Product Application
Existing Landscapes
New Landscaping Projects
Other Questions
Product Application
How do you apply your products?
You apply John and Bob's GrowGreen Optimizer, Maximize and Nourish like you would apply fertilizer, but because of their concentration, you use much less. Just throw the granular mixes by hand, or use a whirlybird or a drop fertilizer spreader. Be sure to sweep or blow excess product off paved surfaces to avoid staining from the iron. For Permeate, the only product applied in a liquid form, simply spray with a hose-end sprayer. It's that easy.
How often do I need to apply your products?
For significant, long term changes in your soil's physical make up and health, applications every 6 months, or just twice a year, is all it takes. The longer you follow this regimen, the healthier your soil becomes.
What is the best time of year to start applying your products?
John and Bob's GrowGreen products start working immediately so the best time to apply is as soon as possible. The products need to be watered in to activate them and carry them into root zones. If irrigation is available, you can apply any time of the year. If you are going to rely on rainfall, then you should apply just before the rainy season. It is not advisable to apply over a blanket of snow.
Existing Landscapes
I've just had new sod laid on my yard and now realize that the soil underneath isn't very good. Do I have to remove the sod to improve the soil?
The perfect way to use John and Bob's GrowGreen products is to apply them on top of the soil right before you lay the sod. Or, if the sod is already down, apply on top of the grass as package directions outline. Then continue to condition your soil every 6-12 months by applying them over the top of your grass. This should be done right after a mowing to minimize the possibility of picking up granules with the mower before they begin to break down and dissolve.
We have a lot of bark mulch in our landscaping. Would we need to rake the bark back, apply your soil products and then rake bark back around plants?
Ideally, John and Bob's GrowGreen products would be applied before bark mulch was added, but that's not essential. The goal is to get the product into the soil and since it is water soluble (slowly, over time), that will happen eventually whether it is applied under or over the bark. A major appeal of this product line is that you can continue to improve your soil on an ongoing basis without a lot of hassle. The other amazing aspect is that a little covers such a large area. Applied as directed, just 3lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. or 1 cup for 180 square feet, is sufficient. Have faith, it really is an effective and convenient product - you will be impressed.
Should I use standard soil amendments (compost, redwood) with your products?
The idea behind John and Bob's GrowGreen Smart Soil Products is that you don't need bulky amendments such as compost or redwood. Our product line is more effective, less expensive, and much more convenient. That's because of the miracle of zillions of soil micro-organisms that allows organic matter to fundamentally change soil. So no, other soil amendments aren't necessary.
If I use your product, do I need to change my usual fertilizer, especially weed and feed for roses?
Our product line is compatible and effective with all fertilizers, weed killers, etc. However, organic products, such as John and Bob's GrowGreen Nourish organic fertilizer, work better with our natural products. We don't recommend traditional fertilizers such as ammonia sulfate or Miracle Gro because these products feed plants but damage the soil by killing valuable soil micro-organisms. Over time you need more and more chemical fertilizer to keep things looking healthy. Also, you'll gradually be creating an environment, because of damaged soil and overly succulent growth, where pests and diseases are more prevalent.
The better approach is to feed and build the soil - not the plants - so that you need less fertilizer and water over time, and experience fewer pest and disease problems.
New Landscaping Projects
I'm not very patient. What's the fastest way to begin to see results in the new landscape
I'm about to create?
For new projects, we recommend the following: at the beginning, before any fine grading, trenching for sprinklers or similar activities, apply a starter application of Soil Optimizer, Permeate and Maximize to all landscape areas. Then install sprinklers, grade and plant. When you are almost done and your plants are in, but your turf hasn't yet been planted, apply another application of Optimizer right on top of your finished grade. Finally, add a good organic fertilizer such as Nourish. With this approach, John and Bob's GrowGreen products will be working throughout the soil profile rather than at just one level. This is the very fastest way to see results.
I'd like to start a vegetable garden but my red clay soil isn't very good. Can I apply your products to my soil rather than adding dozens of bags of potting soil?
Yes, that's what makes this product line so special! The key to changing that red clay is repeat applications, about every 6 months. After each application your soil will improve a little. Over time you'll see a marked difference. John and Bob's GrowGreen products will transform your clay soil better and much more conveniently than dozens of bags of potting soil.
Can I use your products to improve the soil in my containers?
Yes, this is a great idea, especially if your pots, baskets and window boxes contain soil that's been used for several seasons. Because containers are often densely planted, a concentrated, time release quality organic fertilizer like Nourish is also recommended to keep all those hungry plants in prime condition throughout the entire growing season.
Other Questions
Will my plants be injured if your products are sprinkled or sprayed on the leaves?
No, don't worry about that. All our natural, organic products are safe for use around established landscapes and won't cause any hart to your favorite plants. And there's no need to be concerned about using John and Bob's GrowGreen products around pets either.
How long can I store your products without them losing effectiveness?
John and Bob's GrowGreen products can be stored indefinitely as long as they don’t get wet. For Permeate, store the two bottles as they are, with the contents separated. Once you mix these two components biological activity begins and the resulting blend should be used promptly.
I purchased your Soil Optimizer last year, applied it as directed and don't see any difference in my red clay soil. Is it working?
Soil Optimizer won't change the outward appearance of the soil with one application, but you will notice an improvement in plant performance, water percolation, etc. Also, if you dig down into the soil you'll notice an increase in life, such as earthworms in the soil.
John and Bob's GrowGreen Soil Optimizer contains food for helpful soil micro-organisms, such as bacteria and beneficial fungi, and it is this life that is the key factor in soil health. That is why the concentrated organic matter in Soil Optimizer fundamentally changes soil, not because of its physical presence but because over time as it decomposes and attracts all kinds of life to the soil - some you can see, some you can't. This life changes soil for the better in every way; better water percolation, better moisture retention, better availability of nutrients and micro-nutrients to plants, and more.
I ordered your Soil Optimizer, used it and like the results. But is seems a little expensive. How does the cost of your products compare to other options?
Well, let's do the math. For starters, if you buy a Natural Gardening Kit which includes Soil Optimizer, Permeate, Maximize and Nourish, that costs $49 plus about $12 for doorstep delivery. That's a total of $61 to condition 1,000 sq ft of soil. Apply this every 6 months as recommended and your total cost would be $122 per year, and less than 2 hours of time. If instead, you chose to add a bulky soil amendment like compost, you'd need 56 1½ cubic foot bales totaling about $400 for a single 1,000 square foot application. And you'd need to transport those bales home from the store, split them and spread the contents all around the yard with a wheel barrow and shovel. That's a lot of work.
For the best value, buy John and Bob's GrowGreen products in larger size bags. But either way these products are excellent values, are fast and easy to apply, are good for the environment and can be delivered right to your door step.
I'd like to use your products commercially. Who do I talk with about purchasing larger quantities?
For commercial quantities of our products, please call us at 559-291-4419. We'd be happy to help you figure out the quantities needed for your projects and provide a price quote. |
