Do you know how long does miracle gro last to get the best results? If you want your plants to grow fast with good health, it is crucially important to keep an eye on the fertilizers you use. Only buying and feeding the plants with fertilizers is not an ideal approach, but you must have detailed knowledge about it. Miracle-Gro, which is very healthy for plants’ growth, can go wrong if you do not know about it.
Miracle-gro does wonders for all types of plants if you use it as directed. Along with the right use of miracle gro, it is also important to check its expiry date. Without knowing how long does it last, you may unintentionally hurt your plants. This guide will help you know everything from Miracle gro so that you can take out the most benefits from it.
Why Choose Miracle-Gro?
Miracle-gro is a ammonium based synthetic fertilizer that comes in granulated form. Out of many plant growth fertilizers, do you know why choosing miracle gro is the best option? It is because the miracle gro is the one of the safest and healthiest options to boost the growth of potted plants. Not only plant growth, but it also boosts the flowering capability of plants and makes them bloom beyond their capacity. It turns your plants grow bigger than usual and look more beautiful and eye-catching.
Although different plants show different growth rates with Miracle-gro, some of them grow as twice their actual size. Similarly, your houseplants can produce a double number of flowers if you feed them with Miracle-Gro. Is not it mind-blowing? It is. Due to these impressive results of using miracle gro, many people use it to enhance the beauty of their home garden.
Does Miracle-Gro Go Bad?
If you do not take proper care while storing it at your home, Miracle-gro may go bad.
For example, it is important to store or keep a miracle gro in a cool and dry place. In case it gets moisture or gets wet, it would go bad. Moreover, if your miracle grow crosses its shelf life, it would go bad for your plants. Therefore, it’s important to keep these precautions in mind while buying, using, or storing miracle gro at your place.
Miracle-gro doesn’t go bad if you use it in the right proportion. An overdose of miracle pro may go bad for your plants if you fail to take the immediate corrective measures.
What is the shelf life of miracle gro?
The shelf-life of the miracle gro is 3-5 years from its manufacturing date. However, it may go out of function if proper care is not taken while keeping/storing it. If you buy it to feed your plants, make sure to re-lock its lid properly to protect it from air and moisture.
Also, never keep it in a hot and humid place. Instead, always keep the remaining miracle go in a dry and cool place to enjoy its 3-5 years. It is also important to check the expiry date of the miracle gro while buying it from the market. Make sure to buy the pack that is recently manufactured and not too old.
How to Use Miracle Grow for Plants?
If you want to use miracle-gro for the plants at your home, make sure to read its usage instructions. Any negligence in its right use may cause your plants damage or burn. Here are the few simple steps to use it on the plants.
- Fortunately, miracle gro is available in the water-soluble form that makes it easier to use for everyone. When you buy miracle-gro for your home garden, also buy a watering can that you would use to feed it to plants.
- Fill in the watering can with 1 gallon of water. Then, add 1 tablespoon of miracle gro into it and mix well. Once it is fully dissolved into the water, you can spray it on the plants.
- Make sure to use this 1 gallon of miracle mixed water for the plants on an area of approximately 10 square feet. For the plants in the next area, prepare the water and miracle-gro mixture again and use it on the next 10 square feet area.
- Keep repeating this step until you feed all of your plants with this water plus miracle gro solution.
Note:
If you are using miracle-gro for the indoor plants, make sure to start with ½ teaspoon of it in 1 gallon of water. Don’t exceed the miracle gro quantity for 1 tablespoon for any plants. Otherwise, your plants may start showing various side effects of overdosing miracle grow to them.
Can too much miracle gro kill plants?
Yes, if you exceed the dose of miracle gro from the recommended dosage, it may kill your plants. There is no special quantity that you can list as it will kill the plants. The overdosing quantity of miracle go differs for different types of plants.
For example, the outdoor plants can go fine with 1 tablespoon of miracle gro in 1 gallon of water. This quantity can help them grow effectively and bloom rapidly with good plant health. However, the same quantity may damage or kill them if you are using it for indoor plants.
How Often Should I Use Miracle-Gro?
For the best results, you should use miracle gro every two weeks. You can also use it once every week for outdoor plants, but a gap of two weeks is ideal. However, make sure to keep an eye on the warning signs that ask you to stop using further miracle gro due to overdosing.
What to do if I overdose miracle-gro to plants?
For the beginners, the biggest issue is to use the right proportion of miracle gro on plants. With no prior experience in this aspect, many new gardeners may mistakenly overdose miracle-gro to their plants. If you ever do this, make sure to follow the below steps as important corrective measures.
- Miracle-gro is blue that is easily visible on the ground where you use it. In case of overusing it, remove the visible miracle gro from the ground.
- Throw enough water on the ground that can effectively flush out the excessive miracle gro from it. However, perform this step carefully because many new beginners may hurt their plants with so much water. Many others also flush off the top layer of the soil that further damage the plants. Therefore, throw water on the soil to flush out fertilizers but don’t overuse the water.
- After overusing the miracle gro, you would notice that many leaves or foliage is damaged. Take a gardening seizure or either use your hands with gloves to remove those damaged parts (either leaves or foliage).
- Additionally, limiting sun exposure can also help you in such a situation.
How would I know that my plants don’t need more dosage?
As plants can’t speak or tell us that they don’t need more dosage of miracle gro, you can only observe them get an idea. Here are some alert or warning signs that would tell you that your plants don’t need any more miracle gro.
- Very less number of flowers than there should be. If you are using the right amount of miracle gro, there should be more flowers than usual.
- If your plants’ foliage is growing more than usual that the plants stop looking beautiful, it’s the time to stop using more miracle gro.
- If you notice that the leaves’ color is changing than the original color, it is a sign that you are overdosing miracle gro. At this stage, immediately stop using it any further to save your plants from damage.
- If your plant leaves’ color is alright, but they are becoming out of shape or deformed, stop using miracle gro on them. The deformation of leaves occurs when you are using too much miracle-gro on them.
- Weakened plants from either the stems or the roots are a sign of overdosing fertilizers. As you know, that excess of everything is bad; the same goes for miracle gro and other fertilizers. If you use them in the right amount, they will benefit your plants. Otherwise, they would start giving more harm to the plants than the benefit.
Is it safe to use miracle gro?
Miracle-gro is one of the safest fertilizers to use on indoor plants for good growth and health. It’s surprising for many people to know that miracle gro comes with no major side effects. It is safe to use for both indoor and outdoor potted plants. However, it is recommended that we should avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers in places where there is risk of it getting into water sources. The excess use of ammonium based fertilizers can cause damage to the micro-organisms in soil and water.
In addition to that, constant overdosing may lead to negative results as plant damage or deterioration.
Along with plants, it is also safe to use by hand for everyone. However, it is important to avoid direct contact with eyes and mouth because swallowing any fertilizer is harmful. With only a little care, you can use it safely on your plants to see the miracles. Therefore, always use the miracle gro as per the instructions found on the package and check its expiry date before applying it to plants.
FAQs
Yes, if you exceed the dose of miracle gro from the recommended dosage, it may kill your plants. There is no special quantity that you can list as it will kill the plants. The overdosing quantity of miracle go differs for different types of plants.
What happens if you use expired Miracle-Gro? ›
The recommended use is between three to five years post which the minerals break down reducing the efficacy. If the formula is compromised the granules clump together attracting mold and fungus making them unfit for use.
Can expired plant food kill plants? ›
To sum up, chemical plant fertilizers that have passed their expiry date will not be chemically toxic to your plants. However, expired chemicals fertilizers can damage your plants because it is easy to add to much of it to the soil.
Does Miracle Gro All Purpose Plant Food go bad? ›
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food has a shelf life of about 3 years if kept in a cool dry place.
Is it OK to use old fertilizer? ›
The general answer is no, fertilizer does not go bad if it is properly stored. Fertilizer is made up of a variety of natural minerals and elements that do not break down over time allowing you to store your unused fertilizer from year to year.
Can you use old Miracle Grow? ›
According to the Miracle-Gro representative that I spoke with, the liquid plant food is best used within three years after being purchased if stored properly. It is still viable for up to eight years.
Can too much Miracle-Gro hurt plants? ›
While fertilizer used in the right quantities can indeed promote houseplant growth, when overdoing it, you hinder the very growth you want. In fact, you're slowly killing your plant, and so its foliage, stems, or roots may be undersized. They'll also look brittle, crinkled, wilted, or limp.
Does Miracle-Gro burn plants? ›
Too much Miracle-Grow can burn the plant's roots, leading to irreversible damage. Also, you must not water your plants after using Miracle-Gro. Watering is essential if you use the granular fertilizer to help it mix with the soil faster.
What should you not use miracle grow on? ›
Copper sulfate is also a bactericide, and as such, is incredibly harmful to soil life. Anything with the Miracle-Gro label should be avoided entirely: Bagged potting soil and garden soil, 'Shake n Feed,' that blue stuff, and yes, even so-called “Organic” Miracle-Gro products should be entirely avoided.
Can you save dying plants? ›
To revive the plant, you can soak it in water and then adopt a predictable watering schedule that uses the same amount of water each time. Remove dead leaves: Improper care may cause most leaves on the plant to die, and it's usually best to remove leaves that have become entirely brown.
Chemicals found in synthetic fertilizers are known to affect human lungs, urinary systems, and more. The primary ingredients in synthetic fertilizers like Miracle-Gro are urea nitrogen and ammonium sulfate. When exposed to the air, these compounds can create a greenhouse gas that damages human lungs.
How long does Miracle-Gro last in soil? ›
Story. Make extroverts out of your indoor and outdoor container plants with Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix. Specially formulated to feed plants for up to 6 months, this potting soil helps you grow bigger, more beautiful plants.
How long does mixed Miracle-Gro last? ›
We would not recommend to leave Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food diluted longer than 24 hours. Water is the carrier and leaving it as a mixed solution for longer than 24 hours may allow it to loose it's efficacy.
What to do with expired fertilizer? ›
OPTION 1: Give it away! The easiest way to dispose of fertilizer is to give it to someone that can use it. Even if the product is old it can still be used as a fertilizer. If the product was not stored properly and has become solid, dissolving the product with water or crushing will allow application to desired area.
What happens when fertilizer is over used? ›
Excess fertilizer alters the soil by creating too high of a salt concentration, and this can hurt beneficial soil microorganisms. Over- fertilization can lead to sudden plant growth with an insufficient root system to supply adequate water and nutrients to the plant.
When should you not fertilize? ›
Applying fertilizer in the wrong season can cause increased tender new growth that can be damaged, especially if applied in cold weather in late fall or in winter. So it is best to stop fertilizing during dormant seasons. Additionally, in zones that can be in danger of a late freeze, it's best to wait until mid-spring.
How many times can I use Miracle Grow? ›
When and Where to Use. For spectacular results, feed every 7 to 14 days, anytime during the growing season. Slow-growing plants can be fed less often (monthly).
Can plants overdose on fertilizer? ›
Too much fertilizer (applied too often or too much) can burn or desiccate roots, ultimately killing the plant. Too much fertilizer can also be harmful to the environment. But, fertilizers do a lot of good by providing macro and micronutrients that enhance the health and performance of plants.
Can plants recover from fertilizer burn? ›
The success also depends on the root health. If plant roots are severely damaged, chances to revive the crops are poor. Fix fertilizer burn by flushing excessive nutrients out with water for about a week. Excessive nutrients will leach below the root zone, making the soil environment safer for crops.
How do I bring my plant back to life? ›
To get started, trim back any dead leaves and some foliage, especially if the majority of the roots are damaged. This will make it so the roots have less to support and can recover more efficiently. Next, trim the dead part of the stems until you see green. Ideally, new stems will grow from these trimmed stems.
You should take a break from feeding your plants during a heat wave or drought. However, to prepare them for conditions that could cause heat stress, regularly give them Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food (following all label directions) so they're nice and strong before the unfortunate weather arrives.
Can I sprinkle Miracle-Grow on top of soil? ›
Choose continuous-release plant granules, like Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® All Purpose Plant Food, for less frequent feeding. Sprinkle the easy-to-use, dry granules onto the soil surface, gently rake them into the top few inches of soil, then water thoroughly to start the feeding process.
Can I use Miracle-Grow on my perennials? ›
Water and Feed Your Perennials
Young perennial plants may be hardy, but they still need plenty of water and nutrients to get established in the soil. You can easily water and feed at the same time with Miracle-Gro® Liquafeed®.
What is better than Miracle-Gro? ›
When comparing worm castings vs. Miracle Gro, worm castings are the right fertilizer choice as they promote better plant growth. Miracle Gro could burn your plants if not used properly.
Do you water before or after Miracle-Gro? ›
Answer: Per the manufacturer, Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food can be applied at anytime. If plants are experiencing drought or really dry soil, then it is suggested to water the plant before applying the product. Light to moderate rain is perfectly fine before or after an application.
Does Miracle Grow have to be diluted? ›
Too strong a solution can burn plants; too weak has little-to-no effect. The correct water-to-fertilizer ratio for Miracle-Gro Plant Food soluble crystals for flowers, shrubs, vegetables and trees is 1 tablespoon per gallon of water.
Why is my plant dying even though I'm watering it? ›
The most common mistake that well-meaning plant parents make is overwatering, which can cause root rot that will ultimately kill your plant. Root rot comes from a pathogen that thrives in a consistently moist environment; if soil is left soggy for too long, the once-dormant pathogen activates and attacks the roots.
Should I water a dying plant everyday? ›
If a plant is overwatered, the roots will rot and “watering it regularly” only makes things worse. Many times rotted roots allow a pathogen into the plant and it's a goner. What to do: Remove any obviously rotted roots and replace soil that has turned to mud. Allow the soil to dry until it is slightly damp to bone dry.
Does coffee help plants grow? ›
Coffee contains a lot of nitrogen, which not only kills off weeds and bacteria but can also help certain types of plants (a.k.a those that prefer more acidic soil) flourish. Plus, your daily cuppa also contains significant amounts of magnesium and potassium, both of which are key factors in plant growth and health.
Is it safe to touch Miracle-Gro? ›
Take care to follow the instructions on the label and only use on plants it designates is safe for use. If it touches your skin, wash your skin with soap and hot water to remove it. Any side effect to a human would vary on the human and their sensitivity to the product. Scotts can be reached at 1-888-270-3714.
Regularly using fertilizer is important because Mast says, “over time as a plant grows and is watered, the vital nutrients will be used up or flushed out of the soil and need to be replenished.” Medlin says you can use an all-purpose fertilizer like Miracle Gro, which she generally recommends doing once a month for ...
How fast does Miracle-Gro work? ›
The product gets to work as soon as it's applied, feeding live plants instantly. Use 1 pump of Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food for small pots or 2 pumps for larger pots (over 6 inches in diameter) when applying directly to soil, then continue to water plants as usual.
Are there bugs in Miracle-Gro soil? ›
Brands like Miracle-Gro bagged soil have been found to sometimes contain small black flies, but the existence of these bugs in the soil is not that surprising. The little black bugs you found in your bag of Miracle-Gro soil are likely fungus gnats, which are known for infesting unsterilized soil.
How often should you fertilize plants with Miracle-Gro? ›
For best results, feed every 7-14 days when plants are actively growing. Plant it right: Great soil is the first step for a beautiful, thriving garden. Miracle-Gro® Soil helps create the right environment to get your plants off to a great start.
Does liquid fertilizer go bad? ›
Liquid fertilizer does eventually go bad, but you can expect it to last for around 10 years if it's stored under the proper conditions.
Can fertilizer ruin soil? ›
However, excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to several issues such as serious soil degradation, nitrogen leaching, soil compaction, reduction in soil organic matter, and loss of soil carbon.
How many years does fertilizer last? ›
Storage best practices can prolong fertilizer's effectiveness and potency. Depending on the type, fertilizer can last for years in storage. Liquid fertilizers can last upwards of 10 years, and granular fertilizer has no finite expiration date.
How long does fertilizer stay toxic? ›
It's generally recommended to wait about 24-72 hours after a fertilizer application before letting your kids go back onto the grass and to also ensure your lawn is watered well before the kids go back to playing in the grass.
What results from excessive use of fertilizers is called? ›
Nutrient pollution is the process where too many nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, are added to bodies of water and can act like fertilizer, causing excessive growth of algae. Nutrients can run off of land in urban areas where lawn and garden fertilizers are used.
What makes plants grow faster and bigger? ›
So What Makes Plants Grow Faster & Bigger? Water, air, light, soil nutrients, and the correct temperature coupled with affection and care are the most basic factors to make a plant grow faster and bigger.
Perennials that do best with no supplement fertilizer include butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), false indigo (Baptisia australis), asters, pinks (Dianthus spp.), rock roses (Helianthemum spp.), sea holly (Eryngium spp.), bee balm (Monarda didyma), speedwell (Veronica spp.), coneflowers (Echinacea spp.
What fertilizer makes plants grow faster? ›
The short answer is that nitrogen-containing fertilizers help crop plants grow faster and helps to produce more crops. This allows agricultural land to be used more efficiently because fertilized land produces more food.
What month is best to fertilize plants? ›
Generally speaking, the best time to fertilize landscape plants is around the time they begin to grow actively. The worst time to fertilize plants is at the end of their growing season. Trees, for example, begin to wake up and grow in early spring, and typically are fertilized once in February or March.
How often can I use Miracle Grow on my plants? ›
Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food instantly feeds vegetables, trees, shrubs, and houseplants to grow bigger and more beautiful than unfed plants. Simply feed them every 1-2 weeks. The formula is safe for all plants, and is guaranteed not to burn when used as directed.
Can liquid fertilizer burn plants? ›
Too much fertilizer (applied too often or too much) can burn or desiccate roots, ultimately killing the plant. Too much fertilizer can also be harmful to the environment. But, fertilizers do a lot of good by providing macro and micronutrients that enhance the health and performance of plants.
What happens if you put too much liquid fertilizer? ›
Excess fertilizer alters the soil by creating too high of a salt concentration, and this can hurt beneficial soil microorganisms. Over- fertilization can lead to sudden plant growth with an insufficient root system to supply adequate water and nutrients to the plant.
Should I water plants after applying liquid fertilizer? ›
Liquid fertilizers are a contact product. This means the nutrients are taken up by the plant through the foliage rather than the roots. This differs from granular products in that liquid products do not require watering the lawn afterwards for them to be taken up.
What time of day to use Miracle-Gro? ›
Answer: Per the manufacturer, Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food can be applied at anytime. If plants are experiencing drought or really dry soil, then it is suggested to water the plant before applying the product. Light to moderate rain is perfectly fine before or after an application.
Can you put Miracle Grow directly on soil? ›
You should sprinkle miracle grow directly in the soil, or around the base of the crops, and you can even use this product on the leaves of the plant. Doing so, will encourage growth and healthy development.
What are the yellow balls in Miracle Grow soil? ›
Small Yellow Beads in Soil
Osmocote is identified as small granules of yellowish-brown, and they contain a mixture of potassium sulfate and ammonium nitrate that encourage healthy plant growth. Osmocote can last up to five months in the soil before being depleted.
How Long Can You Store Potting Soil? Opened bags of new potting soil can retain quality for around 6 to 12 months. For unopened and unused potting soil, you can store it for about a year or two before it goes bad. Usually, potting soil lasts longer when stored in a dry and cool container.
