Q: I have read repeatedly your advice to use a fertilizer that contains “nitrate nitrogen”. I have read and read labels, but cannot find such a product. Could you please send me a brand name or names?

A: Products containing a nitrate form of nitrogen are a bit better for cold weather plants like pansies, ornamental kale and ornamental chard. Nitrate nitrogen is absorbed quickly by roots.

Other forms of nitrogen have to be broken down by soil bacteria first…and there aren’t many of these critters working when soil temperatures are below 40 degrees.

Pansy Booster ™ is easy to find at garden centers but some of the long-lasting, pelletized fertilizers have nitrate nitrogen in them too.