Sheldon Gessell was able to come to our meeting on short notice. Our original presenter was unavailable. Sheldon is the owner of Dirt n’ Grow in Stonewall and has developed a line of fertilizers for every need. I didn’t know much about fertilizers beyond the 3 numbers: Nitrogen (1st number listed) which is good for green growth. Phosphorus (2nd number listed) which helps in root development and Potassium (3rd number listed) which helps for flowering and fruit. I used to think the biggest numbers is what I wanted. Sheldon was able to explain how organic fertilizers work and what goes into them. One of things that Sheldon uses in his formula is freshwater seaweed from the St. Lawrence Seaway. There are natural steroids in the seaweed which increases plant metabolism 100 times faster and creates thicker cell wall structure. This also avoids the issue of salt when other companies use ocean seaweed or kelp. Sheldon has a science degree and is a like a brew master when it comes to making organic fertilizers. His tree and shrub fertilizer contains 60% composted shrimp from Nova Scotia. There are trace minerals which can rectify nutrient deficiency symptoms. The fertilizer comes in concentrated liquid form which you can add a small amount to your watering can or a granular slow release that you can put in the soil. Rage Plus may be what you are looking for. There are also products to repairs your lawn from dog urine by adjusting the ph level in the soil. Sheldon sells his products through select garden centres and he recommends you go there. If you can’t find it, you can order it on line and it will be mailed to you. There is no in person shopping. Go to our sponsor page for Dirt n’ Grow for more information. Some of our sponsors who carry these products: Prairie Originals, Schreimer’s Market Centre, Jensen’s Nursery & Garden Centre, Ron Paul Garden Centre, Sage Garden Greenhouses, Shelmerdine Garden Centre,