What are the health risks of using synthetic fertilizers? Nothing. No one has shown that using synthetic fertilizer is going to harm your health in any way. Just don't eat it or use it for bubble bath

I am getting such great results with my current method that I'm a little gun-shy of switching to organic fertilizer If it's working well, stick to it.

If you want to experiment, do it with half the plants of any species, and keep records of what you did and when. Take pictures so you have an impartial record of what things looked like.

There are no health risks.

Thanks all! I really appreciate the feedback!!!

Thanks all! I really appreciate the feedback!!!

I think of it as akin to feeding your kids flintstone vitamins instead of broccoli. If you are growing strictly in containers the chemical fert may actually do a better job for you. You arent trying to develop the soil as you would in an in ground garden, you will likely be changing it out every year.

I agree. Orgainics in containers is possible but a challenge. I am confused however. I too grow in SWC, Earthboxes and the ferts are all added at the begining of the season, in a strip. Ferts do not wash out as they would in other containers because a covered SWC, such as EarthBox is a closed system.

I don't use the Earthbox, I made my own containers from storage tubs (plans found online). I don't cover them, so rain does come down through the top of the containers. I guess I could cover them with something, but they are working great so I figured, leave well enough alone.

BTW, is there some way to get email notification of replies to a topic? I looked all over this page and in my settings and don't see it anywhere.

Re email notifications: there's a little box just below the message box that you can click on if you want them. Don't think you can go back and add it. I've forgotten a few times and just had to remember how I'd titled the post.

HTH. Rosie