Why We Love Groundkeeper Fertilizer!
When it comes to growing healthy, vibrant plants in southern Saskatchewan, having the right fertilizer makes all the difference. That’s why we love Groundkeeper Fertilizer—a professional-grade, prairie-formulated fertilizer designed to deliver steady, balanced nutrition where your plants need it most.
What’s in Groundkeeper Fertilizer?
The blend we use and recommend at Riverdene Garden Centre is:
16-10-3-17-3
This nutrient ratio provides a powerful and well-rounded boost for most prairie gardens:
- 16% Nitrogen (N) – Fuels leafy growth and overall plant vigor. Ideal for lawns, annuals, perennials, and vegetables.
- 10% Phosphorus (P) – Encourages strong root development and helps support flowering and fruiting.
- 3% Potassium (K) – Builds plant resilience against stress, drought, and disease.
- 17% Sulfur (S) – Essential for protein production and enzyme function, and helps plants absorb other nutrients more effectively.
- 3% Calcium (Ca) – Vital for cell wall strength, healthy root tips, and overall structural integrity of the plant—especially important in preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
This formula is especially useful in Prairie soils, which are often alkaline and lacking in both sulfur and calcium. That makes Groundkeeper not just a fertilizer, but a solution for many common plant health issues in our region.
Why It’s a Prairie Favourite
Groundkeeper Fertilizer is slow-release, meaning nutrients are delivered gradually over time—reducing the risk of burning your plants and providing consistent feeding through the growing season. It’s ideal for:
- Lawns
- Trees and shrubs
- Annual and perennial flower beds
- Edible gardens (when applied thoughtfully)
Unlike high-nitrogen fertilizers that can create excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers or fruit, this formula is more balanced—providing the support plants need to grow strong, bloom beautifully, and stay resilient in our dry, windy conditions.
How and When to Apply
Here’s a quick seasonal guide for southern Saskatchewan:
- Lawns: Apply once in spring (May), again in mid-June or early July if needed. Water in well.
- Trees & Shrubs: Sprinkle around the dripline in early spring; avoid placing directly against the trunk.
- Perennials & Annuals: Light application in late spring or early summer, before or after a good watering.
- Vegetables: Use carefully—especially with fruiting crops like tomatoes or peppers. Avoid overapplying nitrogen-heavy fertilizer during flowering.
Local Tips for Success
- Pair Groundkeeper with organic compost or mulch to improve soil structure and water retention.
- Avoid applying during the heat of the day or on dry soil—always water well after use.
- If you’re planting in raised beds or containers, mix Groundkeeper into the soil early in the season and top up lightly mid-summer.
Your Garden’s Secret Weapon
If you’ve been dealing with stunted plants, pale leaves, or underwhelming flowers, it could be your soil needs a balanced nutritional boost. Groundkeeper Fertilizer gives your garden the foundational nutrients it needs to grow strong and thrive in our prairie climate.
Stop by Riverdene Garden Centre to pick up a bag and chat with us about how to use it in your yard or garden space. We’re here to help your plants reach their full potential—all season long.