I was asked this week why I seem to adamantly endorse Nitro-Phos Superturf 19-4-10 over almost any other fertilizer.
I noted that there was a period when I backed several controlled-release fertilizers at the same time, and I actually still recommend those products to this day. My endorsement of Nitro-Phos Superturf is not exclusive, and if any new fertilizer came along that could meet my requirements, they would also have my approval. But the real question would be, are they savvy enough to market the product on GardenLine.
Last year at this time, I published some details about Nitro-Phos Superturf 19-4-10 because I wanted to point out I’m not the only person who thinks it’s one of the best out there for this region. In fact, my opinion has been heavily influenced by one of the premier soil scientists in Texas. I promised I would not reveal his name because he works with nearly every fertilizer company that wants its products blended for Southern turfgrasses. But several years ago I asked if he could pick just one slow-release fertilizer designed for the Gulf Coast, which would it be? He didn’t hesitate in choosing Nitro-Phos Superturf 19-4-10.
Keep in mind that I take recommending products very seriously. Candidates have to actually do the job without forcing users to overspend. So, while it’s true Nitro-Phos advertises their products on my show, that’s not why I recommend Superturf 19-4-10 more than any other. It’s because of these seven reasons:
- It’s been scientifically shown to be the premier formula for Southern turfgrasses.
- Works on St. Augustine, Bermuda and zoysia.
- It is THE MOST readily available - more stores carry it than any other.
- The company consistently markets their products and the brand.
- The product covers the largest area, making it the most cost-effective.
- It’s local - blended and packaged in the Houston area.
- You only need to use it one time, and you’ll be hooked.
If you consult my lawn fertilization schedule, you’ll see there are other brands and blends on the list, because they really do work as well as Nitro-Phos Superturf 19-4-10. They just don’t market their products anymore, or they are found in very few places. The perfect example is Easy Gro Premium 19-5-9. It’s still available, but at limited locations. Ironically, it was the only fertilizer ever recommended by my GardenLine predecessors, Bill Zak and John Burrow.
There are also some good products that are proprietary blends, but they’re branded for and available at only at single retail operations. I believe it is my job to help you easily get the best product for any treatment you’d need, so that’s why Nitro-Phos Superturf 19-4-10 seems to wind up being recommended more than any other. Plus, Nitro-Phos is the only company that still actively markets their products on the GardenLine radio show. But to only recommend one fertilizer would be like only recommending one nursery or garden center.
As I’ve said countless times on the radio show, I’m a true believer in the old “dance with the one what brung ya" idea. If you’ve had success with some other fertilizer designed for Southern turfgrasses, and it's cost-effective and easy for you to get, stick with it. But since we are in the heart of the April fertilization part of my schedule, and if you’re ready to make a change, give Nitro-Phos Superturf 19-4-10 a try.
PHOTO: Nitro-Phos