Approximately a year ago, I penned our initial article on Enviro Ice. This gel is utilized by companies such as HungryRoot to maintain the coldness of goods during shipment, and I receive it in my monthly food deliveries. Interestingly, the manufacturer suggests that this nitrogen-based product can also serve as a plant fertilizer. I contemplated experimenting with it in my garden but ultimately decided against it for various reasons we will discuss. Since my initial investigation into Enviro Ice in early 2024, we have been inundated with numerous inquiries about its usage. Here are responses to your pressing queries based on my exploration and user feedback.
What is Enviro Ice? Enviro Ice is a biodegradable gel pack employed to preserve perishables and medical supplies’ coldness during transportation. The manufacturer, Pelton Shepherd Industries, has not disclosed the precise composition of Enviro Ice, as it is not intended for direct consumption, thus exempting them from sharing the complete ingredient list. Nevertheless, it is known to be a nitrogen-based product suitable for fertilization purposes. Peloton Shepherd claims it can be utilized on indoor plants, outdoor flowers, and vegetables. They affirm that the formula is resistant to mold and lacks heavy antimicrobial agents present in other refrigerants. Furthermore, the product’s nontoxic thickening agent should not harm your soil or surrounding water sources.
Manufacturer’s Guidelines for Diluting Enviro Ice There are two variations of Enviro Ice for plant application. The standard formula, with an NPK value of 0.1-0-0, is an unbalanced fertilizer as it lacks phosphorus and potassium. It also contains low nitrogen levels, requiring minimal dilution. Pelton Shepherd offers the following dilution instructions on their website:
– For indoor plants: Mix 6 oz. / 170 grams / 0.75 cups of Enviro Ice per gallon of water. Feed indoor plants biweekly.
– For outdoor flowers and vegetables: Combine 17 oz. / 480 grams / 2 cups of Enviro Ice with a gallon of water in a watering can. Administer to outdoor plants every 7-14 days during the growing season.
The other variant, Enviro Ice -12C, likely serves as a superior plant fertilizer with an NPK value of 6-0-0, indicating higher nitrogen content. However, this formulation remains unbalanced, potentially necessitating the use of other additives. The precise dilution instructions are as follows:
– For indoor plants: Mix .2 oz./5 grams/1 teaspoon of Enviro Ice -12C per gallon of water. Feed indoor plants biweekly.
– For outdoor flowers and vegetables: Blend .5 oz./14 grams/3 teaspoons of Enviro Ice -12C per gallon of water in a watering can. Administer to outdoor plants every 7-14 days during the growing season.
Consulting ChatGPT for Insights Though the constituents of Enviro Ice remain undisclosed, we sought ChatG
On the positive side, urea can promote healthy soil by aiding in the breakdown of microbes. It is particularly beneficial for high-nitrogen crops like leafy greens and brassicas. However, a potential drawback of urea is its tendency to lower soil pH, which may not be suitable for plants that thrive in neutral or alkaline soil conditions. To prevent urea from evaporating, it is recommended to mix or water in the fertilizer immediately. Please note that this information is speculative and not verified, as the manufacturer has not disclosed the exact ingredients, including the form of nitrogen present.
User Feedback on Enviro Ice
Feedback from users on platforms like Reddit suggests varying experiences with Enviro Ice when used on plants. Diluting the product properly seems to be crucial for its effectiveness in promoting plant growth.
KimAlex17 shared her positive experience with Enviro Ice, noting that diluting one gallon of water with 16 ounces of gel resulted in thriving plants.
Another user, Optimal_Cheetah3755, reported successful growth of a moth orchid plant by using 1-2 teaspoons of gel per plant, though they did not specify the amount of water used for dilution.
ISK_Reynolds observed better growth in a tree treated with a diluted mixture of three Enviro Ice packs in two gallons of water compared to a tree that did not receive the treatment.
Burning of plants or soil was reported by some users who failed to dilute Enviro Ice adequately.
A unique experiment by AJ_Effendi involved growing water plants solely in the gel, which yielded mixed results with some cuttings surviving well while others perished.
Considering the reported benefits of Enviro Ice in promoting plant growth, especially ornamental plants, it may be worth trying with caution. However, due to limited information on its ingredients, particularly for edible plants, some users may choose to refrain from using it in their gardens. The manufacturer provides clear dilution instructions for those interested in experimenting with Enviro Ice. If you have used Enviro Ice, feel free to share your experience in the comments section.
