI works with the USDA in complying with their standards.

Monty’s is proud to have our soil conditioners OMRI listed.  For those seeking to improve the condition of their soil while being in compliance with the National Organic Program, but without the labor-intensive, and often expensive, nature of other options, Monty’s Liquid Carbon Organic Soil Conditioner is a terrific product.

For additional insights on labeling, please visit our blog posts from June 6 and June 8, or visit these handy websites:

  • OMRI – information that organic farmers, handlers, certifiers, and other members of the organic community might find useful.

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Ask Monty’s – Labels that read “All Natural”

By nancyc on June 8, 2012

In our last post we covered the plant food and fertilizer labeling terms “Organic” and “OMRI Listed.” In our next post we’ll cover the term “Certified Organic.”

Today, we’ll address the moniker “All Natural,” for which there is no regulation.

There is a growing belief as society becomes greener that natural is always better – better for individual health and for the environment. For this reason, many companies use that term to entice you into buying their product.

Using the term “all natural” is not federally regulated and is used by companies as a marketing tool. Just how “natural” a product is and how beneficial it will be is largely determined by the company itself.  Rather than muddying the waters further let me explain what Monty’s means when we use the term.

Some of our products, like our Liquid Carbon Organic Soil Conditioner, are OMRI listed for use in organic production.  Some, like our fertility products, are not. However, we can tell you, in full confidence, that our plant food products are naturally-sourced and derived.

How important that distinction is to you will be based on your objectives.  For example, if you are hoping to sell your vegetables in a local market as an organic product, then you could definitely use our Liquid Carbon Organic Soil Conditioners but we could not recommend our plant foods to you for that purpose.

However, if you are simply looking for a product with superior performance and that is not harmful to you, your family and animals, or the environment, then you can use our naturally-derived plant food products with confidence.

I hope this helps. I know it can be a bit overwhelming. For more assurance and to help you purchase with confidence I would encourage you to develop a relationship with an independent garden center retailer so they can help guide you to products — like Monty’s Plant and Soil Products — that will help you achieve your goals.

Listed below are some handy links to OMRI, USDA and organic growing websites.  Also, refer to our post from June 6, for information about the terms “organic” and “OMRI listed.” And stay tuned for our next post about the term “certified organic.”

  • OMRI – information that organic farmers, handlers, certifiers, and other members of the organic community might find useful.

  • USDA Organic Roots Collection – electronic collection of historic documents published before 1942 – a time before synthetic chemicals became widely used.  Find state-of-the-art information and data that is still pertinent for today’s organic and sustainable agriculture.

  • HowToGoOrganic.com – The Organic Trade Association offers this resource to help cultivate the growth of organic farming.

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Ask Monty’s – Planning Your Spring Garden

By nancyc on March 20, 2012

The Scoop on Peat Moss
“I have read from time to time that peat moss is really not considered that good of a soil conditioner, yet I also read articles that talk about it being so great.  What’s the real scoop on peat moss?”
Rhonda, Mooresville, North Carolina

Rhonda:
Peat moss is considered a common soil conditioner, but not one that can stand alone.  While peat moss is definitely a lightweight, natural conditioner, it is used to help loosen heavy soils and improves the soil’s ability to hold moisture.  Combine it with compost, limestone, and ground wood or sawdust and you have a good combination going as a soil conditioner.
If you are not into all of that work then there is a better solution. The essence of the compost and peat moss is humus. That is the substance that makes it so effective.  With Monty’s Liquid Carbon Organic Soil Conditioner we have separated this humus into its base components then cleaned it.  What is left is an activated form of humic that is ready to go to work in your soil.
Nature will eventually do the same thing with your compost and peat moss, it just takes longer and requires a lot more work on your part. By applying Monty’s Liquid Carbon annually (at least) you can quickly remediate troubled soils. Plus this year, with our all-new ready to spray formula, “better just got easier!”  All you have to do is attach the new container to your garden hose and apply.

Good Companion Vegetables for Tomatoes
“I’ve finally learned that I don’t need to grow a dozen tomato plants for our small family needs, often giving a lot of them away or canning way more than we really need.  So this spring I will have room for other plants in my garden.  Are there certain vegetables that might do better than others around tomatoes, as I still need to plant some? ”
Liam, Downers Grove, Illinois

Liam:

Carrots, lettuce, radish, onions and parsley are good companion plants for tomatoes.  Did you know that basil is even known to improve tomato growth and flavor as well when planted by them?  Cabbage and cauliflower are NOT good tomato “neighbors.”  If you are interested in planting dill, do it on the other end of the garden.

Chives as Organic Solution in Rose Garden
“Will chives ward off aphids and keep my roses from getting black spot disease?  I’ve read this in an organic magazine, but it’s the only time I’ve heard of this.  I didn’t really want to plant them by my roses, because I know they spread, but I sure would like to keep my roses as healthy as possible and having chives as a backdrop wouldn’t be so bad.”
Merrill, Iowa City, Iowa

Merrill:
There are a lot of natural plant repellants out there, which is great for the organic gardener, but should not to be taken as cure-alls.  As a gardener, being proactive pays off, but daily plant attention and recognizing problems from the get-go is also important.  Perennial chives have been known to ward off aphids, as does peppermint and garlic.
Black spot disease is caused by water splashing up on your leaves, so be careful how you water roses. Since their roots are so shallow I always mulch around my roses, which also absorbs the splash from rains and watering, which helps control black spot.  There are plenty of products on the market, some more natural than others that can be sprayed on the leaves to eradicate black spot attacks.  They are all very effective, but you have to keep on top of it regardless.
The best defense is a good offense, and with roses this means healthy rose plants.  Most pests and diseases are opportunistic, so if you have healthy plants, there are fewer opportunities for pests and disease.  The best way to keep rose plants healthy is to feed them with Monty’s 8-16-8 Growth Formula early in the season when shoots start to show and as leaves appear, and then feed them with Monty’s 2-15-15 Root and Bloom once buds appear on the rose plant and through the bloom cycle.  Foliar feeding should help strengthen the stems and leaves, thereby helping to eliminate any “opportunity” for a pest or disease to set in or take over.

Give Gladiolus Another Chance
“I planted Gladiolus bulbs and Sunflowers together last summer and got great Sunflowers but no Glads.  Was it bad bulbs or overpowering Sunflowers?”
Liza, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Liza:
Your Sunflowers may have overpowered you Glads, perhaps shading them or sucking up all the Glads’ needed water and nutrients.  Sunflowers will do that.  And Glads need just as much sun as Sunflowers.  Sunflowers also contain a toxin that can harm other plants, although I have not had problems with planting them myself as a border in my vegetable garden, tucked in with Black-Eyed Susans and even with Zinnias and Cannas.  Give those Glads another shot this spring, away from those Sunflowers and in the full sun they love.

Marigolds as Organic Pest Control
“My grandmother always planted a border of marigolds in her vegetable garden because she said they warded off pests.  I’ve never done it, but is there any truth to it?  I’d hate to waste the marigolds on my garden space if it’s just to beautify my garden, as I have limited space.”
Jeannie,  Galena, Illinois

Jeannie:
Sounds like Grandma knew something about “companion planting,” which is the safest, most natural way to garden organically.  Marigolds are easy to grow and helps keep away aphids.  And, you can dry the flowers for seeds in the fall for planting from year to year, so there’s not even a financial investment involved either.  They also say marigolds will ward off thrips, tomato hornworms, squash bugs and whiteflies.    They are also known to repel harmful root knot nematodes (soil dwelling microscopic white worms) that attack tomatoes, potatoes, roses, and strawberries. The root of the marigold produces a chemical that kills nematodes as they enter the soil. If a whole area is infested, at the end of the season, you can turn the marigolds under so the roots will decay in the soil and then safely plant there again the following spring.  Perhaps you might want to rethink those marigolds – there’s more than meets the eye with this pretty little flowers.

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A Special Message from Monty’s Plant Food

By admin on February 6, 2012

Monty_with_Roses_350w It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the co-founder and namesake of Monty’s Plant Food Company, Monty Justice, at age 84. It was Monty’s passion for growing roses that led him to create our original plant food formula in his own backyard.  That same passion was evident in everything that he did – from coaching youth basketball, to caring for some of the most beautiful gardens in the region.  He will be greatly missed.

In Loving Memory

Montrose “Monty” Justice

Read more about Monty here

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Ask Monty, 10/18/2011

By admin on October 18, 2011

Ask Monty:

“I recently visited relatives in early October who live in Minnesota and we actually drove from where we live just to enjoy the change of seasons.  We noticed a lot of sumac in all its beauty of fall in which it turns the countryside ablaze in red.  Is this a shrub that can be grown in our zone?”

Ava

Abbeville, Louisiana

Ava:

Sumac (aka rhus aromatica) is an evergreen shrub and a cousin to poison sumac – but don’t worry about that.  And yes, it is beautiful in the fall when its green leaves turn to that vibrant red.  The great thing about this shrub is that there are both low and high growing varieties, they make great ground cover and are terrific for covering unsightly  banks and do best in poor or dry soils.  The bad news is that this deciduous shrub grows only in zones one to three and some cold desert climates in zone 10.  It prefers really cold climates, so you’re out of luck on getting this to grow in your particular area.

As a quick reminder, anytime you are planting or transplanting trees and shrubs, regardless of your growth zone, you can help ensure transplanting success by incorporating Monty’s Liquid Carbon and Monty’s 4-15-12  as a root dip or to saturate the root ball, and to pre-treat the soil inside the transplant hole.  You can see full instructions on this at our website.  Sorry. that the Sumac will not work for your region, but best of luck on your future transplanting projects.

Thanks, and Happy Gardening

Monty

Ask Monty:

"Is there a difference between jonquils and daffodils?  I was under the impression that they are one and the same.” 

Dustin – La Vista, Nebraska

Dustin:

Jonquils, daffodils and narcissus are sometimes labeled interchangeable for the same spring flowering bulb, but there is actually a distinction between them.  Narcissus is the biological name for all species of daffodils;  jonquils are actually a particular species of daffodil known as narcissus jonquilla, with reed-like leaves and beautifully fragrant flowers.

If you want to increase the fragrance of jonquils and extend the life of the bloom, try treating the plants with applications of Monty’s 2-15-15. We believe that you will be impressed with the results.  As an added note, my wife likes to cut flowers in the spring and brings them indoors to beautify our home.  She is able to extend their ‘shelf life’ by adding a drop or two of Monty’s 2-15-15 in the vase water.

One last note, make sure you pretreat your bulbs by soaking them prior to planting in a solution Monty’s 4-15-12 (see directions here). This will help provide some added nutrition and help to spur on all of that “below the soil” activity during the winter, so that they come up bright and beautiful with the first warm days of spring.

Thanks, and Happy Gardening

Monty

Ask Monty:

“I grow morning glories every year and have noticed that the bottom leaves always seem to turn brown and die.  Is that normal?”

Lyla – Masontown, West Virginia

Lyla:

Morning glories are pretty pest free, but heavy shade can cause leaves to yellow, brown and eventually fall off.  So if this is the case try moving them to a sunnier location next year. 

But there is a fungal leaf spot disease that can cause these symptoms you are describing.  The spots start showing up on the lower leaves and grow together until the leaf turns totally brown and drops off.  Try providing better air flow among the plants by thinning them and increasing the ability for sunlight to get through to the lower part of the plant.  Remove the infected plants in the fall to reduce the source of the infection for next year’s plantings.  If you even suspect this is the problem, I’d suggest moving your morning glories to a completely new location for a couple of years just to be on the safe side. It is also helpful to remember when you water supplementally to do so in the morning. Watering in the evening tend sot create an environment where the plants and soils stay too wet for too long, increasing the opportunity for opportunistic bacteria and fungus to set up shop. 

If you notice your soils are staying too wet, treating with Monty’s Liquid Carbon can also help address this issue.  As a general statement remember that by treating your plants with Monty’s line of fertilizers you can improve their overall condition.  Remember most diseases, insects, and bacteria are opportunistic and prey on weak plants.  The more well-fed, the healthier you can keep them, the better your results will be.

Thanks, and Happy Gardening

Monty

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Bloggers Coming Around to Monty’s Way of Thinking

By Dennis on May 25, 2011

Rob Gates, an online content producer and gardening blogger at The Louisville Courier-Journal, talked Monty’s Liquid Carbon Soil Conditioner in his blog on Monday, May 24, 2011.  After doing some research, he concluded that “carbon is certainly something you not only want, but need in the garden.”  He also tweeted about it and you can follow him on Twitter @talkingdirt.  Here’s a link to the story.

Monty’s has long been touting the value of carbon for helping to improve the condition of the soil around the root zone. Our view is if you take care of the soil and the roots, then the plant will do what nature put it it to do; that is to grow and to reproduce itself.  For our purposes, that means flower and produce fruits.  By utilizing Monty’s Liquid Carbon, or our ALL-NEW Dri-Carbon, you can help maximize the potential of your soils for all of your gardening needs.  Read Rob’s blog about the benefits of carbon and then check out how easy applying the carbon that your plants need can be with Monty’s Soil Conditioner products.

Oh, if you have read Rob’s Blog, he talks about the value of compost.  We agree.  In fact, I have two large compost piles of my own in my garden area.  In fact, in this post, you can find out how you can get free compost.  One thing I would like to add is that the ‘active ingredient’ in compost, is humic acids.  Humics are what makes compost so effective, and that is why our proprietary humic technology is available in every product we make, including our fertilizers. 

With Monty’s Products, you can get the benfits of composts without all of that hassle, or as I like to say, “Get the benefits of composting at the end of a hose, not the end of a hoe!”

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How to Read and Understand Soil Tests: soil tests, pt. 3

By Dennis on May 3, 2011

More than simply telling you what nutrients you need to grow your desired plants, tress, grasses, flowers, or veggies, those soil test can tell you alot about the condition of your landscape.  In fact, did you know that by looking at your soil test, you can determine what types of weed problems you may have this season. It’s true.    This chart shows the results of out-of-balance soils and what it can do not only to increase weed and disease pressure, but how the lack of some nutrients may ultimately result in you losing the full benefit of other nutrients, even those you may have applied. By maintaining these rations as closely as you can, you will get the most from your garden or landscape and have to put the least effort into it. 

Additionally, once you know the formula for healthy vibrant soil, you can use your test to see where you need to improve. 

Tie-Ups

            High Magnesium ties-up Nitrogen

            High Phosphorus ties-up Zinc

            High pH ties-up Manganese

            High Potassium ties-up Copper and Boron

RATIOS

Key Ratios to obtain:

Calcium to Magnesium   7 : 1 on water soluble test, 10 : 1 on regular test

Supports carbon to nitrogen exchange  which is imperative for development of sugars (carbohydrates necessary for plant growth.)

Calcium to Potassium     5 : 1

Critical for adequate calcium uptake in plant.  Calcium and Potassium have a similar molecular weight so they compete for space within the plant.  The plant will naturally take up more potash than calcium, if this ratio is out of balance it will result in disease problems, provide a weaker cell wall structure, and increase susceptibility to fungus.   If there is a proper ratio one result will be better standabilty during dry down.

Potassium to Phosphorus         4 : 1   

Critical  indication of susceptibility to broadleaf weed pressure

Micronutrients can be as important to development as NPK.

Zinc – better water uptake, better drought tolerance, critical in corn for processing

            adequate amounts of N

Copper –  important for disease control  especially for fungal disease  (wet feet) 

reduces brittle crops (breakage and shatter) which helps to reduce wind damage & lodging

Improves cell wall elasticity 

Boron– important for disease control, pollination, production of sugars, translocation

of sugars.  Boron deficiency will not show up until fruit set; At that time you will

notice pale coloration between leaves, In corn you will notice deformed ears or ears not filled all the way to the top of the cob

 Manganese – important for disease control, seed set especially if you are growing for

 seed.  In trees (nut crops) deficiency will cause yield loss. 

GENERAL INFO

Every 1% of Organic Matter has the holding capacity of 10,000 gallons of water per square acre

A 1-inch rain equates to 28,000 gallons of water per acre

pH levels in the soil are usually the highest in December, and will drop ½ to 1 % in the summer months

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) determines the type of soil

            6 – 8               Sand

            14+                 Clay

            20                   Heavy clay

            21                    Muck

(The higher the CEC, the more holding capacity the soil has)

Negative charges:   Anions

            Soil elements with anions include Sulfur, Boron, Phosphorus, Nitrate Nitrogen

Positive charges:  Cations

            Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Hydrogen, Copper, Zinc, Iron, Manganese

            (The higher the CEC, the more of these positive ions are held)

Calcium softens the soil; Magnesium hardens the soil

Lime Increases Calcium in the soil

 Every 1 lb. of ammonium will free-up 1 lb. of Calcium but  Apply in fall only, never in spring or summer (takes energy away from plant).

The above points are a guideline and are only presented as a general observation to guide a grower on what is trying to be achieved when balancing a soil.

Additionally, these guidelines repressent the gold standard for creating perfectly balanced soils for most plants.

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After Tax Sale-a-bration: Instant Savings With Monty’s

By Dennis on April 16, 2011

Sure Mark Twain once quipped, “The only sure things in life are death and taxes.”  But that was because he had the sheer misfortune of living before we invented Monty’s Plant Food.  If you are wanting to ensure your garden’s success this season, then you need to add Monty’s Line of Products to your lawn and garden repetoire. To help you do that, from now until the end of April, we are lowering the cost on all purchases by 20%.

This is a discount for the readers of our blog only so to get this exclusive offer you must enter the code AFTERTAX at checkout.

Visit our website to see all that Monty’s has to offer from soil amendments to fertilizers customized to the needs of your plants during each stage of development.  If you are looking for vigorous veggies, prize-worthy roses, terriffic trees, tasty tomatoes, or just the best looking lawn in the neighborhood, Monty’s products can help. And, now, you cna get it all for 20% off.

We know that tax time is a burden, so find some time to relax this week by spending it outdoors working with your lawn, your flowers, and Monty’s.  Gardening season will help you forget all about your taxes, and Monty’s will help you forget about all of your gardeining struggles by giving you hassle-free results with more growth, bigger blooms, and more food for your table.

Visit our online catalogue, select all of the products you wish to buy in 24 oz. sizes or larger, and stock up now during our after tax sales event. 

To get this incredible 20% savings, at checkout, enter our exclusive coupon code: AFTERTAX

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