There are many fertilizers that you can buy. However, one of the most effective is Ironite.
But what is it?
And how does it work?
Is it safe?
If you’re looking for answers to these questions, you’re in the right place.
Ironite is a supplemental fertilizer used mainly to keep lawns green and fast-growing. Just like the name suggests, ironite uses a high content of iron nutrients.
What Is Ironite?
The reason lawns become orange and dead-looking is because of a PH imbalance. Iron acts as a repair tool to bring this balance back to where it should be and to re-green lawns as it aids photosynthesis.
Ironite is a specific formula that brings orangish hues back to a lovely forest green.
Iron may be the dominant ingredient, but it also contains other micronutrients such as potassium, nitrogen, and manganese phosphate. The three other components work together with iron to produce enzymes that create vital proteins that make chlorophyll.
While most people use it on their lawns, it can also be used in gardens, for landscaping, and to give trees a much-needed nutrient boost.
Types of Ironite
While ironite is excellent for lawns and plants, there are two types of ironite to use: Organic and synthetic.
Organic
Organic ironite is produced from organic resources and releases nutrients into your garden slowly, but the plant will absorb the iron rapidly. With organic ironite, the resources are mainly greensand and milorganite.
Organic ironite has more benefits because it won’t stain concrete, and due to its slow-releasing components, it won’t turn your lawn grey.
Synthetic
Synthetic ironite is factory-made which has fast-releasing components in them so that you’ll see instant results. Although Synthetic ironite is instantaneous, there’s a higher chance your lawn will turn grey.
In addition to organic and synthetic ironite, it also comes in two textures: Granular and liquid.
Granular
Granular ironite comes in the form of tiny granules that you can take in your hand and sprinkle over your garden or lawn. Think of this as the traditional fertilizer often found on sidewalks in the spring.
After depositing these granules, you need to water the area so that the ironite can adhere to the soil (a process called “watering in”). Granule ironite works best for loam or clay lawns and gardens.
Liquid
Liquid ironite works best for sandy or loose soils. The handy thing about liquid ironite is that you can add it to a spray bottle and use it in the garden. The liquid version also helps the blades of grass absorb the supplement. If you’re looking for fast results, liquid ironite is your best shot for rapid improvement.
Pros and Cons of Using Ironite
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There are many benefits to using ironite. However, like most items, it also has disadvantages.
Ironite Pros
- Adaptable. Ironite is great for many things including, vegetables, flowers, trees, and any outdoor or indoor plants.
- Less watering. Based on the balance of nutrients in ironite, your lawn or gardens don’t need to be watered as much.
- Works with any soil and ground types. When it comes to a general area where you’re placing fertilizer, a lawn professional must come in to instruct you; this is not the case with ironite.
- Equal balance of ingredients, so the soil doesn’t become overfed. The reason for grass burn is because there is too much nitrogen in the ingredients with most fertilizers. Rather than a ton of nitrogen, ironite uses iron and other micronutrients to prevent this from happening.
Ironite Cons
- It contains small properties of lead and arsenic. This is especially dangerous is you have children or pets at home.
- Too much can increase the chances of lawns turning grey. Because ironite is so simple to use, it can be easy to overuse it. If you see parts of your lawn turning grey, cut back on the usage.
- Can stain concrete. Ironite doesn’t stain clothing or skin. However, it will stain concrete, and there is no solution for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply ironite?
Measure your lawn or garden area, and make sure to wear protective boots and gloves before using the product. Most ironite instructions require one ounce of liquid per 100 square footage. For granular ironite, measure ⅓ of a pound per 100 square footage.
With liquid, you can spray in a spray bottle or pour from a gardening bucket. With granular ironite, you can spread the granules with your hands or sprinkle them around the area you need.
Will ironite burn my grass?
No, ironite has a meager chance of burning your lawn or other plant matter around your household.
How long until I see results?
You can expect to see results in up to two weeks if your grass is yellow or orange. However, you may not notice any results if your grass is already lushly green.
When is ironite needed?
If your lawn lacks iron, you’ll need to apply ironite. How do you know if your lawn lacks iron? By getting a soil test from an expert. In most cases, you should apply ironite during the spring season.
How often should I apply ironite?
Ironite should be added to lawns or gardens with other fertilizers. No more than four times a year is suitable for using ironite with other fertilizers as it should be used as a booster, not as a primary fertilizing tool.
What is ironite made of?
Ironite mainly consists of:
- Nitrogen
- Urea Nitrogen
- Soluble Potash
- Calcium
- Sulfur
- Iron
Should You Use Ironite?
Ironite is a supplemental fertilizer meant to be mixed with other fertilizers. It has high iron content and other micronutrients that help bring your lawn and gardens back to life.
There is no good reason not to use ironite because of its many benefits. However, if you have a ton of concrete around your lawn or gardens, it may be best to use something a little more organic.
If your lawn has low iron content, your quickest fix is to go with ironite. It’s easy to use, affordable, and packed with enough nutrients and minerals to help turn your lawn green again, and fast.
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