What's your question? Ask

Top Questions About Fertilizer

Click on links below to jump to that question.

Questions About Fertilizer

  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    November 28, 2017
    A.

    The NPK numbers refer to what percent of each measure of fertilizer is Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. The percents do not add up to 100% because fertilizers are mostly inactive ingredients to carry the NPK plus trace elements. It is mathematically impossible for NPK to add up to 300%. Perhaps your friend is confusing 10-10-10 or is thinking that his fertilizer provides 100% of what his plants need. There is no RDA, recommended daily allowance, for plants but he is thinking along similar lines, perhaps.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!
  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    December 5, 2017
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This would be best applied in spring, as when the plants go dormant, they are not taking up nutrients as well as they would during the active growing season. It is very important to note that you should test your soil prior to application to ensure that the pH is below 7, as bone meal will not work at higher soil pH. You can lower this, most effectively with iron sulfate.

    Here is an article that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/bone-meal-fertilizer.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    December 10, 2017
    Certified Expert
    A.

    I would do this very sparingly, as sodium can be toxic to plants if used too often. Most of the time, neem oil is a better choice as this can solve many issues that sodium bicarbonate can be used for.

    Here are two articles that will help:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/baking-soda-on-plants.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    December 15, 2017
    A.

    Homemade fish emulsion can keep for about a year after it's fully fermented. Commercial products might have different shelf lives, which will probably be listed on the package.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    December 28, 2017
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can, likely, source bone meal and kelp meal. Kelp meal will give you an organic source of potassium, while Bone meal will give you an organic source of phosphorus. These two should be used together, as they will both contribute to the flowering season. It would be best to supply these together.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    January 12, 2018
    A.

    Coffee grounds, contrary to popular believe, do not acidify plants or provide any special nutrients. It is best to add coffee grounds to your compost and use them this way. If you are trying to acidify your soil, there are products on the market that will give you better, and more consistent results. If you have leftover brewed coffee, you can water your plants with it (houseplants too) and this will add a touch of acidity. I would start with a soil test so you know what your soil pH is and if there are any nutritional deficiencies. A top-dressing of 2-3 inches of compost is often all that is needed for perennials and shrubs, roses being an exception. Look up [your state] Extension Service for soil test information.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    January 15, 2018
    Certified Expert
    A.

    To some degree, yes. I would dilute it down just a little before doing this. Tea is a good source of nitrogen, which is good for leaf growth, but it does seem to lack some nutrition for bloom growth.

    Was this answer useful?
    00
1 34 35 36 37 38 54

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK