Category: Tom’s Tips

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Malcolm de Chazal was an agronomist turned poet and visionary. His words ring a deafening truth today.

As I drive across south Florida visiting clients at clubs, estates, golf courses all in affluent areas, my eye of observation deep in the landscape sees a panorama of mediocrity, an underlying sense of weakness and disease.

CONTRADICTION

The contradiction of these well planned communities and compounds is the contrast between the impeccably maintained, gorgeous infrastructure and the declining, seemingly exhausted landscape.

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One ocean front example is in Pompano Beach.  Along the “Hillsboro mile,” location and facilities are exquisite – detail and grandeur wrapped in quality construction.  However, the landscape is apparently the stepchild in this home, and she appears anorexic as well.  Lack of attention often is worse than negative attention, which is the case here.  Chlorosis and Brown Patch abounds.  Tropical color is fleeting.  When I do see an occasional flower here, there is no smile.  Unfortunately, similar distressing scenes repeat across our state – low fertility, malnourishment in the landscape, corresponding poor performing plants, and disease.

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DRIVE THRU MINDSET

I understand the allure of cheap food and cheap fertilizer. Who hasn’t taken the fast food drive-thru?  It’s fast.  It’s cheap.  It fixes the problem…at least for now.  It’s the same for the landscape contractor.  I get it.  It’s all purpose one size fits all fertilizer.  It’s economical.  It’s simple.

But, like the drive-thru, a steady diet of empty, cheap food may satisfy short term but ultimately leads to increased incidence of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, bone loss, stroke, etc. etc.  Likewise, in the landscape we see weak, poor performing, low quality, nutrient deficient, diseased plants.

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LONG TERM MENTALITY

The problem occurs over the longer term and visibly manifests itself in weak, sick ugly plants.  Fertility effects on plant disease have been documented for well over 100 years.  It’s common sense, right?  If you’re healthy, you’re strong and less likely to fall ill.  In plants, diseases like pythium, rhizoctonia, and botrytis decrease with increased potassium.  Copper suppresses bacteria and fungi.  Calcium reduces various root rot diseases, etc., etc.

In our diet it’s dietary fiber, B vitamins, anti-oxidants, unprocessed foods, medium chain fatty acids, etc.  In plant diets similarly, it is providing all the necessary nutrients at the adequate rates in an available form at the right time.  This results in visually healthy, strong, minimally stressed disease-free plants.  All-purpose controlled release fertilizers cannot do this.

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ROI & PENNY FOOLISH

Real estate periodicals often have” capital improvement” articles and one of the two highest ROI’s always cited is landscape.  So why exactly have we decided to not keep our landscape healthy and beautiful?  Does it not make sense or cents?  Would we not look better as an industry… as a professional?  Are we doing anyone or anything any favors by lowering the bar and being penny foolish?  Is there any joy in junk landscape for anyone?

Here at BGI, quality is what excites us.  Visual beauty is our goal.  Product performance is how we get there.  Mediocrity is not a desired outcome.  So next time, drive by the drive-thru.  Go get the nutrient rich foods, not the empty ones.  Likewise, use BGI Premium Plant Foods to turn your landscapes into world class models.

Wouldn’t it be a great act and a wise notion to allow that flower, like Malcolm de Chazal said; to smile and laugh again, and we could all rejoice in all its’ splendor!

Take care,

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I talk to a lot of garden center owners and managers and lately what I’m hearing them say is they are offering dozens of plant food choices but customers are often coming back dissatisfied, looking for something more, something better, and something that will perform and show visual results.

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I then pose the question; “If I could help you solve this problem and also create a high return on investment, would you be interested?”  Unless they just can’t stand the sight of me, the response is almost always an emphatic, “Of course!”

Provided the owner/manager has a few moments, I begin the conversation on a few specific advantages of BGI Premium Plant Foods and the plant food performance problem:

TIGER OR A HACK?

BGI products are developed and used by professional growers over years of trial and experience. The point here is, wouldn’t you want to give to your customer what the pros are using?  It’s that simple.  Professional growers use the best.  I want what the pros are using!  I want my plants to perform like Tiger!

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PIZZA & CHIPS?

Can man live on pizza and chips alone?

Well, maybe for a while but not very well, ugh. BGI products adhere to what academia calls “Liebig’s Law.” Justus Von Liebig was a 19^th century German botanist who understood that growth potential is not determined by the total amount of resources available, but by the scarcest resource. Like man and pizza, plants need more than general, generic all-purpose cheap fertilizers. They lack many available essential minor and trace elements.  BGI Premium Plant Foods are species specific that provide all nutrients in the right proportions and available amounts.

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BLACK OR GREEN?

The most satisfying comment I receive from a homeowner goes something like this; “My bougainvillea were, leggy, yellow and had no color.  I had given up hope and then I saw your fertilizer was specific to bougainvillea.  I decided to try one more time.  They greened up and started flowering! I was so happy – I can do this after all!”  I’m just saying, (IJS), this is definitely a return customer. I better shut up for now, because I can talk forever.  But, if Mr. or Mrs. Garden Center desires customer satisfaction and customer joy, improved return on investment and “comping” the register – take it from the pros like Tiger and Liebig, provide your clientele the tools to succeed and create a little joy and divine beauty in their lives!  Actually, I think that’s a pretty cool thing to do, don’t you?

Take care,

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The following two articles presented dictate a rule I like to follow that states 80% of a company’s content should be educational, interesting, and perhaps even provocative. I read a lot of blogs, and the narcissism gets old. Fast.

The first, ‘How to Read Fertilizer Labels’ is a succinct, straightforward and informative article about what all those numbers mean. It is important; and I have found that often the retail consumer, i.e. homeowner, has little knowledge of the deeper purpose behind what they are buying. This is the basis for why we at BGI produce species specific plant foods – to simplify the buying process and ensure customer success by using the correct fertilizers on the correct plant.

The second article is a provocative, scientific piece discussing the misnomers commonly heard about organic farming, and what it truly entails. I am all for locally grown, and no doubt, organic has so much to offer, but the USDA definition of organic keeps shifting. I have a Life Science background, and much of the organic marketing is hype. On the other hand, if I was President, Heaven forbid, my call to action (like Kennedy’s “to the moon”) would be a victory vegetable garden in every home in America! Talk about reducing your carbon footprint!

It’s your mind, your body, and your food. You decide.

Enjoy, and question everything!

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How to Read Fertilizer Labels

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Fertilizers are necessary to feed plants with nutrients that are not available in the growing medium solution or the irrigation water. They are mined (phosphate rock or potash), synthetic (obtained by a chemical process) or organic products (manures, fish, bones, blood and other organic sources). Fertilizers can be liquid, soluble granules, coated pellets or as simple granules…continue reading.

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Myth-busting 101 Organic Farming

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Ten years ago, Certified Organic didn’t exist in the United States. Yet in 2010, a mere eight years after USDA’s regulations officially went into effect, organic foods and beverages made $26.7 billion. In the past year or two, certified organic sales have jumped to about $52 billion worldwide despite the fact that organic foods cost up to three times as much as those produced by conventional methods…continue reading.

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Additional links: https://www.healthambition.com/benefits-of-organic-food/ 

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Take care!

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Although this true story is a bit off base, it is all about what we do, and why we do it. BGI is a fertilizer company. We manufacture, market, distribute and merchandise fertilizer. That is what we do. But that is not why we do it. That is not what inspires and motivates us every day. The “Why” is beauty. Beauty cannot be lost.   Time does not diminish it.   The garden and landscape are perhaps beauty’s greatest masterpieces. BGI people believe that beauty is integral to our lives – not unlike love. Without it the world becomes stark, cold, grey and utterly unbearable. All too often we experience this phenomenon, and it is exhausting. For me this lack of beauty often manifests itself in human form, and the best way I can describe the experience is a black hole vortex. Just such an encounter happened recently.

 

After being literally “hung-up-on” by a West Palm Beach garden center owner on two separate occasions – the second time resulting in tears at BGI, I decided to find out what we have done to offend. After all, in my 30+ years running 5 different businesses, this was a first…and second. And although it was different individuals on the BGI end each time, it was the same discourteous owner. I sensed there was something to be learned here. In instances like these, I try to be philosophical and know this experience is a “Learning moment” and has been sent as a guide from beyond. I try to be grateful for even the malice that comes.

And malice cloaked in a shroud of arrogance and disdain permeated the body language and gestures as our conversation commenced one late afternoon. This man clearly had contempt in his heart and a “Zero- sum” mind set. It was immediately revealed the notion of two reasonable men sitting down at a table to work things was not going to happen. At this point I simply stated why I drove 3 hours to see him, how important it was to me, and the impact it had – his karmic poison..if you will. In between his constant dodges of deflection and outright denial, I simply asked for courtesy in the future and let us serve his business any way we can. His response was more extended lecture, subject change, denial and fleeting eyes. Now, I was looking for an exit strategy…where is my car?? My heart hurt. Walking became laborious. I instantly felt completely drained. It was as if a human negative gravity vortex was sucking the life right out of me. Have you ever felt that way when encountering someone? I quickly ended the seemingly empty monologue, thanked him for his words and departed. Two days later pondering the West Palm Beach garden center experience, I discovered a few gifts realized from this stark encounter:

1. ATTENTION- Attention is respect. Be completely present when engaging someone. To not do so is ugly and dark.
2. HUMILITY- Stay humble. Arrogance is weak and pathetic.
3. INTEGRITY- Absolute integrity is a must in our lives. To deceive is an act of betrayal. Cannot we be honest?
4. COMPASSION- Even when confronting malice and disdain, bathe your heart in compassion. Because of his severe compassion, no institution could contain Jesus Christ. We should try to do the same.

Mary Oliver wrote a poem that resonates when contemplating difficult experiences and lessons such as these:

Someone I loved once gave me
a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand
that this, too, was a gift.

When someone gives you a box full of darkness, it is a gift. Thank them and show them compassion. Their world is stark and cold. Plant some light and beauty in their lives if you can. This is the “Why” at BGI. Please join us.

In such ugly times, the only true protest is beauty. Phil Ochs

In closing; you can call it Karmic, or you can call it Newton’s Third Law of action and reaction, or you can call it whatever a man soweth so shall he reap, it is a law of our world. When human vortices try to suck you in, remember this story of the garden center owner. He doesn’t understand. You do. Show compassion. It’s law, and there is no downside.

P.S.   Beauty will save the world.

But who will save beauty? Dostoevsky

Thank you for listening. I hope this helps. Protest the vortices and save beauty!!

Take care,

Tom

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Claims that plants are able to feel, communicate, listen and react were first made over 150 years ago. Intriguing research was performed in the 1960’s by CIA interrogation specialist and pioneer, Cleve Backster. With a modified polygraph machine, Backster was able to measure emotional response patterns in plants when subjected to external stimulation like watering. Today, mainstream science generally states that because plants lack a central nervous system, they have no sensation of pain or other emotions.

Perhaps you think the notion of plants having feelings is “LA LA LAND.” Skepticism is healthy. Believe nothing, until you have been convinced it is true. But please don’t close your mind. Humans can see only a small portion of light and only hear a narrow frequency of sound. Our sense of smell is rudimentary at best. Most of what exists is invisible to us. So let’s question everything but keep an open mind to the possibilities that lay before us in this amazing world we inhabit. We see so little.

In 1983 two studies documented that willow, poplar and sugar maple trees can warn each other of attacking insects. Using volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), not only could their neighbors be made aware of marauding predators coming, they in turn could release more VOC’s that repel the intruders. Wait, trees can speak, listen and interpret, not only among species but intra-species as well???

It appears so, but the scientific community was not convinced and called it bunk. So, muted by the rigidity of Darwinian Theory, no one heard the flora’s perfumed cloud of conversation. The plants continued to speak and listen and fight the good fight. Another plant pioneer, Ted Farmer discovered plants also communicate with electrical impulses. Zoologist David Rhodes in the 1980’s discovered voltage changes in the tissue of Arabidopsis Thaliana as Egyptian Cotton Leaf worms were released to consume the plant’s leaves. Simultaneously, Jasmonal acid was produced and acted as ion regulation receptors – like animal systems that relay sensory signals throughout the body. Did I mention Rhodes is a zoologist, i.e. the study of animal life, and drew parallels to plant and animal nervous systems??? He also found Sitica Willows reducing nutritional leaf tissue quality when attacked by caterpillars and web worms. These worms consequently grew slower. What is really cool is neighboring trees heard about the attack, and although they were not invaded, reduced their nutritional leaf quality as well. Still, the research establishment and eminent biologists were not convinced and picked the studies apart. The notion that plants are sentient beings on some level through multiple communication pathways again fell on deaf ears. Then in 2000 another study came to light documenting Sagebrush plants whose leaves were clipped and consequently became resistant to herbivores. The VOC compound released again not only worked on the same species but others as well. Neighboring Tobacco plants emitted the defensive enzyme Polyphenol Oxidase to thwart any oncoming attacks. This kind of thing, interspecies communication, throws Darwin on his ear – or nose if you will! Researchers suggest that plants may be eavesdropping rather than actively listening. The VOC’s are a language of scents where compounds are combined to form words and sentences and effective communication. Biologists have not come close to deciphering this code.

BURY THE TELEPHONE LINES

In Israel at Ben-Gurion University researchers produced convincing evidence of communication through root systems. Pea plants were put into a drought stress. Naturally, stomata closed. The fascinating thing was within an hour, although neighboring pea plants were not under any drought induced water stress, these plants shut down their stomata as well. Researchers are convinced it is a root exudate, a chemical, most likely ABA or Abscissic acid.

BIO-INTERNET

Other researchers published in Ecology Letters, July 2013 documented plants using an underground network of connecting fungi to effectively communicate. This bio-internet connects plant roots together via an intricate web of hyphae into common myclelial networks (CMN). This beneficial mycorrhizal fungi provides Nitrogen and Phosphorous nutrients to the roots in exchange for sugars. Now however, an added benefit to this already synergistic relationship is an incredibly effective way to communicate over distances between plants.

ACOUSTICS

Corn plants make clicking sounds when roots find moisture, and as a result, other roots begin growing towards the moisture. Did you hear that?

PLANT TO ANIMAL FACETIME

Plants can talk to insects as well. Maize attacked by Armyworms can send out VOC’s attracting predatory wasps that lay eggs in the caterpillar bodies. Hummingbirds, ants, microbes, moths and even tortoises react to these VOC’s.

Are you a believer yet? Can you admit to the possibility of plants as sentient beings on some level? It has been demonstrated plants communicate quite effectively through many channels: airborne volatiles, root contact, fungal networks, acoustics, chemically and electronically. Respected scientists that denied these communication pathways a few years ago would hard-pressed to do so today. Darwinian evolutionists cannot explain how complex communication systems and networks exist between different species, let alone plants and animals.

I propose the notion, the possibility, based on clear evidence that intelligent design may be at work here. IJS. Open your eyes, ears, nose, heart and mind. We sense so little and know much less. What’s truly amazing is that any of this exists at all. It is truly magnificent to consider the possibilities and imagine. Oh, imagination? No, we better not go there. It can’t be measured, and it just doesn’t fit, and we can’t control it.

P.S.

P.P.S Wake up and smell the coffee…coffee plants!:))

Take care,

Tom

 

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In animals, Sodium (Na) is an “Essential” element. It plays a central role in electrolyte and ion balance in body fluids and tissues. In plants however, Na is the most predominating problem salt and can cause toxicity. We often consider it a waste product that is pervasive in our soils and waters. While Na may not be necessary to completing the life cycle of a plant; i.e. “Essential” nutrient,” it can increase growth rates, yields and reduce Potassium (K) critical level needs. Scientists have labeled elements like Na as “Functional” nutrients. “Functional” nutrients are those which are crucial to maximizing yield or in reducing critical levels of an “Essential” nutrient like Potassium (K) by partially replacing it.

Na is a “Functional” nutrient.

Typically our mental reference to Na in plant nutrition and culture is toxicity, necrosis, tip burn, chlorosis, scorching, bronzing and even death. It is something we are taught to avoid if at all possible at any level or concentration. Most of us have been taught no Na is the goal, but in fact, this is not the case at all. While plant species vary widely in Na uptake and translocation capabilities, what we usually read or hear about is plants subjected to very high Na concentrations in the root zone. There it is translocated to the tops which reduces growth and can cause death. However at proper levels, Na plays some major beneficial roles in plant metabolism including:

• Chlorophyll synthesis
• Turgor pressure, osmotic potential and cell expansion
• Reducing critical levels of K
• Stomatal function
• Nutrient transport
• Enzyme activation
• Growth stimulation

The processes listed above are beyond the scope of this blog. Suffice it to say Na function and metabolism in the plant is vast and still largely unresolved. Na is not an “Essential” element, but it is a “Functional” one. In fact, Na is an “Essential” element in some C4 plant species like corn and sugar cane. That is, it is required to complete the life cycle. None the less, much research indicates Na significantly stimulates growth in many plant species, even when K is adequate. Research also indicates K critical levels are reduced in the presence of Na in many crops. Growth rate and nutrient utilization and efficiency are positively affected by Na.

Whether it is increased chlorophyll production in spinach or lettuce, or increased tomato yields, or improved taste in carrots or sweetness in watermelons and citrus, or higher yields in broccoli, cotton, barley, carrots and many other crops, Na is not the bad guy. It is a “Functional” nutrient. It is an element that can increase yield, increase quality and increase disease resistance in some species.

The point of this blog is to help the reader understand there is more to plant nutrition and culture than N, P & K. Plants require a balanced diet of not only the “Essential” nutrients but also the “Functional” ones. These nutrients are required in varying amounts. It is a dynamic system with elements interacting with each other, the water, the soil and the plant species in production. Na can be extremely beneficial to plant quality, characteristics and performance.   Who would have thought Na could be a good guy?

Address your nutritional program needs on a species specific basis. Know your beginning nutrient levels, water quality and characteristics. Use complete plant foods and fertilizers that not only consider the “Essential” nutrients but also the “Functional” ones.

At BGI, species specific complete balanced and available nutrient plant foods is our design. It’s what we do. Why do we do It? We believe that without beauty life would be intolerable. That beauty is as necessary as sunlight and oxygen to our health and survival. We believe beauty is a divine presence and an “Essential” element to human existence. BGI believes in creating or helping to create beauty in all aspects of our lives, be it in the natural landscape or on the harshest edges of our existence. Why? Because beauty is the ultimate food…soul food! I’m starving!

Take care,

Tom

P.S. If you don’t agree with this blog, go pound Salt

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Not all plant problems are caused by disease and insects. Nutrient deficiencies in plants result in reduced growth, reduced yield, lower quality and aesthetics, reduced flowering and fruiting. Fertilizers correct nutrient deficiencies in plants. Following is a perhaps “dry” discussion about Magnesium and its’ role in plant growth yield and success. Often it is the little things in the background that seldom get noticed or recognized in life yet do the “Heavy Lifting” and are essential to success. In the life of a plant, Magnesium deserves more recognition.

Magnesium (Mg) is considered a secondary element required for plant growth. The term “Secondary” describes relative nutrient quantity but not importance. As we know from “Liebig’s Law” (previous posts), a “Secondary” nutrient deficiency is just as destructive to plant growth, quality and yield as one of the three primary nutrients (N, P, K). Yet Magnesium is often overlooked and adversely affecting both quality and yield of ornamental and agronomic species.
NO MAGNESIUM – NO LIFE
Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the earth’s crust, and the fourth most abundant metal ion in cells. It is present in every cell type in every organism. Magnesium is essential to the well being of all organisms. So much for “Secondary”, right? It is the central atom in the chlorophyll molecule. Chlorophyll is a pigment that makes plants green and creates photosynthesis. Magnesium roles in the plant include:
• The coordinating ion in the chlorophyll molecule, thus making photosynthesis possible.
• ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy source in cells. ATP to be active and available must be bound to a Magnesium ion.
• Magnesium regulates uptake of other materials in the plant. It acts as a carrier of Phosphorous to seeds. Magnesium aids in production of proteins, fats and vitamins. Magnesium plays a role in starch translocation or movement within the plant.

Many factors affect Magnesium availability, and we should be aware of these variables. They include:

• Soil Magnesium content – how much is already in the soil?
• pH – Magnesium is more available at higher pH’s or less acid soils.
• Other factors include Manganese/Magnesium ratio, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Potassium (K) and Calcium (Ca) and cation competition, cool soil temperatures.

Plants differ by species and variety in Magnesium needs. High response food crops include: blueberry, beet, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, onion, spinach, squash, tomato and watermelon.

SYMPTOMS
Magnesium is a mobile nutrient taken up by the roots. The first observable sign is a depressed rate of photosynthesis or growth. Next is carbohydrate immobility. This is where sugars are produced in the leaves but cannot be transported throughout the plant. Sufficient Magnesium levels are required to maximize carbohydrate transport to “Sink” organs in the plant like seeds, roots and fruit. This promotes higher yields and growth. Due to the lack of mobility, visual symptoms of interveinal chlorosis (yellow leaves with green veins) occur in the older, lower leaves first. In citrus, this symptom is referred to as “Bronzing.”

FERTILIZER SOURCES
Soil testing is the best method to measure nutrient availability, determine crop needs and receive specific recommendations. Dolomitic Limestone is most commonly used to correct both Magnesium deficiency and acidity or pH levels. Other materials to correct Magnesium deficiency include:

• Potassium Magnesium Sulfate (Sul-Po- Mag)
• Magnesium Nitrate
• Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts)
• Chelates – These are well suited for foliar application and often plants will respond more quickly.

Talking to growers, farmers, nurserymen and garden center managers about nutrient management and plant nutrition I have noticed that the importance of Magnesium is often misunderstood. And here’s the thing – it is critical to all life, well being, health and appearance. Be it photosynthesis (not “Secondary” in anyone’s book), protein synthesis, carbohydrate transport to vital areas in the plant, and ATP or energy production within the plant cell. And plant species have different nutritional needs. All Plants require certain “Essential” nutrients in adequate, balanced and available amounts. BGI products are about providing these nutritional goals. Our products are designed to provide proper nutrition, so the plant and the grower can experience growth, beauty, yield and satisfaction. Let BGI help your plants reach their potential and allow you, or your customer to harvest satisfaction and joy in the process!

Take care,

Tom

P.S. It’s pretty cool I think that many of the human “Super Foods” just happen to be high in our stepchild, Magnesium like spinach (dark leafy greens!), almonds, avocados and dark chocolate! Maybe there is a message here…..? I think so.

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