Milorganite to Repel Deer

Milorganite

• Milorganite was first created as a way to use the biosolids in waste that were left over from purifying sewage water. This organic fertilizer releases nitrogen and phosphorous into the soil, which out burning plant tissue. Fertilizers with high percentages of nitrogen burns plant tissues, because it contains salt that dehydrates the plant. In fact, Milorganite has a NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) amount of 6-2-0 which is low percentage compared to other types of fertilizer.

How Milorganite Works

• Milorganite was not originally used as a deer repellent. However, universities such as the University of Georgia have conducted tests to see the effectiveness of the organic fertilizer. There conclusions suggests that Milorganite provides a temporary reduction in deer damage. Certain factors such as rainy weather, high deer population and little food sources around the garden area reduce Milorganite's impact. However, reapplying Milorganite raises the success level of the product's repellent capabilities. Applying Milorganite as soon as deer damage occurs raises its effectiveness.

How to Apply

• Gardeners apply Milorganite any time during the growing season. Because this fertilizer does not contain a high percentage of nitrogen, gardeners do not have to worry about burning their plants when applying during hot weather. Milorganite is spread over the lawn, ornamental garden and food plot area with a rotary spreader or drop spreader. The spreader setting differ depending on the type of Milorganite product that is used. Also, Milorganite can be hand broadcasted or broadcasted with a handheld spreader over vegetable plants.

Other Factors

• The amount of Milorganite used depends on the plants you are fertilizing. For example, vegetable gardeners are fertilized with 5 pounds. of Milorganite per 100 square feet. Roses are fertilized with three pounds of Milorgranite per 100 square feet. Check the label to provide the right amount. Monitor the landscape for deer damage to know when to apply the fertilizer as a repellent. Signs of deer damage include trampled vegetation, damaged tree bark, bite marks in foliage and deer droppings. Reapply throughout the growing season to provide protection from deer.