Question
Hello,

I have many potted plants that seem to have a lot of yellow or green "beads" in the soil. My friend who knows more about gardening than I do says they're eggs and that I should repot all of the plants. I'm doubtful as to whether or not they're beads or eggs because they haven't been hatching or anything, yet when we crush them, this liquid (may be water) oozes out of them. I would like to know if these are beads or eggs and if they're harmful to my plants.

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Brian, Don't panic, it's fertilizer.  Growers use a timed release fertilizer that looks like little round eggs.  Bacteria and water break down the coating and release micro doses of fertilizer to your plants. Some last 3-4 months, some up to 2 years.  Jim