Square Pots....

Discussion in 'Gardening Discussions' started by Marley Farley, Jan 29, 2007.

  1. elainefiz

    elainefiz Gardener

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    Thanks Marley,i think i`ll have to read the book again.I think ive got the P and the K mixed up.One of these days it`ll sink in. [​IMG] :D
     
  2. UsedtobeDendy

    UsedtobeDendy Gardener

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    Know what you mean, Elaine - N:P:K - all makes perfect sense when I read it - but can I remember? Nope! Always have to look it up! I had it written on the back of my hand for a while - no use! Got a mental block on the subject!
     
  3. elainefiz

    elainefiz Gardener

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  4. PeterS

    PeterS Total Gardener

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    elainefiz - you have got it quite right - the generally quoted benefits are N for foliage, P for roots, and K for flowers and fruit. I can remember that nitrogen helps foliage, I just have to remember that the flowers come last (you can't have flowers till you have leaves and roots). http://www.plantadvice.co.uk/help/show_question.php?id=9

    If you can't remember when you are in the garden centre just look at a bottle of tomato feed. - its highest in K, the last one, that helps the fruit and flowers.

    Having said that, when Googling I found one site that said it a bit differant http://www.living-learning.com/faq/npk.htm . So I am now confused myself. :D
     
  5. UsedtobeDendy

    UsedtobeDendy Gardener

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    Thanks, Peter - that helps a lot..... maybe.... :rolleyes:
     
  6. elainefiz

    elainefiz Gardener

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    Wonders never cease!I actually remembered.Thankyou Peter. [​IMG]
     
  7. elainefiz

    elainefiz Gardener

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    Oh, and if that site confuses you then i don`t think i should read it. :D
     
  8. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Elaine, Peter you are right about the NPK.. You need a high nitrogen one for growth & roots, then when flowers appear I switch to a lower nitrogen one so that the plants produce better blooms or crops... I adjust mine to what the plant is as some plants needs vary from others... If I am un-sure I consult my books or google.... This RHS page explains it quite well too....
    http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0306/fertiliserlabel.asp
    I just stay away from the chemical base ones & stck to organics..... [​IMG]
     
  9. PeterS

    PeterS Total Gardener

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    I switch as well Marley, when the flowers appear. But rather than buy a another expensive feed with a differant composition, I use my original feed at a lower concentration and just add Sulphate of Potash. http://www.gardenhealth.com/product_range/straights/potash.php This link shows that it contains on the NPK scale - 0:0:48. ie it's pure K (potassium). As it's just a simple chemical, its very cheap - much cheaper than than any other feed. And because its so strong you need very little.
     
  10. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Hmmm, I see where you are coming from Peter, that is a very good idea. Maybe I will try that with a couple of plants & see what difference I get. I am quite happy with the feed I have & I don't find it is very exspensive really. I buy a large container of each kind every year so it keeps it on a nice steady roll if you now what I mean, doesn't get stale, as it is a liquid, it is always finished just about at the end of each season, with just enough to get me through the winter for houseplants etc... ;) [​IMG]
     
  11. UsedtobeDendy

    UsedtobeDendy Gardener

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  12. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Wow, what an excellent site dendy... I have had a good look through, but they don't do the fertilizer I use.. I would think that their "B'Cuzz range is probably nearest to what I am using... Lots of info on there, thanks..... Have book marked it though for ref' if nothing else... :D :D
     
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