slow release fertilizer for plants SR-18-5-10 Slow Release Fertilizer + Minor Elements – Plant Factory Direct

slow release fertilizer for plants SR-18-5-10 Slow Release Fertilizer + Minor Elements – Plant Factory DirectChoose Your Bundle: 2 lb. Bag = Better Value @ $17. 99 Perfect for serious gardeners feeds up to 64 one gallon plants 4 Pack Bundle = Gardener's Special Stock up and save ideal for multiple garden beds 8 Pack Bundle = Landscape Pro Bundle Professional grade quantity for large landscapes and commercial use What Makes SR 18 5 10 Different 10 month feeding window from one spring application spend less time fertilizing, more time enjoying your garden

What Makes SR-18-5-10 Different

• 10-month feeding window from one spring application - spend less time fertilizing, more time enjoying your garden
• Controlled-release technology prevents nutrient overload that burns and damages plant roots
• Optimized 18-5-10 ratio with essential trace elements - complete nutrition in perfect balance
• Professional-grade formula used by expert growers - proven performance you can trust
• Superior value compared to liquid fertilizers - one application does the work of dozens

What This Fertilizer Does For You

Stop wasting time and money on fertilizers that burn plants, wash away after one rain, or require constant reapplication. SR-18-5-10 solves the "inconsistent feeding" problem with professional timed-release technology that delivers balanced nutrition for up to 10 months from a single application. You'll enjoy healthier plants with stronger roots, more vigorous growth, and better blooms without the guesswork, hassle, or risk of overfeeding. This is the same professional-grade fertilizer we use at our nursery to grow the premium plants you buy - proven, reliable, and foolproof for gardeners at any skill level.

Product Highlights

Formula: 18-5-10 NPK plus minor elements
Release Type: Controlled-release timed technology
Feeding Duration: Up to 10 months per application
Available Options: 1 lb bag, 2 lb bag (Better Value), 4-Pack Bundle (Gardener's Special), 8-Pack Bundle (Landscape Pro)
Best For: Shrubs, trees, perennials, ornamentals, landscape plants
Special Features: Prevents burning, reduces reapplication, professional nursery-grade

Premium Features & Solutions

Eliminates Constant Reapplication: One application feeds plants for up to 10 months, saving you time and eliminating the hassle of monthly or weekly fertilizing schedules

Prevents Plant Burning: Timed-release technology delivers nutrients gradually, preventing the burning and damage caused by fast-release fertilizers that dump nutrients all at once

Delivers Balanced Nutrition: 18-5-10 formula plus minor elements provides optimal nitrogen for growth, phosphorus for roots, and potassium for overall vigor - everything plants need in proper proportions

Saves Money Long-Term: One bag replaces months of liquid fertilizer applications, reducing your total fertilizer costs while delivering superior results

Works in All Weather: Controlled-release granules don't wash away with first rain like liquid fertilizers - nutrients stay in root zone where plants can access them

Professional Nursery Quality: This is the exact formula we use to grow the premium plants we sell - proven effective by professional growers

Smart Application Guide

For Beginners:

Apply fertilizer around the "drip line" (the outer edge of the plant's canopy) rather than directly against the stem - placing it 4-6 inches away from the stem prevents damage. Spread granules evenly in a circle around the plant, then water thoroughly to activate. Apply in early spring for season-long feeding. Do not pile fertilizer in one spot or place it directly against plant stems. Keep away from children and pets - bury under soil or mulch if needed for safety.

Coverage Guide - How Many Plants Per Bag

1 lb Bag (16 oz) Coverage:

• 1 Gallon plants: Approximately 32 plants (1 tablespoon per plant)
• 2-3 Gallon plants: Approximately 6-8 plants (4-5 tablespoons per plant)
• 5-7 Gallon plants: Approximately 3-4 plants (7-9 tablespoons per plant)

2 lb Bag (32 oz) Coverage - Better Value:

• 1 Gallon plants: Approximately 64 plants (1 tablespoon per plant)
• 2-3 Gallon plants: Approximately 12-16 plants (4-5 tablespoons per plant)
• 5-7 Gallon plants: Approximately 6-8 plants (7-9 tablespoons per plant)

Application Rates by Plant Size (Tablespoons):

• Quart-size plants (5 inch pot): 9-12 grams per plant
• 1 Gallon plants: 38-40 grams per plant (1 tablespoon)
• 3 Gallon plants: 124-130 grams per plant (4-5 tablespoons)
• 5 Gallon plants: 130-140 grams per plant (7-9 tablespoons)

For Advanced Gardeners:

Apply in early spring as new growth emerges for maximum uptake during active growing season. For established landscapes, broadcast evenly around drip line and incorporate lightly into top 1-2 inches of soil or mulch. Water deeply after application to move nutrients into root zone. For container plants, reduce rates by 25-30% to account for limited soil volume and increased leaching. Reapply in fall for evergreens and plants with extended growing seasons in zones 8-10. Avoid application during drought stress - water plants thoroughly before fertilizing. For newly planted specimens, wait 2-3 weeks after planting to allow root establishment before first application. Combine with Root Booster at planting for accelerated establishment, then follow with SR-18-5-10 for long-term nutrition.

Pro Tips for Maximum Results

• Apply in early spring for season-long feeding - one application handles the entire growing season
• Water thoroughly after application to activate controlled-release coating and move nutrients into root zone
• Spread evenly around drip line, never pile against stems or trunks to prevent burning
• Bury under mulch if you have pets or children for safety - it works just as well underground
• Choose the 4-Pack Bundle (Gardener's Special) or 8-Pack Bundle (Landscape Pro) for maximum savings on larger projects

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 18-5-10 fertilizer used for?
It's a balanced NPK fertilizer formulated to support steady vegetative growth, strong roots, and overall plant vigor. It's commonly used as a long-lasting plant fertilizer for shrubs, landscape plants, trees, perennials, and ornamentals. The 18-5-10 ratio provides optimal nitrogen for foliage growth, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall health and disease resistance.

How long does SR-18-5-10 fertilizer last?
As a controlled-release fertilizer, it provides plant nutrition for up to 10 months depending on weather, watering frequency, and plant demand. The timed-release technology delivers nutrients gradually instead of all at once, reducing the need for frequent reapplication during the growing season. One spring application typically feeds plants through fall.

Can SR-18-5-10 be used as controlled-release fertilizer for trees?
Yes, it works excellently as controlled-release fertilizer for trees when applied evenly around the drip line. Keep granules 4-6 inches away from the trunk and spread evenly rather than concentrating in one spot to prevent damage. Water after application to help move nutrients into the root zone where trees can access them.

Will this burn my plants?
No, when applied correctly. The controlled-release coating prevents nutrient dumping that causes burning with fast-release fertilizers. As long as you spread it around the drip line (not piled against stems) and water after application, SR-18-5-10 is extremely safe and won't burn plants.

How much does one bag cover?
The 1 lb bag (16 oz) feeds approximately 32 one-gallon plants, 6-8 two-to-three-gallon plants, or 3-4 five-to-seven-gallon plants. The 2 lb bag (Better Value) doubles that coverage. See the Coverage Guide above for complete details by plant size.

What are the bundle options?
We offer three bundle options: 2 lb Bag (Better Value) for serious gardeners, 4-Pack Bundle (Gardener's Special) for stocking up on multiple garden beds, and 8-Pack Bundle (Landscape Pro) for large landscapes and commercial use. All bundles offer increasing savings per bag.

When should I apply it?
Apply in early spring as new growth emerges for best results. This ensures plants receive nutrients during their active growing season. In zones 8-10 with extended growing seasons, you can make a second application in fall for evergreens and plants that grow year-round.

Can I use this on vegetables?
While SR-18-5-10 works on vegetables, it's formulated specifically for ornamental shrubs, trees, and landscape plants. For vegetables, you may want a fertilizer with different NPK ratios optimized for fruiting and flowering vegetables.

Is this safe around pets and children?
Like all fertilizers, SR-18-5-10 should be kept away from children and pets. If you have small children or pets, simply bury the granules under soil or mulch after application - it works just as effectively underground and eliminates access concerns.

Why is this better than liquid fertilizer?
SR-18-5-10 feeds for up to 10 months from one application, while liquid fertilizers require reapplication every 1-2 weeks. Controlled-release granules don't wash away with rain, prevent burning from over-application, and save significant time and money over the growing season.

Is this the same fertilizer you use at your nursery?
Yes! This is the exact professional-grade formula we use to grow all the premium plants we sell. If it's good enough for our nursery production, it's proven effective for your garden.

Get Your Fertilizer Now

Ordering & Shipping

Processing Time: Orders placed after Wednesday 4:00 PM through Sunday ship the following Monday-Wednesday. We don't want your order sitting in warehouses over weekends.

Shipping: Fertilizer bags ship UPS Ground alone or can be included with your plant orders for convenience.

Available Options: 1 lb bag, 2 lb bag (Better Value), 4-Pack Bundle (Gardener's Special), and 8-Pack Bundle (Landscape Pro).

Safety Note: Keep all plant fertilizers away from children and pets. If you have small children or pets, bury granules under soil or mulch after application. All plant food is harmful if ingested - take every precaution to ensure safe storage and application.