Are Organic Fertilizers Better for Your Garden Plants? -- *AMAZING RESULTS*

Synthetic fertilizers may work faster, but are they better for your plants? Today we'll share some interesting results from a study conducted by the University of California Santa Cruz where they compared cauliflower transplants that were fed with Agrothrive General Purpose Fertilizer and a conventional 6-25-25 fertilizer. The results and amount of microbial activity with the organic fertilizer is amazing! It may very well change your mind about your fertilizer choices in your backyard gardening.
We'll also be moving our chicken tractor from the balansa clover plot to a new plot for them to graze. We'll talk about our plan going forward with the chickens and how we plan to ensure that we don't have too much chicken manure in our garden soils.
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[@apiecemaker1163]

Have two words that define teaching and believing something and then later changing your mind as you get different information. It’s called WISDOM AND MATURITY. Glad to see you have both Travis. Let’s me know even as an older person, I can trust you. Both to grow as a farmer and as a human being. Bravo 👏👏👏👩‍🌾💙

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks!

[@simplex7096]

The study is sponsored by this organic fertilizer and in my opinion its snake oil for obvious reasons. And talking of wisdom and maturity at this point people should be more crafull with this studies and take them with a pinch of salt, pretty much all of them has some interests behind, the biggest and more easy to say example jut look at the tobacco company and their sponsored studies for decades, companies are using supposed studies as a sell point because its a fact people blindly believe anything science says. Besides its not the job of a fertilizer to increase microbe activity but organic matter from compost, for a plant a nitrate from organic or synthetic its the same and chemically there is no difference.

[@anjelica4728]

Gardening is a science. I think it makes sense to change your mind as you learn more and as more research is available!

[@tommyschrader8096]

I have been a believer of AgroThrive for quiet a while. You cannot go wrong using it. I used AgroThrive every two weeks on my pepper plants and had an unbelievable bumper crop. Thanks Travis.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Great to hear!

[@Doktracy]

Did you use the general purpose or the fruit and flower?

[@seadog6351]

Everyone's local Ag college is doing lots of research concerning growing crops and raising animals in their location and climate. It is very beneficial to investigate and interpret some of the stuff they are working on and learn how it could impact what you are doing. Making contacts with folks there is even better. I have always found it helpful to monitor newsletters and get to know what the different professors are working on. They like nothing better than to benefit local growers and producers with what they are doing. Your explanation of what you found out was superb. Thanks.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I agree. It's always a good idea to stay connected with the current research to see what's working and what isn't.

[@wingandaprayer7777]

This video was so informative about fertilizers....but also, I loved the interaction at the end about Valentine's Day. I remember when I asked my husbands for bags of soil/compost for my Christmas present. He couldn't believe his ears!! Better than any jewelry....I try to turn that dirt into plants and food!! Been binge watching your channel while we're waiting on Hurricane Ian to come and GO!! Keep up the good work!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for watching! Y'all stay safe!

[@wingandaprayer7777]

@@LazyDogFarm Same to you "LazyDogFam" .... Hopefully this thing will get across us soon and I can check the garden. Hopefully, it stays coastal so not to impact y'all either!

[@scottstewart6260]

I started using 12-8-5 Expert Gardener fertilizers and then read "Teaming with Microbes" and now will be using their organics line after these bags of regular synthetics are used up. According to the book, the double digit nitrogen levels burn the good bacteria around the roots

[@michelemenard8364]

Thank you for the excellent explanation on the fertilizer. Love how you use the chicken tractor & cover crops to benefit your beds and feeding your chickens. Always a pleasure to watch and learn. Just bought some Agrothrive from your website.

[@emilyk1160]

The little monster growls at the end 😂 gold!

[@heatherfranklin9197]

Been watching your channel and learning from your videos for years. I'm so excited to see you trialing the organic methods. I appreciate your explanations in layman's terms and referrals for organic products. God bless you and your family!!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Heather! God Bless!

[@Doktracy]

You could probably use the Dollie’s used under vehicles when they are moved around garages or even the Dollie’s used to move RVs and farm equipment on lots for bigger chicken tractors.

[@drmick3423]

I’m a newbie to your channel and really loving it. You’re combining showing “new” information, with the practical application of it. Looking forward to browsing more of your vids. PS those electron microscope pictures were amazing 😮😎

[@LazyDogFarm]

Welcome aboard!

[@mike253549]

Always fun and useful

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad to hear that!

[@sharonshepard4580]

Travis, thanks for comparing the 20/20/20 to organic fertilizer. I stopped using the "blue" stuff about 5 years ago on veggies, however I do continue to use on flowers a few times during the growing season. I switched to slow release fish/poultry litter based organic for veggies, and it's night and day. The "blue" stuff does have a place in my garden, just not on anything my family eats. Great Video!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Good idea to use the blue stuff on the non-edibles!

[@CattywampusAcres]

Great info!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@684jewel]

Another great video. Thanks

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nancytharp8213]

Thanks for sharing 😎🏖🏝

[@LazyDogFarm]

No problem 👍

[@citylotgardening6171]

Great video thanks for the fertilizer comparison 👍

[@Steve-kg8zk]

Good analogy

[@mike.barton]

Thanks for another wonderful video.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Our pleasure!

[@detectivemikevarnado7515]

enjoyed the video

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Mike!

[@williecormier4532]

Good info as always God bless from Louisiana

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Willie!

[@katheringardening7093]

Wow !!!very detail information

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Katherin!

[@prattsmark1]

Love your channel! So much good information! I recommend you guys to everyone!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for not keeping us a secret Susan!

[@denisececil8762]

Thanks for being curious and thoughtful.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for joining us Denise!

[@jimoyler1780]

Wisdom, maturity, and experience.

[@queenbee9581]

There you are!! I've been looking for you for almost a year!!!❤

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you found us!

[@dawndonham7035]

This video was fascinating. Thanks for also providing the images of the study. Very good info.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you enjoyed it Dawn!

[@leerocks3859]

Good Day !!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Good day!

[@gardenlife-vz7pi]

Y'all a such a cute couple. Potato planting for Valentine's Day! 🥔 Love it.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Alyshia!

[@Bubba_fett]

I'll get some Agrithrive tomorrow. I just got some Miracle Grow because I couldn't find anything else for my self-watering buckets.

[@Karsynthompson06]

Thanks for the info... 'this is the best and most informative channel on youtube'

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Karsyn!

[@4corander]

Thanks for the info. I've been using your micro-boost and really impressed!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Great to hear!

[@brianczuhai8909]

I was looking for an OMRI certified liquid fertilizer a little lower on the N. I’m ordering the 3-3-5 for tomatoes already on the vine and beets. Plus, I can mix in my Alaska 5-1-1 and dilute them to different strengths for tweaking them to different ratios. I like the immediate availability from the liquid fertilizers. OMRI certification keeps me honestly organic. I did a heavy use of the Nature Safe 8-5-5 for the pre-plant fertilizer - thanks to you. Everything is doing well so far.

[@brianczuhai8909]

I applied my 3-3-5 with a watering can. Definitely BROWN. Was worried that I needed to wash off the leaves with water afterwards. Suggested application rate is 1/2 C per Gallon. Expensive. OK two days later. Nothing was killed off, yet. So far so good. Hopefully, that'll give my fruiting plants a boost. Built up some confidence with using 5-1-1 Alaska liquid fish fertilizer. Just need to become more comfortable with this.

[@mandidittloff4500]

Everyone can change their mind! Especially when it comes to gardening. I am always learning

[@LazyDogFarm]

Yes!

[@dpentola]

As always, your videos are jam-packed with good information. We just got through the coldest and snowiest part of our winter - so far, and I am itching to get out into the garden.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Dave! Spring will be here before you know it!

[@kimberlyearls649]

Best explanation I've heard with the Reese's cup!! Love me some Reese's also.

[@LazyDogFarm]

They're even better if they're in the fridge!

[@amilynnstapay796]

Those are some amazing images you showed! It's been decades since I have seen such a nice electron image of phloem! Brings back so many memories! So cool! Peace on your doorstep!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@juliabarron9574]

You are so great in agriculture letting people know what has worked. Bravo.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you enjoyed it Julie!

[@DonnaLorenzen2009]

Thanks for the info on the fertilizer study. The images and your summary were enlightening. Great to know the difference isn't just a hunch or a feeling, but is backed by science.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you enjoyed it Donna!

[@pigvalve9885]

I commend your ability to adapt to situations as they arise.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks!

[@sofakingphat8087]

A lot of people knew to gardening, especially organic gardening. Don’t realize that you have to put those dry amendments into the soil so it can cook and become biologically available prior to planting your seedlings or transplants. The organic fertilizers need time to start working so they are most effective. Especially people who garden, and Containers. Give it time to come biologically available for your plants.

[@gregpage9471]

I am proud you Follow your dad’s advice for valentines presents . A blast from the past. I enjoy y’all video

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for joining us Greg!

[@chadstrutzenberg9171]

Preach on Brother Travis! I just purchased some of that Agro thrive fertilizer. I look forward to trying it out

[@LazyDogFarm]

Awesome! Let us know how you like it!

[@nkc9788]

Thank you Professor Travis! For breaking it down.. lol!

[@LazyDogFarm]

My pleasure! Thanks for joining us!

[@tanyabriggs8969]

Oh dear. I just agro-thrived my veggies. Then I insect covered my collards a few days later and other crops before the moths come out. I'm PNW and our nights just got to 50s vs 39. Now I have 1 bed of trapped inside huge black flies. And 1 bed with trapped inside flying bugs with long bodies trying to get out. It was pretty smelly for a day or so, but no noticeable flying insects in the cool weather noted. But it's sunny last 3 days and now I have trapped bugs. I keep letting them out, then replacing netting. 😢

[@kevinbrewer2141]

I've always respected that you try different things even if in the past you did like the idea. With showing the results it makes me more willing to try new things instead of being set in my old ways.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Keep learning and keep growing!

[@hazeysgarden]

It’s super fascinating to see the difference in microbial activity, but what it leaves me wondering is alright, that’s how it looks under a microscope, but what did the actual plants look like, how did they grow and produce? We’re the yields different, etc.

[@joinmeinthedirt5186]

Yay I found you, I was just thinking I miss Travis on the other channels.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Welcome to the channel Pamela!

[@harrybutler4077]

I told my wife I was having a potato planting Valentines Day party and she was invited. I got the look.😂 Thanks for the information.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Uh oh. Maybe she needs a little more convincing.

[@Mary-had-a-lil-farm]

Great tact in defending yourself Travis 😉. We are all entitled to change our minds. It’s a part of learning and growing of course. I am actually glad to see this in particular. I try to grow my garden as organically possible (but not completely rigid) but I also watched you on row by row and other videos on Hoss and was influenced by that and your recommendations as well. Not to say that any of that is wrong. There are many ways that are effective to get to the end outcome. Thanks!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for understanding Mary!

[@glowingupmom]

People can GROW too 🌱❤️ Way to go Travis. Thanks for sharing your new perspective!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for joining us!

[@glowingupmom]

@@LazyDogFarm been here for along time from one space to your new place! And NOT going anywhere, education on helping us all have “backyard grocery stores” is priceless. Thanks for all you and your sweet family do 🌱❤️

[@katiem9644]

Love your diplomacy. Of course one is able to change their mind, especially when new information comes to light. Those who dont are not only stubborn, but those without an open mind wont be open to new ideas. Every new idea isnt better, but its up to you (the generic you) to figure out what is best for you. Great video!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Katie!

[@rickthelian2215]

Thanks for the update on the Chickens... Hope the chickens enjoy the Cale Cover Crop, I’m sure the enjoy the supplement..

[@LazyDogFarm]

They seem to be enjoying it so far. We love watching them graze in their little mobile bubble.

[@joelhenderson5404]

Hey buddy we like the stash up here in Oklahoma be sporting one for 45 years. PS Travis my dad always said a wise man was willing to change,a fool never will.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Joel! Glad you approve of the stash!

[@JolleanSmith]

Travis I love that you can come on here and share your change in habits based on learning. Growing is one of the largest test and learn opportunities and if we don’t learn, we don’t grow. Kind of ironic. Reese analogy was excellent, except now I am craving it. Great share, thanks.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Hard to turn down a Reeses, especially if it's been sitting in the fridge for a few hours.

[@gavinmatthews5618]

The middle ground, every tool has its place doesn't mean you need to use it for every job.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Well said!

[@clinthutcheson2640]

Tomato plants look great!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Clint!

[@pamelajean7617]

yes!! please keep bringing the science, brutha! much appreciated. :-). we need to normalize adapting to new information.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Glad you enjoyed it Pamela!

[@petpawteek8776]

Great video! It takes a strong person to publicly change your mind like that! Also, my girls LOVE the black soldier fly larvae and I “might” slightly over feed them too🤣

[@LazyDogFarm]

Hard to not give them more of those treats when they stand there and wag like a dog for them! lol

[@harlowecustommicrogreens]

One of your better videos. You did a wonderful presentation of exactly why natural is better than synthetic. It feeds everything, that makes the plant healthier.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks y'all!

[@sandraoconnor5700]

Nice jacket Travis!! Your wife has good taste!! Love your channel!!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks so much Sandra!

[@gointothedogs2]

Gardening is a journey and an adventure. We can all learn through our experiences and we should also understand the many variable that also come with growing. Learning skills and knowing how fluid things are, we try to apply every possible way to harvest but with safety and long term effects in mind, that keeps things alive and productive. Theres slow ways and fast ways. One has to weigh the cost of both. I appreciate you care to share as you learn new ways and put things to a test. Your a strong and noble man to be able to be open to the influx of differing opinion. Digging deep into the science and nature of growing is important. We need to want to do the right and best thing over convenience, for how we grow today determines what our children and grandchildren inherit.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Well said! Convenience may not always be the best thing for our soil.

[@Zachf30131]

Love the channel man. I placed 2 of the ceramic eggs in my nesting boxes with my chickens and one of my girls laid her first egg the next day. I was pleasantly surprised.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Awesome! I'm gonna have to put some in there then!

[@jessicahellar323]

Make sure you glue it down. If a rat snake is to come by and think it's an egg, it'll kill him if he eats it

[@adamn.2594]

Hey Travis love the videos. You can use golf balls as a fake egg too. Make sure the ladies have access to some gravel and/or "chicken grit" to help keep their gizzard full and keep digesting all the greens. My 18mo son loves watching Tidus do the garden work.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Adam! Glad he enjoys it!

[@Doktracy]

I do seem to remember a certain Travis on Hoss tools stating that he couldn’t grow corn or onions organically but I’m really glad that now he can!

[@LazyDogFarm]

I did say that and I was wrong. Just wait until you see the onions we're about to harvest this year!

[@timfetner8029]

Hey Travis. As always enjoyed the video, and it was great to see what all you have going on in the garden. I had a friend who used to have a chicken coop and he learned that chickens need a certain amount of light each day to lay eggs. Because days are so short in the winter, he had supplemental lights on a timer that stayed on into the evening, although I know that will be hard for you with the chicken tractor. Last season I experimented with planting corn seeds in red solo cups, letting them germinate and then transplanting them in the garden. I know that may not be feasible for you because you plant a lot of corn, but thought I’d mention it as an option. Keep up the great work and I look forward to Wednesday’s video.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I've seen corn transplanted quite a few times and it works well. But not very feasible on a larger scale. Thanks for watching!

[@jessicahellar323]

You can light a chicken coop when it comes to eggs but really it's better to wait until the natural sunlight is enough light. Especially once they start laying, their bodies need the slow down during the winter. It's much healthier for them

[@tommathews3964]

Good info, as always! I can't think of too many instances where organic is not better than synthetic pretty much across the board. I do still use some synthetic fertilizers but try to keep them to a minimum. Much like the rest of life.....moderation is the key! (okay, I struggle with that sometimes too!) I'm betting that corn plot jumps! That's the perfect strategy for it, in my opinion.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I have high hopes for the corn!

[@johncotten7204]

Like the channel. Would you tell me where you purchased your greenhouse? Thanks

[@LazyDogFarm]

Right here: atlasgreenhouse.com/greenhouses/hobby-houses/easy-grow/ If you give them a call, tell them Lazy Dog Farm sent ya!

[@colinstace1758]

I would like to see those fertilizers go up against worm castings and a good animal compost. Enjoying your channel, just subbed 🙂👍🇺🇲🇦🇺

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for the sub!

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

I enjoyed that! I can learn some new ways but slowly and sometimes a little reluctantly. I’m still mulling over alfalfa pellets, I really think I’m going to get a bag! I was watching another channel that busts garden myths, he was saying that what we are really paying for in fertilizer is the nitrogen. He said that fish emulsion fertilizer is the most expensive nitrogen source on the planet! He also said that it’s not made from fish scraps but they actually target fish just for fertilizer. I think it’s awesome that a combination of clover and grazing chickens can can produce such a nitrogen rich soil, what a great system! Klaus

[@LazyDogFarm]

Interesting about the fish emulsion. Many of the fish emulsion companies actually have a fish farm business as well -- usually tilapia. They sell the tilapia for food and use the waste to make fish emulsion as a side hustle.

[@cynthiaedwards5149]

I appreciate you acting on your entitlement of changing your mind or just changing your direction. When you share your knowledge of everything you've done or tried yourself it makes more sense to go one wY or another. We are all entitled to change our mind or direction. Now I have a question. I've seen you leave certain leaves or plants to compost down and some that you have to remove completely to avoid spreading any kind of diseases. Which plants are safe to leave and which are "toxic" to leave? I got to scratch up two more plots and so excited to see the soil looked so healthy. Thank you again for sharing all of your knowledge.

[@LazyDogFarm]

These are the plants I always recommend removing because they can harbor diseases and pests: tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, squash, and cucumbers.

[@notgolfman59]

Travis, thank you for explaining your change in fertilizer, as well as other gardening subjects. And I'm grateful about you mentioning some subscribers might be scratching their heads. I was one of them. But please understand that it would be very easy and quite frankly reasonable for one to make a conclusion that you are basing your opinion on possible disgruntlement with your former company. That being said, I can see that's not the case.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I appreciate your understanding!

[@UrbanWhiteBuffaloFarm]

Hey Y'all, I was watching one of the great many channels I follow and they were told by someone to put a couple golf balls in where the chickens should be laying eggs. They did try it and it did work for them to get the chickens to get started.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I don't play golf, but have some buddies that do. Maybe they can spare a few. lol

[@UrbanWhiteBuffaloFarm]

@@LazyDogFarm I never tried it but someone did I just can't remember who..

[@markb3129]

Good take on the fertilizer program, can't please everyone all the time, but you sure always a beautiful garden!!!! I guess you know a little bit about gardening!!! 🤔 ✌

[@LazyDogFarm]

We try enough different things that we get lucky every now and then.

[@markb3129]

@@LazyDogFarmYep, Every once and a while a blind hog runs up on an Acorn 🤣 a favorite saying of my stepfather when something cooperated, kinda like Titus never know what he was going to say. We Miss him. ✌

[@Coastal.Redwood.Homestead]

Have you showed us a update on how your garlic and onions are doing? Great video today

[@LazyDogFarm]

We did a few videos ago when we did a garlic tour. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ-xd6Wkh6-XY7c

[@Coastal.Redwood.Homestead]

@@LazyDogFarm thank you so much I don’t know how I missed that notification but thank you again

[@urbanbackyardcontainergardenin]

Thank you for this video. Very informative and helpful. Having seen this, I can understand why you changed your mind. I use both. When I’m in need of a quick boost for my plants, I use synthetic. But for the long run, I will use AgroThrive. Probably overtime, I’m probably gonna use AgroThrive more than synthetic. Again I think it’s the choice of the gardener. I never fed my seedlings before. Thanks to to I’m going to start doing so.

[@lynetteledoux2845]

I find it so easy to apply dry fertilizer like Espoma products, I’ve not used liquid food much.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Feeding seedlings can be a game changer. Hope it works well for you.

[@lisabaughman887]

Travis great video. Do you have a website where i can find the nutrients of different cover crops? I also noticed in the replys below that you were going to buy soil probe, could you list it.

[@LazyDogFarm]

This site has some really good info on many different cover crops: www.missourisouthernseed.com/product/fixation-balansa-clover/ If you click the "View Media Sheet" button for each cover crop, you can see a pdf with all the details.

[@lisabaughman887]

@@LazyDogFarm Thank you. This will help very much.

[@steffaniewalz8444]

Exact same reason I use things like BIO-SI and espoma products. Happy frog is good too. You will get a kick out of this - I was researching happy frog… I kept ending up at weed growers LOL.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I've had that happen too. I'll see Facebook ads for a particular fertilizer. But when I click on the ad, I realize that it is geared toward the cannabis industry.

[@great0789]

Perhaps the food will be more nutritious and flavorful as well. Since the taste buds on our tongues are mineral receptors. Very cool!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Makes sense!

[@helenreid7712]

Travis , you seem to be moving towards permiculture . I am myself . You are growing as a person with your plants and animals . Looking aftrr nature is good for us all .😀😀

[@LazyDogFarm]

Maybe a little. I'm not a fan of the random plant spacing that usually accompanies permaculture, but I do think some of the principles have a place in our garden.

[@sillyrabbits]

My Chickens LOVE GrubTerra. It's pricey stuff, but my Chickie Babies do what I ask for those treats. I call them from free ranging, which they love most, they will come running for those ugly little dried bugs. My dogs will eat them too. Lol. My Chickens are spoiled.

[@ChasingDestinyBand]

I use the espoma garden tone/tomato tone/bio tone after and when transplanting into the garden, I really think the same microbiology works with that plus it's slow release. I add a few spoonful's here and there and cover with wheel hoe.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Haven't tried that one, but have heard several others viewers say it works well.

[@jaredhall5611]

Hey love your channel, I would be curious to see soil sample results on the plot with the clover where the chickens have been grazing before you plant the corn just to get an idea of how nitrogen rich the soil is. Maybe take samples of different plots that have had chickens grazed vs plots with no chickens

[@heatherfranklin9197]

This would be very interesting!

[@LazyDogFarm]

I'm actually planning on doing some soil tests on all 10 plots soon and maybe even look at the soil profiles. So stay tuned ...

[@pilsplease7561]

I have a vineyard planted on what is a ancient sand dune, its sandy loam but its basically beach sand like 75% sand content and tends to be barren of nitrogen every year and I have to hit it with ammonium Sulfate and Potassium every single year otherwise nothing would grow on it, it is also acidic by nature ph range of about 5.4-6.0 at any given time, and has a pretty high salt content as well. So its a rough patch of dirt but grapes love it cause its low nutrient but my fruit trees suffer bad.

[@jonlewis6630]

I try to go organic, using an organic fertilizer, but like you I have some blue stuff for a quick fix when I need it. It has worked for the last few years I had a garden. If the prices keep going up, I may just have to use my compost and worm castings.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I hear ya on the prices rising. Making your own compost is becoming a valuable skill to have!

[@katiem9644]

Got my Valentines Day present....the Agrothrive BOGO, how do you beat that? I was waffling on trying it this year, but that deal pushed me over the edge. Last year was the first year I went organic with fertilizing, used Espoma products and Texas Tomato Food, and I had the best tomatoes and peppers I ever had in my life. I was giving them away to all my friends, and they even said they had never had tomatoes taste so good. I had so many tomatoes to give away that my friends started ignoring my phone calls! Finally started tossing them to the chickens. But that being said, Im excited to add the Agrothrive to the mix this year. Seems like a very unique formulation that should mix well with the Espoma and TTF. Cant wait to start!

[@LazyDogFarm]

Definitely let us know how you like it!

[@nomadismileseeker6611]

I’ve never given my chickens any calcium supplements. And they have egg shells that are hard to crack on the side of a glass bowl. I don’t think calcium supplementation is necessary. I honestly think some people overthink having chickens. By giving them grass every day you were giving them more than most people do. I have also learned that chickens will eat what they need and nothing that they don’t.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I think you're right, although feeding them the treats is quite enjoyable. Our chickens look quite healthy to me and can't wait to see some eggs!

[@nomadismileseeker6611]

@@LazyDogFarm If you want a real show, throw a couple of live grasshoppers in the coop. That is a really hilarious thing to watch.

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

I wonder if the full study also examined the soil. I'm sure the soil would also show more microbial activity for the Argothrive. Use some golf balls instead of ceramic eggs. Much cheaper. I think the chickens are about 6 months old now so they should start laying any day now. I do want to try out the Argothrive.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I'm sure the soil was full of microbes as well. Good tip on the golf balls!

[@jessicahellar323]

When it comes to the eggs, it's super common for chickens born around the Easter time to be scheduled to start laying right around December but since the light is so low, they tend to start later in February or so. If you use ceramic eggs, be sure to glue it to the bottom of the laying box, don't just lay it in there. We got our newest group of chicks right around the same time as you guys this year and they only recently started laying.

[@LazyDogFarm]

We purchased these chickens back in the middle of summer, so not sure when they were born. But probably before Easter.

[@jessicahellar323]

@@LazyDogFarm So still in that springtime-born range. That's almost always the time of year we get ours and they don't end up laying through the winter like I wish they would. But they should be starting right around now. A glued down ceramic egg or golf ball would be helpful though. Also make sure you have your coop oriented so that the part not covered in plywood gets a lot of sun. If it's shaded then they may not be getting enough sunlight hours a day

[@markware7748]

I had to mark my ceramic eggs with a little "X" on each end in permanent marker so I'd quit harvesting them every day.

[@10HERBERT]

Hey Travis, great Video. I have a Question about the Agrothrive, does it work as well when the weather is cold vs when it's warm ?

[@LazyDogFarm]

Cool weather will slow any organic fertilizer some. But the Agrothrive is supposed to be more biologically active and thus faster-acting. It doesn't get very cold down here, but I haven't noticed much slow-down.

[@10HERBERT]

@@LazyDogFarm thanks

[@georgia_homestead]

Any update on when the colored step up pots are going to be available for purchase?

[@LazyDogFarm]

Working on it. I'll try to provide an update soon.

[@georgia_homestead]

@@LazyDogFarm Thanks!

[@jeffratz7713]

Travis how do you apply the agrothrive drip tape or overhead how much per 1000 square feet

[@LazyDogFarm]

I've applied it through the tape and also through the overhead sprinkler. I'll use a cup or two per 1,000 sq. ft. per application.

[@lil3505]

I have been using the agrothrive for about six months or so and I have really enjoyed it. Works great for me. I was wondering though how long is it good for after you mix it with water?

[@LazyDogFarm]

I usually use it within a week of mixing that little tank. I don't really have a good way of testing how long "it's good for." But I would just mix what you're going to need within a week's time.

[@amandachristian895]

Last year I used a liquid concentration of organic fish emulsion and kelp. Stinks to heaven but golly, worked so good! It's a 5-5-5, but I also used a peletted organic fertilizer when tue plants got yay high and thought it wouldn't work as good as the blue miracle grow mixtures, but I was wrong. Seeing the study pictures really explains a lot. The tomatoes and peppers were kinda slow at first but in the long run, they really produced. Especially with wild chickens scratching around in my garden the whole time. I would just sweep their poops under the plants and water it in. I know people frown on this, but nothing happened but pure greatness. No burning, no salmonella or whatever people scare with. I also have wild mustard green growing everywhere in my backyard that I had tilled into the soil before planting. So there is a variant as well. When you were talking about your chicken run and the comment that it would be too hot, etc, I dont think it would considering what happened with me. Organic pellets for tomatoes and all around vegetables, liquid fish and kelp for seedlings and chickens freely pooping during growth and fruiting equals amazing results for me. Yes, there was massive foliage, some 10 ft tall, but I'm telling ya, equal continuous fruits and vegetables on every branch. Tomatoes 3-4lbs. Especially the Kellogg's breakfast, wow! They kept setting 2-3lb tomatoes EVERYWHERE until the frost came. It was unbelievable. My corn, I made the rows, then flung large amounts of blood meal and bone meal all over the rows, flooded them. Then watered it in real good, chickens pooping and pellets on top of that. No burn, only beautiful massive triple sweet honey select corn, all with 2 ears filled on each stalk. You cant buy what I grew in the store. Using the same method, my melons kept producing to a 4th round, we have a family of 4, 16 melon plants and couldn't keep up with its production. And sweet, juicy to boot. The Charleston greys were unbelievable. I'm going to try the orange crisp this year and red rock seedless. Also trying the heirloom Tuscany cantaloupes. Heard they were good. I think if using the 20-20-20 it would be mostly foliage but looking at those pictures and knowing I used the organic fish and kelp, pellets, etc...the roots are more able to get the nutrients it needs to produce tons of lbs of fruit to go with it. I had so many massive tomatoes a lot went to waste after canning fresh eating and giving away. They were so beautiful, makes me cry, hahaha.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for sharing your experiences Amanda!

[@waveoglesby2920]

Where can I buy a sprayer like that?

[@LazyDogFarm]

I got mine at the Dollar Store up the road for $5. It was on clearance this past fall.

[@jtharp9265]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@marysurbanchickengarden]

I would rather use organic than the chemical stuff, but it has to perform. I want to see the chickens Travis and are they laying yet? Oh well I jumped the gun 😂. The chickens are looking good! You should be getting eggs but they will come when the girls are ready. The stache looks good Trav I just wanted to poke a little fun at you the other day.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks Mary. I appreciate all stache comments as well. lol

[@markware7748]

Good video there. I would certainly not criticize your move away from Miracle-Gro (20-20-20) to AgroThrive for seedlings. Between alfalfa pellets, NatureSafe 8-5-5, and AgroThrive 3-3-2, I'm comfortable with my nutrient program even for 2022 corn, tomatoes, melons and alliums. Personally, I don't see that that balansa/chicken plot as being too hot for planting corn. Another solid motivation to get those soil tests run. Replace the guesswork with data.

[@LazyDogFarm]

I purchased a soil sampling probe that will also allow us to see the soil profiles down to 8". So it should be fun!

[@david.6040]

Great video Travis, how does the clover produce the nitrogen in the soil? When you till it in?

[@justinbukoski1]

I'm sure Travis will reply but clover is actually a legume which takes nitrogen from the air and fixes it in the soil if you have the right microbes.

[@LazyDogFarm]

@David What Justin said. Just gotta make sure you have the right bacteria in the soil for the nitrogen fixation to happen. You can do that by inoculating the seeds or buying clover that is pre-inoculated like we did on that plot.

[@leedimusttu4702]

I’m new to seed starting and have followed your advice. I’m wondering how often do you water before the seeds germinate.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Every single day. Gotta keep that soil moist for good germination.

[@kittiew260]

I have used the blue stuff for quite some time. Then learned & used organic products. It totally changed my opinion and mind, my harvest was better and food was awesome. Salt levels and stuff in synthetic fertilizer off roof. Healthy soil = healthy plants. I purchased agrothirve and Neptune harvest used both super happy with the low & slow method. No blossom rot, no crop burn really learned a ton.

[@LazyDogFarm]

Thanks for sharing your experiences Kittie!