There is a Mennonite-owned mill where we are able to buy non-GMO feeds for our chickens, pigs and cows. It does cost more but not nearly as much as organic (typically twice as much). Not only do I believe that non-GMO grains are better for my creatures but I try hard not to buy any GMO products on principle--the idea of corporations patenting and controlling our food supply is immoral and GMOs are a rebellion against nature. You can mix your own non-GMO feed as our friends who avoid soy do. Their mix consists largely of field peas as the protein substitution for soy. They say it costs about 20-25% more, I think. We also feed clabbered milk from our non-GMO milk cows which is a great source of protein. We are now raising Freedom Ranger meat chickens largely on clabbered milk (supplementing with non-GMO broiler formula). I would have to get the recipe from my friend for the homemade mix but could if anyone is interested in it.

Everyone is just guessing, since no one knows a thing about your soils. We're not growing corn! Adding complete fertilizers without a soils test is a crap shoot, pure and simple. Yes, most soils will need some kind of nitrogen early in the season. A modest amount of nitrate nitrogen works well. As for phosphorus and potassium, it really depends. My roses don't need it at all, so paying money for fertilizer they don't need is a complete waste of money. Many fertilizers have increased in price two to three times over the past two years. If a soils test isn't possible, and often you're told nitrogen can't be measured (then I don't know how my soils chemist does it), get a general idea from the local agricultural extension office which fertilizers are generally needed. Here is a link that might be useful: UConn soils testing

I just feed my camellia just at the end of flowering and I prune them (always in the same time, it's very important for the next flowering). This year, I gave them a little more food this week (this summer was very hard for them in France this year). Laurie Here is a link that might be useful: Lovcam.org

Thanks Nettie.. I have one orange poppy that's huge and blooms like crazy but of course the tasteful pinks and whites don't. I have no other orange or yellow in my gardens so it doesn't really go; but it is georgeous. By the way, Nettie, thanks for your response to my e-mail. Since then I stumbled on the rest of the pictures of your garden (lupins,monarda.phlox etc) and they're incredible too!