Monrovia Introduces New Line of Organic Soil Mixes and Fertilizers

Monrovia Organics Now Available
AZUSA, Calif. (April 22, 2008) -- Monrovia Organics, a new line of premium soil mixes and organic fertilizers, is arriving in garden centers nationwide. The new organic products will join the existing bagged soils, Monrovia Custom Soil and Amendment, which Monrovia has been testing regionally for the past three years. "Our soil products have generated a very positive response from retailers and gardeners," said Pam Wasson, vice president marketing for Monrovia. "And there has been a huge demand for organic products. We just needed the right partner to ensure we could deliver our quality products nationally in a timely and efficient manner."

Monrovia found that partner in The Garden Grow Company, based in Portland, Oregon, specialists in organics in the consumer lawn and garden industry. According to John Graham, founder and CEO, they will mix, package and distribute Monrovia's proprietary soil and fertilizer recipes. Graham is known creating the first successful natural and organic garden brand, Whitney Farms.

All of Monrovia's soil and fertilizers contain the proprietary Monrovia formula of twelve different strains of mycorrhizae, which comes from the Latin words Mycor meaning fungus and rhiza is root. The mycorrhizae create filaments or threads that are actually extensions of the root systems - enlarging the surface-absorbing area of the roots by as much as 100 times. Mycorrhizal plants are often more resistant to diseases, such as those caused by microbial soil-borne pathogens, and are more resistant to the effects of drought. These effects are perhaps due to the improved water and mineral uptake in mycorrhizal plants. Mycorrhizal plants use up to 30 percent less water and are more likely to be drought and salt tolerant.

"It was important to us that all of the packaging for all of the soil mixes are made from 10 percent post-consumer recycled plastic and that the fertilizer packaging is fully compostable," Wasson added.

Products at a Glance:
Monrovia Organics Potting Soil - special recipe of peat moss, composted bark, perlite, compost and 12 different strains of mycorrhizae. Contains a fast-acting organic fertilizer to help plants get off to a healthy start. Available in two sizes: 12-quart bags; one and a half-cubic foot bags

Monrovia Organics Planting Compost - made from compost, composted bark, sphagnum peat moss and 12 different strains of mycorrhizae, this product is custom blended for all outdoor gardening. Available in one and a half-cubic foot bags. Monrovia Organics Line of Fertilizers - a long-lasting, slow-release formula.

These seven plant-specific fertilizers are made from 100 percent natural and organic ingredients, including 12 different strains of mycorrhizae. Unlike most other organic fertilizers, each Monrovia Organics product is granulated for uniform quality and ease of use. Each product is available in four-lb. bag.

• Tree and Shrub Food (also available in15-lb.)
• Starter Fertilizer
• All-Purpose Plant Food (also available in 15- and 40-lb.)
• Azalea and Camellia Food
• Flower and Rose Food
• Fruit Tree and Vine Food
• Vegetable and Tomato Food

Monrovia Custom Soil Blend -- is one of the core blends used in Monrovia's growing fields. Rich with both ecto- and endo-mycorrhizae, the soil improves a plant's tolerance to transplant and drought stress, while the compost reduces the need for fertilizer and other nutritional supplements. Available in one- and two-cubic-foot bags, this soil is perfect for containers and raised beds because the slow release fertilizer delivers nutrients for up to one year, and increases the soil's retention of these nutrients over time.

Monrovia Soil Amendment -- contains three key ingredients that make it ideal for planting and enriching existing garden soil. The mycorrhizae actually enlarge root surfaces, enabling them to absorb nutrients and water, while the compost stimulates biological activity for maximum growth. The Soil Amendment is fortified with slow-release fertilizer that adds extra nourishment during the plants' transition into the garden. Available in one- and two-cubic-foot bags, the amendment benefits the entire landscape as living mycorrhizae spread to other areas of the garden.

"As a premium grower, we are known for our ultra-healthy plants. They have strong root systems and really thrive in the landscape," said Wasson. "We believe that a major reason is our attention to soil." Monrovia custom blends more than 45 different soil mixes for its 2,200 different varieties of plants, and for the past 10 years has added mycorrhizae to its soil. "People have been asking if they could buy our soil, so we tested it for a few years. Now, it's widely available."

For more information about Monrovia's soil mixes, please contact Reiner Kruger, 800-399-9321.

Background on Monrovia:
Monrovia is one of the world's largest producers of container grown plants, with more than 2,000 different varieties. Since it was founded in 1926 by Harry E. Rosedale, the company has introduced hundreds of patented plants, more than 200 of which are Monrovia exclusives. Monrovia plants are shipped to independent garden centers nationwide from its nurseries in Visalia and Venice Hills, Calif., Dayton, Ore., Springfield, Ohio, LaGrange, N.C. and Cairo, Ga. Throughout its history, Monrovia has pioneered many new technologies and new plant introductions. It remains a family owned entity. To find the nearest garden center that carries Monrovia plants, visit www.monrovia.com.

NOTE: High res photos available upon request