Grower Today

Category: Soil Amendments & Fertilizers

  • Bone Meal for Tomatoes: Best Uses & How Much?

    Bone Meal for Tomatoes: Best Uses & How Much?

    How much bone meal per tomato plant? This article will help you determine how much bone meal you should give per tomato plant and how to effectively use bone meal for tomatoes. 

    Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require a lot of nutrients. Bone meal is one of the easiest ways to give an extra boost to your tomato’s health and growth. Let’s take a closer look at using bone meal for tomatoes.

    Bone Meal Nutrition Facts

    Bone meal made from animal bones is rich in phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen. It can be used as fertilizer for tomato plants. Both fresh and dried bone meals are available on the market; however, make sure that you buy organic bone meals without any chemical fertilizers or fillers added.

    Fresh bone meal contains a high amount of water (moisture) which can cause problems if not removed before storage. The dried form provides more nutrient content than the fresh form because it has fewer moisture contents; thus, making it easy to store for a long time without spoiling.

    One tablespoon of bone meal provides seven grams of phosphorus and nine grams of calcium, which equals 13% of the recommended daily value (RDA) for phosphorus and 18% RDA for calcium.

    Bone meal supplies important nutrients that help encourage health in plants because it contains both phosphorus and calcium. The ratio between these two minerals can affect how each nutrient contributes to your plants’ overall health. Using too much phosphorus can cause growth problems, especially for seedlings. Excessive phosphorus can stunt a plant’s root growth and interfere with how well a plant absorbs other nutrients.

    Bone meal is an organic fertilizer that contains a high amount of calcium, an essential nutrient for promoting strong cell wall development in new blossoms and fruits. Calcium also helps fruit to mature properly after harvest.

    You should use bone meal as soon as possible after opening the package because the moisture from the soil or environment may cause it to become moldy or change color over time.

    Is Bone Meal Good for Tomatoes?

    Bone meal is good for tomato plants. It contains a high amount of calcium that helps in fruit formation. It contains nitrogen and phosphorus which are required by plants to produce chlorophyll while the growing stage and calcium during the fruiting stage.

    Please note: you can add bone meal directly to the soil without any preparation or cooking process. However, if you want it cooked before adding it to the soil, you can add it to the compost because raw bone meal contains a high amount of ammonia that can burn roots once mixed with soil.

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    How Much Bone Meal Per Tomato Plant?
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    How Much Bone Meal for Tomatoes? 

    Now that we know the benefits of this organic fertilizer to tomatoes, how much bone meal per tomato plant?

    Use 3 pounds of fresh or 1 pound of dried bone meals for 100 square feet of garden space. For example, how much bone meal per 10 tomato plants? You will need 1/2 pound of bone meal per tomato plant.

    Can You Add Too Much Bone Meal?

    It is possible to add too much bone meal and hurt your crops. Do not add too much bone meal to the soil because it will cause phytotoxicity in tomato plants. Excess amounts of nitrogen contained in it can damage leaves and slow down fruit formation or growth.

    You should avoid adding more than 0.25% nitrogen level to the soil because even if it contains plenty of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, sulfur, and other nutrients, an excess amount of nitrogen will burn the roots after absorption by the soil.

    Bone Meal for Tomatoes Benefits 

    Ways to use bone meal for tomato plants:

    • To boost the health of tomato plants, you can give it every week during the first couple of months of growth. You can also use it as transplanting fertilizer or seedling fertilizers at half the rate of how much you would give to mature plants later on. Bone meal works well for this purpose because it is rich in phosphorus which helps with root formation and healthier stem structure.
    Bone Meal Tomatoes Benefits
    • Bone meal gives a calcium source that is beneficial for both humans and soil microbes. Calcium accelerates the decomposition speed of dead materials, thus increasing nutrient availability to growing tomatoes faster than compost alone. Organic matter content also improves due to the presence of calcium in bone meal.

    Can You Add Bone Meal After Planting?

    Bone meal can be added after planting tomatoes if it is dry. However, do not add bone meal to the soil until you are ready to transplant seedlings into them because tomato plants cannot grow properly when nitrogen levels are too high. Especially for seeds that have just emerged, adding too much bone meal will result in yellow leaves or stunted growth.

    If you want to use bone meal for tomatoes as fertilizer, it is better to mix organic fertilizers with soil before planting tomatoes.

    Bone meal can be used with other organic fertilizers. For example, blood meal, cottonseed meal, and kelp extracts. This combination will provide essential nutrients needed by growing tomatoes. If bone meal is added directly into the garden or container without mixing with other ingredients first, soil microbes may not be able to absorb them properly which can lead to loss of nutrients in time.

    Bone meal works best when mixed with compost piles because they allow microbes to break down the materials slowly over time.

    You should always water your tomato plants after adding any kind of fertilizers into the soil because soluble nitrogen releases quickly into roots which affects how well it absorbs water. Watering your plants first will allow them to take up the nutrients gradually without getting too much nitrogen.

    Can You Add Bone Meal After Planting

    Using Sugar, Epsom Salt, and Bone Meal for Tomatoes

    You may be wondering how else you can use bone meal for your tomatoes. I’ve found that the use of bone meal, along with sugar and Epsom salt works very well. These three are a good trio because the sugar adds sweetness to your tomatoes, the Epsom salts add both sulfur and magnesium and the bone meal adds phosphorus.

    To plant your tomatoes, you’ll need to make a hole larger than you usually would for your tomatoes. Then you’ll need to add a cup of bone meal and a cup of sugar, along with a reasonable amount of mulch. Mix them and place them in your hole, evenly distributing them in the soil.

    Carefully place your tomato plant into the soil; be sure to bury it reasonably deep. Once planted, add around a cup of Epsom salts on top and mix them into the top of your soil using your hands. Finally, water your tomato plants with a good amount of water – and your tomatoes are ready to go.

    Disadvantages of Bone Meal

    We’ve already looked at the benefits of using bone meal for your tomato plants, but you may be wondering if there are any disadvantages. While there aren’t too many negatives, there are a few that you may want to be aware of. Let’s take a closer look.

    You can only use bone meal in soils below 7 on the pH scale. This may not be ideal. However, a good alternative is rock phosphate, which we’ll be taking a look at later in this article.

    If you’re looking for a quick fix, then this probably isn’t the best choice for you, as it’s a fertilizing choice that releases slowly.

    If used too much, overfertilization can occur. If this happens, problems may arise for your tomato plants such as yellowing leaves. It can also lead to deficiencies in other nutrients, like zinc and iron.

    If not used correctly, the smell can attract unwanted wildlife. However, as long as it’s adequately mixed in, this should not be a problem.

    Bone meal is only a good source of phosphorus, so you’ll need to use other fertilizers too, to ensure your tomato plants are receiving all of the nutrients they need.

    Rock Phosphate vs Bone Meal

    Earlier, we mentioned rock phosphate, which is a great alternative to bone meal, if you’d prefer. However, there are quite a few differences between the two. Let’s take an in-depth look at the two.

    They’re similar in that they both contain phosphorus. However, that is where the similarities start and end. The differences between the two are that for the short supply of phosphorus, bone meal is best, whereas, for a long-term supply, phosphorus is best, as it’s slower.

    Another main difference between the two is the price. Bone meal starts at around $13 per lb, whereas rock phosphate starts at around $30 per lb. So if you’re looking for a more affordable option, it’s best to use bone meal.

    Rock phosphate works best on flowers and other leafy plants, whereas bone meal works best on rooted plants, such as carrots and onions. However, you can choose to use both together, if you’d prefer – and reap the benefits of both.

    Rock Phosphate vs meal bone

    Final Thoughts: Bone Meal for Tomatoes

    Bone meal for tomatoes is beneficial in most cases. Adding too much nitrogen to the soil will hurt plants, although you can add it if your plants are mature enough. You should only use bone meal after preparing the soil with compost or manure and not mix it directly into planting holes.

    It s evident that bone meal provides your tomatoes with plenty of benefits like boosting up the nutrient content of the soil, by adding calcium source which creates healthier stem structure and roots.

    FAQs

    How should you mix bone meals for best results?

    You should not mix it directly with planting holes because adding too much phosphorus can affect how healthy tomatoes grow even if they are combined with other organic fertilizers. Therefore, it is better to prepare compost piles or manure before mixing into the soil or using as transplant fertilizer after seeds have germinated and grown some roots.  

    When should I start fertilizing my tomato plants?

    Bone meal should be added to the soil when the first set of tomatoes starts growing. Wait until your plant is about 6 – 8 inches tall before adding bone meal fertilizer. If you add it too early, it will affect how healthy or how tall they grow. 

  • Best Substrate for Oyster Mushrooms: Ultimate Guide

    Best Substrate for Oyster Mushrooms: Ultimate Guide

    The oyster mushroom is a popular edible mushroom that is loved by many. Different substrates can be used for growing this oyster mushroom. But do you know which is the best substrate for oyster mushrooms? Let’s find out.

    Oyster mushrooms are a group of gilled mushrooms, and this means they are classified as fungi. However, they are the type of fungi that is totally different from plants. Oyster mushrooms can be enjoyed in your various dishes. They are also known for their great health benefits.

    So, this article covers what you need to know about growing an oyster mushroom, choosing the best substrate for oyster mushrooms, and so on. So, continue reading for some knowledge on this.

    About Oyster Mushroom

    The popular edible oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a member of the Pleurotus genus. The oyster mushroom is a close relative to the king oyster mushroom, and the oyster mushroom is one of the most cultivated mushrooms around the world.

    These mushrooms were first cultivated by the Germans during World War II. Then this mushroom is now been grown commercially around the world for food.

    The shape of the oyster mushroom tends to be a funneled-shaped cap. It has a white to light brown, to a darker brown color. The flesh is white, then the gills appear whitish-yellow and run up a short off-center stem. The gills of oyster mushrooms tend to be recurrent, and the stalks are short and stout.

    You can find oyster mushrooms in the forest in both temperate and tropical climates. These mushrooms are saprotrophic and are mostly found as fungi on hardwood trees. They can as well be found in unhealthy dying or dying trees or on decaying conifer woods.

    Surprisingly, oyster mushrooms are carnivores that kill and digest nematodes just to obtain nitrogen from them.

    Oyster mushrooms are edible and can be enjoyed in various dishes such as pasta and stir-fries. These mushrooms can be eaten raw or you can cook them. They also offer impressive health benefits.

    What is the Best Substrate for Oyster Mushrooms?

    Generally, when it comes to choosing the best substrate for mushrooms, straw is the most used for growing mushrooms. However, there are other varieties of substrate that you can go for. It all depends on what you have available.

    Other substrates such as wheat straws, sawdust pellets, coffee grounds, cardboard, coco coir, as well as other agricultural waste by-products all make an ideal growing medium for oyster mushrooms. Just go for the substrate that is easier to access.

    Wood pellets are also a great substrate to be used for your oyster mushroom. This is because they come sterilized. You just need to add water to get a good growing substrate for your mushrooms.

    growing oyster mushrooms

    How Do You Make Oyster Mushroom Substrate?

    A substrate is a medium for growing things. A substrate is used to grow mycelium that provides the root of the mushroom. Now, this is essential for the successful cultivation of mushrooms.

    Preparing your substrate refers to the process of inoculation. Now inoculation is the point where you add the mushroom spawns to your growing medium.

    So, when it comes to making or preparing your substrate for oyster mushrooms, you need to be very careful not to contaminate the substrate. Contamination can encourage mold to begin to grow on the substrate and mushrooms, which is what we don’t want.

    Therefore, ensure you wash your hands properly and use a clean kitchen gloves. Then use mild bleach to wipe down all surfaces to eliminate any microorganisms or germs.

    Once you’ve successfully prepared the growing substrate, you can then proceed to the next stage. You can learn further about how you can grow this mushroom below.

    How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms

    Growing oyster mushrooms can be an easy thing if you get the right knowledge about them. Although oyster mushrooms are usually seen growing abundantly in the wild, you can grow oyster mushrooms in your home.

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    Here is a quick guide on how you can grow oyster mushrooms at home:

    Supplies needed

    To grow oyster mushrooms, you need to prepare your growing site and procure your growing materials. Here are the important supplies you will need:

    • Growing substrate (e.g. sawdust, straw, coffee grounds, and so on)
    • You will need oyster mushroom spawn
    • Then you will need growing bags or containers (note that oyster mushrooms can be grown in buckets or even Ziploc bags)

    However, you can obtain ready-made growing kits for your oyster mushrooms from some retailers.

    The process of growing oysters can be broken down into 3 phases:

    Oyster mushroom growth stages

    1. Inoculation

    The substrate material of your choice is mixed with the oyster mushroom spawn. The growing medium, which is the substrate, should be placed in the bag or container. Make sure there are holes or air filters in the bag for air exchange.

    1. Incubation

    Next, place the bags in a warm dark room. This is to incubate and begin the first phase of growth.

    For the spawn to grow a full web of root-like threads of mycelium and colonize the growing medium; it only needs about 10 to 14 days to achieve this.

    1. Fruiting

    The mushroom will begin fruiting once the growing substrate has been totally colonized by the spawn. Then the bags or containers will need to be exposed to autumn-like conditions with fresh oxygen, low light levels, high humidity, and cooler temperatures.

    Doing this will signal the mycelium to begin to produce mushrooms. The small pins will start to sprout. So, you will start to notice oyster mushroom pins coming out from the holes of the bag.

    The last surviving response of the mycelium results in fruiting. In the wild, this fruiting is a result of the response to stress from the mycelium that happens due to changes in the environment.

    Hence, imitation of this stress in the form of starvation will give rise to the survival response in your bag or container.

    In just about 5 to 7 days, the tiny pins sprouting will grow and develop into a full-size mushroom.

    Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Using Sawdust

    If you’re wondering how to cultivate oyster mushrooms using sawdust, then look no further. For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

    • 5 cups of sawdust (ensure you use hardwood pellets)
    • 1.4 liters of water
    • 1 cup of wheat bran

    Now all you need to do is:

    1. Once you’ve measured your ingredients, place your pellets and water into a container, and mix well. At this point, it should look more like the sawdust you’re familiar with. You can use either warm or cool water for this.
    2. Once your pellets are sawdust and loose, add your cup of wheat bran. Distribute evenly in the sawdust and mix well.
    3. Now add the sawdust mixture to grow bags. For every grow bag, you’ll need around 4 lbs and 4oz of the mixture.
    4. Once you’ve added the mixture to your grow bag, you’ll need to add a filter to help fight against contamination. Add the filter and then fold the top of the bag over a few times.
    5. Place the grow bag(s) into a pressure sterilizer. They can be placed on top of one another. Ensure the bags aren’t in direct contact with the base of the sterilizer. Add the water and place something heavy on top to secure the bags. Then leave for around two and a half hours.
    6. Leave to cool for around 8 hours, or overnight. Add grain spawn to your bags and tie them with a zip tie. Shake the bag well.
    7. Leave for around 10-21 days before you notice any results. However, check frequently to see if any problems or contamination are occurring. Once colonization has happened, your mushrooms are set to fruit! Simply cut off the top of your bag and get ready to grow!

    Best Wood for Oyster Mushrooms

    If you’re wondering what the best wood is for oyster mushrooms, then look no further. You can use either softwood or hardwood. However, I prefer to use softwood. Common favorites for mushrooms are soft maple, aspen, or birch sweet gum.

    How to Sterilize Mushroom Substrate

    You can sterilize the mushroom substrate with or without a pressure cooker. We’ll be taking a look at how to do both. Sterilization is important for some mushroom substrates as it’s the best way to avoid contamination. It’s important to note that simply boiling the substrate probably isn’t enough. Temperatures must be above 120C to remove all pollutants.

    Using a pressure cooker, all you need to do is add the substrates to the cooker and cover them with water. Add the lid and allow the temperature to reach 120C to sterilize your substrate.

    If you can not use a pressure cooker for this, you can try fractional sterilization. This is boiling jars until they reach 120C. You can use either an oven or an autoclave for this. However, this may cause your substrate to dry out and render it unusable, so you have to be extremely careful when using this method.

    best wood for oyster mushrooms

    Conclusion: Best Substrate for Oyster Mushrooms 

    When it comes to selecting the best substrate for oyster mushrooms, it really comes down to which substrate you can easily obtain. Most types of substrates will work just fine. Therefore, you can simply go for what you have available.

    Do you have any other ideas for the best substrate for oyster mushrooms? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

  • Cal-Mag Deficiency in Flowers: How to Supplement

    Cal-Mag Deficiency in Flowers: How to Supplement

    If you start to notice cal-mag deficiency in flowers, you’ll need to act fast to save your plant’s bloom. During flowering, plants need more magnesium and calcium because of bud production. This is a key productive stage in a plant’s life that requires lots of nutrients to sustain the bloom stage. Calcium and Magnesium are two of the most important secondary nutrients. They are a little less important than the primary nutrients – N, P, K).

    The Impact of Cal-Mag on Plants

    These two minerals, though secondary, are vital to the biological processes in a plant. Let’s see what each mineral does.

    Calcium Benefits to Plants Magnesium Benefits to Plants
    Gives the cell wall more rigidity Assists in enzyme production
    Allows plants to have a strong structure and shape Helps plants make chlorophyll
    Makes cell walls healthy Helps plants grow into  full maturity
    Helps the healthy cell wall to regulate the proper transfer of other nutrients Assists in the absorption and transport of essential nutrients like phosphorous and iron.
    It is vital for cell division and formation in plants  
    Activates specific enzymes in plants  
    Helps transport the organic molecules in plants  
    Highly essential for the development of healthy fruit structure  

    Signs of Cal-Mag Deficiency in Flowers

    It is not easy to detect cal mag deficiency in the early stages of a plant. Thus, it is important to act as soon as you detect the first sign. First signs appear in the lower leaves of the plant. The tips of the leaves curl upwards and turn brown. The brown spots increase in size and number starting from the lower to the top part of the plant. The youngest leaves on the top part of the plant also get brown spots with discoloration of veins.

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    Read about What is Azomite and How to use it in Gardening

    How to Supplement Cal Mag Deficiency in Flowers

    Water is one of the essential requirements for all plants. Did you know water is one of the supplements for these secondary nutrients – calcium, and magnesium? Natural water contains abundant calcium and magnesium as dissolved minerals. Plants should be able to get these two nutrients in plenty from the soil/water itself. Tap water also contains these two secondary minerals. You don’t have to worry about using natural water only. Soft water has a low pH with minimal minerals in it.

    If you live in an area with low pH, you will have to look for cal-mag supplements for your plants. Hard water contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium. Using this water means you don’t need to add any Calcium or Magnesium supplements. Treated water requires Cal and Mag supplements addition. Because the distillation process removes the good minerals from the water.

    How Much Calcium and Magnesium Should You Use?

    You can make a homemade cal-mag supplement using Epsom salts (Magnesium sulfate) and Calcium nitrate. Mix 2 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium. You will need 6g Calcium Nitrate and 4.5g Epsom salts per gallon of water. In specific situations, you might need to adjust the nutrient levels to fit your type of deficiency. If you buy a pre-mixed cal-mag supplement, you will get the right recommended mixture. Stick to those levels for the best results. Remember, excess use of these supplements can be bad for your plants!

    When to Stop Cal-Mag in Flowering?

    While adding cal-mag to your plants is important, it’s also just as important not to add too much cal-mag. Cal mag usually comes pre-mixed in either a supplement or liquid. When purchasing it like this, it will usually come with instructions on how to apply and how much you should be using. Even if you feel as though your plants are struggling, do not use more than the specified amount and look for potential other issues instead.

    The best time to start using cal-mag is when your plants are small. It should be done gradually, in stages, building up the amount as your plant grows. Usually, it’s best to stop as the plant starts to flower, but you don’t have to do this. When it begins to flower after 4-6 weeks, you can simply lower the dosage you’re giving your plants. However, we would recommend sticking to the instructions provided on your supplements.

    Can I Use Magnesium Tablets for Plants?

    Unfortunately, it’s not recommended to use magnesium tables for plants. When it comes to adding magnesium, it’s best to use a supplement that has been designed specifically for gardening. This will ensure your plants receive the correct amount required to thrive.

    Can You Use CalMag Foliar Spray During Flowering?

    While CalMag foliar spray is great at many points throughout the cycle of your plant growth, it is not recommended when flowering. Unfortunately, if you use too much when flowering, this can lead to too much moisture in your plants. This can then lead to mold and rot.

    Will Cal Mag Tighten Buds?

    No. If growing tight flowers, if you use too much cal mag, it can lead to too much moisture and eventually cause mold. If you’re looking to tighten your buds, it’s best to use a bud hardener. Bud hardener is simply a product to add to your flowers when they’re almost finished growing to tighten them. It’s typically used nearer the end of the growth cycle to help them put on weight.

    How Do I Know If My Plants Are Lacking Cal-Mag?

    You may be wondering how best to tell if your plants are lacking in cal mag. If so, you may want to check for one of the following signs.

    • color change. If you become aware that your plants are turning yellow or brown at the tips, this likely means that your plant isn’t receiving enough calcium. However, it’s best to do a soil test to confirm this before you take action.
    • slow growth. If you’ve noticed that your plant is growing slower than it should, it may be because it doesn’t have enough calcium or magnesium.
    • floppy stems. Your stems may become limp and lifeless if your plant is deficient in magnesium or calcium.
    • curly leaves. If you notice that your leaves are curling inwards, it’s likely because they’re not receiving enough calcium.
    • rotting. If you notice that your flowers are rotting or becoming smelly, it likely means that your plant is experiencing a lack of calcium.

    cal-mag deficiency in flower

    Conclusion: Cal Mag Deficiency in Flowers 

    In most cases, these two supplements can be easily available in water and soil. But in exceptional cases, supplements are required. Cal mag supplements are available to buy. But you need to pay attention to the labels. Get something that consists of cal and mag only. Be sure to get a supplement that does not contain other nutrients. Supplements that contain nitrogen and other nutrients bring a risk of over-feeding. This is dangerous to your plants!

    Do you have any tips or tricks for helping cal mag deficiency in flowers? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    How do you fix Cal-Mag deficiency in flowers?

    Calcium is important for the development of new flower buds. Magnesium is also needed to make a healthy flower. If you don’t correct it, you will get sickly flowers.

    Calcium is one of the most important minerals for plant growth. Calcium helps the plant to grow and bloom. Calcium deficiency will affect the formation of cell walls and cause the flowers to be weak and deformed and cause the plant to grow slowly and may even die. The easiest way to correct Calcium deficiency is to use a Calcium rich fertilizer. You can find Calcium enriched fertilizers at any local nursery or garden center.

    Magnesium is an important element for the development of new flower buds. Magnesium deficiency will cause the blooms to have a pale, sickly appearance. Magnesium deficiency will also cause the plant to grow slowly and may even die. The easiest way to correct Magnesium deficiency is to use a Magnesium enriched fertilizer. This will help the plant to get the Magnesium it needs. You can find Magnesium enriched fertilizers at any local nursery or garden center.

    How do you add Cal-Mag to plants?

    Cal-Mag is a liquid that will raise the pH of your soil. To apply Cal-Mag to your plants, mist them thoroughly with water. Apply 1/4 teaspoon of Cal-Mag per gallon of water. Mist again after 24 hours.
    Repeat this process once a week for a month. Cal-Mag is a combination of calcium and magnesium. It can be used on any type of plant except some species of mint. Cal-Mag is particularly useful in preventing stress and disease and in improving the health of plants. The amount of Cal-Mag used should not be more than 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water. If you use too much, it will cause burns or discoloration.

    Can I mix Cal-Mag with nutrients?

    You can add nutrients (Vitamin D, Iron, etc.) to a pre-made calcium-magnesium supplement.

    Can you use too much Cal-Mag?

    Yes, it’s possible to over apply. I don’t know the exact amount that’s bad but it’s definitely possible. It won’t hurt plants as long as they’re not in a nutrient-poor soil or a high pH soil. The more Cal-Mag you use the more of the other nutrients will be left in the soil. If you use Cal-Mag and then fertilizer, it’s recommended to add fertilizer at least 24 hours after applying Cal-Mag.

    What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency in plants?

    Calcium is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. It is involved in a number of physiological processes including cell division, wall construction, seed germination and fruit ripening. Plants can also acquire calcium from the soil, but most of it is absorbed by the root system. Calcium is stored in the leaves and stems as chlorophyll helps to bind calcium to photosynthetic pigments.

    The symptoms of calcium deficiency vary depending on the species of plant. Some plants will show no visible symptoms of calcium deficiency while others may display stunted growth and reduced biomass. In some plants, the leaves may appear yellow or have a bronze coloration. This is due to the loss of chlorophyll which binds calcium to photosynthetic pigments. The roots may also appear yellow. In other plants, the leaves may appear withered, curling at the edges. In some cases, calcium deficiency may cause the plant to produce abnormal growths, such as leaf or flower buds, or the formation of leafy shoots.

  • Best Fertilizer for Green Beans: Updated for 2023

    Best Fertilizer for Green Beans: Updated for 2023

    Using the best fertilizer for green beans when growing the plant will no doubt greatly improve the yield.

    The importance of fertilizers in the place of plant growth cannot be emphasized enough. These supplemental nutrients help plant yield. This is why we would be looking into some fertilizers needed by your green bean to thrive.

    Green beans are one loved vegetable amongst other plants. They are very nutritious and easy to grow if you gain the right knowledge about them.

    In this post, we will be looking at some of the best fertilizers for green beans. So, continue reading to gain some knowledge about this.

    Brief About Green Beans Vegetable

    Before we delve into fertilizers for green beans, let’s discuss some things that you should know about green beans and the nutrient requirement of green beans.

    Green beans which are also known as string beans or snap beans are green vegetables with huge nutritional benefits. There are over 130 varieties of green beans in the world presently.

    Green beans are of two varieties namely bush bean and pole bean. This variety majorly distinguishes them based on their growing styles.

    Brief About Green Beans Vegetable

    Bush beans are inclined to grow compactly and usually don’t require support. They are therefore perfect to be grown in raised beds as well as in a garden with little space. Their growth height is usually around 12 to 24 inches tall.

    Pole beans on the other hand are inclined to grow in a vining manner and will usually require support such as a trellis or cage. The growing height of pole beans can be as tall as 6 feet or more.

    Green beans are also loaded with great nutrients. It has a high amount of Chlorophyll, which can greatly help reduce the chances of having cancer. For women of childbearing age, green beans are a great method of improving fertility.

    Apart from the above, green beans have some other wonderful health benefits such as reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mortality generally. Green beans contain calories, fat, carbohydrate, sugar, protein, calcium, iron, etc.

    Fertilizer for Beans

    Generally, bean plants are not so demanding when it comes to fertilization requirements. This is because they are legumes and they basically fix nutrients such as nitrogen. Therefore, they are capable of supplying some of their nitrogen usually. So, all you need may just be a 3 to 4 inches layer of work in compost.

    However, if you have less fertile soil or they lack just one crucial nutrient, your green bean plant may not flourish well.

    Do a soil test to determine the status so you can know if there are any deficiencies in essential nutrients.

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    Homemade fertilizer for green beans

    Homemade fertilization of green beans can be derived using organic materials such as fish emulsion, compost tea, as well as other organic fertilizers.

    Bean Fertilizer

    Here are some major fertilizers that tend to increase the growth rate of beans:

    Phosphorous – Best fertilizer for green beans

    Phosphorus is one essential nutrient bean plants need to majorly develop a good root system. But as we have mentioned earlier, beans are not heavily nutrient-requiring. Therefore, you can simply use a 3 inches layer of compost to enhance the growth of your green bean plant.

    But in the case where your garden soil test result shows that phosphorous is insufficient or lacking, you can use a 5-10-10 fertilizer. You can optionally make use of 1 pound of bone meal per 100 square feet to achieve moderate nutrient feeding.

    Potassium

    Potassium is another nutrient that can help green beans to grow efficiently. It is like a supporting nutrient in the growth of beans.

    Although potassium doesn’t really offer a major effect on the stem or growth like nitrogen and phosphorus would, potassium will still help in keeping beans healthy. This will therefore encourage or support the growth of the green beans.

    Potassium - Green Beans Vegetable

    A moderate supply or feeding of compost is fine to supply the needed potassium for green beans.

    However, if the soil tests in your garden show very low or infertile potassium, you should make use of 5-10-10 fertilizers. Alternatively, you can make use of 10 pounds of ground granite or 10 pounds of greensand per square foot.

    Is nitrogen needed in beans?

    The very first fertilizers any gardener would think of when it comes to the growth of the plant is nitrogen fertilizers. However, when it comes to legumes such as beans, these plants are nitrogen fixers.

    Hence, they are capable of fixing nitrogen into the soil and this nitrogen is gotten from the air.

    Therefore, avoid supplying your green beans with fertilizer rich in nitrogen because this can hurt your plant. Excess nitrogen can result in excess stem and leaf growth and offer you little or small beans.

    Growing Green Beans

    Green beans are very easy to grow. They are warm-loving crops that should be planted when the danger of frost has elapsed in your zone.

    The ideal growing temperatures for green beans range from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. For that successful seed germination, the temperature of your soil should be around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

    So, once you’ve planted your green beans, monitor your beans to notice any signs of nutrient deficiencies.

    One sign of low nitrogen level is expressed by slow growth and pale green or yellow leaves. You can help the plant by spraying a balanced liquid spray on the green bean plant. This will supply direct nutrients to the plants rather than the soil first.

    Best Branded Fertilizers for Green Beans

    There are many branded fertilizers you can use for your green beans, but I’ve found that some are far better than others. Let’s take a closer look at some of our personal favorites.

    • Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. This is usually the most popular fertilizer to use on your green beans. It’s an all-around favorite and Miracle-Gro is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to gardening. You can use this fertilizer every few weeks on your green beans and you’ll quickly see the effect. This fertilizer is 24-8-16.
    • Old Farmer’s Almanac Fertilizer. This fertilizer is completely organic and made just for veggies, such as green beans. It helps both growth and root structure. This fertilizer is 8-4-8.
    • Osmocote Vegetable Plant Food. Easy to use and can be used for both perennials and veggies, such as green beans. It helps both root structure and plant growth. This fertilizer is 15-9-12.
    • Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n’ Feed. As mentioned, you can’t go wrong with Miracle-Gro, as it’s such a well-trusted and loved brand. It contains a range of micronutrients, as well as calcium. This fertilizer is 8-2-12.
    • Jobe’s Organic Vegetable Fertilizer. This product is absolutely ideal for green beans. It has a range of benefits besides producing tasty green beans, such as helping the soil and warding away any unwanted pests and diseases. As well as this, it’s also organic. This fertilizer is 2-7-4.
    • Dr. Earth Organic Fertilizer. Another great choice for any green bean enthusiast. It’s non-GMO, bursting with goodness and microbes, and even pro-biotics. This fertilizer is 4-6-3.

    Best Fertilizer Without Nitrogen

    Low nitrogen or nitrogen-free options are important when working with green beans. Some of the best options to use are:

    • bone meal
    • wood chips
    • potash
    • wood ash
    • cow manure
    • kelp meal
    • seaweed fertilizer

    Best Liquid Fertilizer for Beans

    The best liquid fertilizer for green beans is without a doubt Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. It’s a 24-8-16 fertilizer and is a multi-use fertilizer that can be used for any of your gardening needs. Just simply use your liquid fertilizer every few weeks to start seeing top results.

    pH for Green Beans

    The soil pH when growing green beans is very important. It should be kept anywhere from 6-6.5. This means that the soil should just be a little acidic. If this need isn’t met, it’s unlikely that your green beans will thrive and will likely have stunted growth.

    If you test your soil and notice your soil is too acidic, you’ll need to add something alkaline, such as powdered lime to neutralize the soil. The more acidic your soil is, the more powdered lime you’ll have to add to reach the correct pH of 6-6.5.

    If you test your soil and notice your soil is too alkaline, you’ll need to add something acidic, such as sulfur. The more alkaline your soil is, the more sulfur you’ll have to add to reach the correct pH of 6-6.5.

    fertilizer without nitrogen

    Conclusion on Best Fertilizer for Green Beans

    The basis of what you need to know about the best fertilizer for growing green beans has been covered in this guide. To attain the best possible result, ensure you first test your soil to determine any nutrient deficiency. Then supply your green beans plant with the appropriate fertilizer.

    So, anytime you need to grow green beans, consider any of the above fertilizers mentioned to help boost your plant yield. Be careful when applying to make sure you are applying the proper way.

    Do you have any tips or tricks for choosing the best fertilizer for green beans? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    Read more about Discover Types Of String Beans You Can Grow

    FAQs

    What is a good fertilizer for green beans?

    I’ve grown green beans successfully in the past using the following mix: 20-30% Nitrogen (N) 40-50% Phosphorus (P) 10-15% Potassium (K) The only thing I can think of that would help is to add some sulfur. If you have any, use it, as sulfur is an essential nutrient for plants. The best time to plant green beans is from mid-May to early June. You can start seeds indoors or buy plants ready to be transplanted.

    How often do you fertilize green beans?

    You should fertilize your green beans when they are 4 to 6 inches tall, because that’s when they start to produce seeds. Use a fertilizer that has a low phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio. This will allow your plants to focus on making seeds instead of growing roots. You should also try to keep the phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio around 1:3 or 1:5. If you live in an area where your soil is acidic, then you should fertilize your green beans with a compound called lime. Lime is a form of limestone that has been treated with sulfur.
    In general, fertilize our beans once a week.

    What nutrients do green beans need to grow?

    Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three main nutrients for growth of plants.
    Green beans are easy to grow, and they grow well even in average soil. They prefer full sun, but will tolerate partial shade.
    They can be grown year-round in most climates, but if you live in a cold climate, it is best to start them indoors in late winter or early spring.

    How do I grow green beans?

    Seeding green beans is easy. They like to be planted about one inch deep and three inches apart. They also like to be fertilized at planting time with compost, manure or a general purpose fertilizer. As soon as they have sprouted, thin the plants to two inches apart. Water them frequently, especially during the first few weeks. If you are growing green beans in containers, keep them watered until they are tall enough to handle their own weight. In the fall, you can harvest your beans and store them for winter eating.

    How can I increase the yield of my green beans?

    The yield of your green bean crop is directly related to the amount of sunlight that reaches the plant during its growth period. During the early stages of growth, the plant needs to grow quickly, and therefore must be able to capture as much light as possible. The more light it can capture, the bigger it will get. As a result, your plants will be larger and the yields will be greater.
    Also, the quality of your green bean crop is directly related to the soil conditions in which the plants are growing. The more nutrients that are available to the plant, the better the quality will be.

  • Simple Super Soil Recipe: Updated for 2023

    Simple Super Soil Recipe: Updated for 2023

    Learn what a simple super soil recipe is and grow your plants like a pro with super soil. A simple super soil recipe is the combination of soil in addition to some amendments used to supply optimal nutrients throughout the entire life cycle of a plant.

    There are great benefits of using simple super soil such as long-lasting, nutrient availability, it can be recycled, and so on. We will teach you how to make this amazing simple super soil recipe.

    Know What a Super Soil Recipe Is

    A super soil recipe is a mixture of various soil and amendments that contains adequate nutrients for all the life cycles of a plant. The mixture of super soil requires composting or a cooking process that can last around 1 to 3 months.

    The cooking process breaks down minerals and amends the soil from the beneficial bacteria this process produces. These beneficial bacteria create an ecosystem that will coexist with the root of your plant root system.

    How to Make Simple Super Soil Recipe

    Making simple super soil recipes is pretty easy. Just follow our guidelines and make yourself an amazing super soil.

    Ingredients

    Below are the recipes required for making a simple super soil recipe for a 90-gallon soil:

    • 6 by 8 tarp to hold soil
    • 5-gallon bucket
    • Shovel
    • Grow green filter water
    • 2 bags of base soil, root organic which contains lots of beneficial ingredients
    • Half a cup of dolomite
    • A quarter cup of azomite for trace elements
    • Half a cup of Epsom salt
    • 1 bag of coco coir
    • 5lbs bone meal or fish meal for phosphorous
    • 3 cups of kelp meal for feeding the microbes
    • 15 to 20lbs of organic earthworm castings
    • 2 bags of regular potting soil
    • 1 bag of perlite to help with soil aeration

    Worm Castings Organic Fertilizer, Wiggle Worm Soil Builder, 4.5-Pounds

    Check Price on Amazon

    Steps to making a simple super soil recipe

    Go ahead and set up all your ingredients and let’s begin.

    Step 1

    Get your 5-gallon bucket and pour in the bone or fish meal, azomite, Epsom salt, dolomite, and kelp meal and mix them all up. Set the mixture aside. Now, get your tarp and spread it on the floor and pour out your organic base soil and add the earthworm casting. Add some perlite to help with soil aeration and mix them nicely and evenly.

    Step 2

    Get the mixed ingredients in the 5-gallon bucket and spread them on top of the mixture of earthworm casting and root organic. Add the regular potting soil and coco coir. Next, go ahead and mix with a shovel.

    Step 3

    Grab your hose and sprinkle about 2 gallons of water. Make sure not to saturate the mixture, just wet it. Grab your shovel and mix.

    Cooking process

    Once you’re done mixing, you can transfer the mixture into 3 different 30 gallons buckets and allow it to cook. In this cooking process, the bacteria and fungi start breaking down amendments of the super soil. This process allows the nutrients in the soil to mix readily available for your plants.

    Super Soil - Cooking Process

    Depending on how long you wish to grow your super soil, the cooking process can take around 1 to 3 months.

    If you’re looking at growing just flowers, you can simply cook your soil for about a month. However, if you want to grow an entire seasonal crop, we recommend composting or cooking your super soil recipe for the full 3 months.

    When the process is completed, the final product is available to be used for outdoor or indoor cultivation.

    Benefits of Using Super Soil

    The benefits of using super soil include:

    1. No extra maintenance, all you need do is water your plant weekly.
    2. No stress of continually adding nutrients because super soil already contains all growing nutrients required throughout the life cycle of your plant.
    3. Super soil is great for both indoor and outdoor growing use.
    4. Super soil can be reused and reconditioned every season. Thus it saves you the cost of buying or building new soil from the scratch.
    5. You will enjoy a long-lasting garden effect.
    Know What A Super Soil Recipe Is

    Organic Super Soil Recipe

    If you’re looking to make your own organic super soil, then look no further. It doesn’t require too many ingredients and it’s super easy to make. For this organic super soil, you’ll need the following products:

    • 8 bags of organic potting soil
    • 3lbs rock phosphate
    • 3/4 cup of Epsom salts
    • 25-50lbs of organic worm castings
    • 5lbs of bone meal
    • 5lbs of bat guano
    • 5 lbs blood meal
    • 1/2 cup azomite
    • 1/2 cup dolomite
    • 2 tablespoons of humic acid

    Then all you need to do is add all the ingredients together and leave it for at least a month, for the best results. Once you’re ready to use, be sure to use this soil at the bottom. And watch the magic happen to your plants.

    How to Make Your Own Living Soil

    Making your own living soil doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re unsure what living soil is, it’s simply soil that’s full of life. For example, you’ll usually find earthworms, fungi, arthropods, and many more within the soil and they make the nutrients that will help your plants to thrive. So how do you go about making it? Let’s take a closer look.

    The first thing you need to do is have a solid starting base. The best way to do this is with 1/3 aeration, 1/3 peat, and 1/3 compost. Once you have your base mix, you can begin adding the nutrients that will help your plants to thrive, these are very important.

    You should use around 1/2 per cubic foot of soil of whatever nutrients you’d like to add. I find that either a fish meal or crustacean meal works best, or you can use a mixture of both. As well as this, you may want to add micronutrients too; such as worm castings and kelp meal.

    Taking a look deeper into your living soil, you’ll also need to provide a calcium-rich environment. While it’ll already contain some calcium, I’ve found that it simply isn’t enough. Adding ingredients such as lime and rock phosphate can be really beneficial to your soil.

    For your living soil, that’s all you really need. However, for the most important part, you’ll need to leave your soil to sit for at least a month. It should be kept moist during this time. This gives the soil time to optimize and will allow for best results.

    The best thing about this soil is that you can use it again and again. However, every time you harvest, be sure to add extra compost of worm castings. This is so the soil can be renourished and will be just as effective as it once was.

    It’s also worth mentioning that minerals are important to add to your soil, I typically use equal parts rock dust, basalt, and gypsum for best results.

    There are many recipes you can follow, but this is one of my personal favorites:

    • 1/3 peat
    • 1/3 aeration
    • 1/3 compost

    And then for every cubic feet of your soil, you’ll need the following:

    • 1/2 cup of kelp meal
    • 1/2 cup of crustacean meal
    • 1/2 cup of neem meal
    • 4 cups of minerals, using the guide above

    Bottom Line: Simple Super Soil Recipe 

    The bottom line is making a simple super soil recipe is a great thing if you want long-lasting nutrient availability for your plants. Your plants will enjoy a lifetime nutrient supply and you won’t have to worry about adding extra nutrients.

    Follow our guidelines and make yourself an amazing super soil recipe. We hope you found our post on the simple super soil recipe helpful. Happy growing! Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to making your own simple super soil? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

  • Kelp vs Seaweed: Best Uses and Differences

    Kelp vs Seaweed: Best Uses and Differences

    What is the difference between kelp vs seaweed? And why are they used as fertilizer? Isn’t kelp seaweed? What form should I pick (seaweed powder or liquid extract)? I ask myself all those questions when I look at the different organic and/or natural fertilizers available in the gardening market. 

    I’ll try to answer all those questions in the next lines in the hopes you may choose better about kelp and seaweed with information on your side. 

    Kelp vs Seaweed – Is There Any Difference?

    Seaweed is a word used to name many species of aquatic plants, specifically oceanic ones (hence the sea- prefix). Seaweeds can grow like underwater forests, kelp beds (a type of brown seaweed) cover up to 25% of the world’s coastlines. Seaweeds create ecosystems that can host thousands of other sea creatures such as plankton, seals, fish, jellyfish, and more. Phytoplankton is also considered seaweed because of its immense growth potential. 

    Seaweed vs Kelp- Is There Any Difference

    Seaweed is a term that includes many types of algae, including kelp. Seaweeds grow in many marine environments (oceans, rivers, or lakes), but especially kelp, grows in shallow and cool saltwater along rocky coastlines.

    Some of these seaweeds are even called sea vegetables because they’re edible to humans. For example, nori algae (used by the Japanese in sushi and other traditional dishes), dulse, kombu, and wakame. Some seaweeds are medicinal and used mostly to treat skin problems. For more info on seaweeds and kelp, click here to open the National Ocean Service.

    Seaweed

    Kelp
    Include many types of algae red, brown, and green. Brown type of seaweed
    Grown in many marine environments Only grows in saltwater, along rocky coastlines in depts of 6 to 90 ft. deep
    Many different sizes, some of which are microscopic Large size
    Used as a liquid fertilizer from natural seaweed sources Used as a natural fertilizer and source of trace minerals and usually mixed with fish meal
      Can be found in powder or liquid kelp

    GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Kelp Fertilizer

    61KCL0fQSQL. AC SL1500
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    Kelp as a Garden Fertilizer

    But how does kelp or seaweed help my garden soil and veggies? On the beaches, these plants prevent sand erosion and maintain the ecosystem healthy by feeding animals, as well as providing shelter. 

    In the garden, kelp and seaweed turned out to be great fertilizers for any kind of plant/soil nutrition deficiencies. Seaweed is not particularly high in nitrogen or phosphorous, but they contain up to 60 different minerals which are micronutrients (trace elements) for plant health promotion. It also has pest-deterring properties. Pets don’t like the smell of it, which results in keeping them away from the garden. 

    Seaweeds, including kelp, certainly amend nutrient-depleted soils and improves structure, and water retention rates ultimately end up decomposing, and in the process, they add organic matter to your garden beds, pots, composts, or other fermented fertilizers.

    Learn more about How To Use Kelp Meal Fertilizer

    Neptune’s Harvest Organic Hydrolized Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer

    61H2mDig pL. AC SL1080
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    Foraging Seaweed for Fertilizer

    If you forage kelp or other seaweeds for fertilizers, follow these tips for better results.

    • Collect only from the coastlines below the high tide mark, in small quantities, and only what you need.
    • Know that there’s no need to wash the salt away, it contains minerals and nutrients.
    • Cut the plants by hand or with grass scissors. Sometimes they hide small stones, sand, or even shells.
    • Use fresh or dry, both ways are equally nutritious to the soil.
    • Apply over your garden beds, under the mulch, and in your compost.
    • If you buy it, it comes available in powder and liquid extracts, and different concentrations. Choose the best suitable for your project. Liquid extract for hydroponic systems seems like a great idea. Seaweed powder is more suitable for growing beds, and pots, and as a compost improver.

     

    For more useful tips and info regarding seaweeds as fertilizers, I recommend the article Seaweed Fertilizer — Using and Composting Seaweed for Your Garden.

    Kelp Nutrition Data

    When it comes to kelp, you may be wondering what the nutrition data is like. In every two tablespoons of kelp, it contains the following:

    • calories: 43
    • fat: 1g
    • sodium: 233mg
    • carbohydrate: 10g
    • dietary fiber: 1g
    • sugar: 1g
    • protein: 2g

    The following percentages are how much it’ll be as part of your daily recommended intake:

    • vitamin C: 3%
    • iron: 17%
    • calcium: 13%
    • vitamin A: 2%

    The following are all 0%: magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, and cobalamin

    Nutrition Value of Seaweed

    You may also be curious about the nutritional value of seaweed. Every cup of seaweed (which is around 15g), contains the following:

    • calories: 45
    • fat: 1g
    • carbohydrate: 8g
    • dietary fiber: 1g
    • protein: 5g

    The following percentages are how much it’ll be as part of your daily recommended intake:

    • folate: 13%
    • copper: 56%
    • iron: 21%
    • riboflavin: 22%
    • thiamin: 15%
    • magnesium: 17%

    All You Need to Know: Kelp

    You may be wondering everything you need to know about kelp when it comes to gardening. Let’s take a closer look.

    Kelp isn’t usually used on its own as a fertilizer, it’s most often mixed with other ingredients, such as fish, to promote plant growth. Kelp is used because it’s packed full of micronutrients, which make for a great environment for plants to thrive. Kelp fertilizer can usually be found as a liquid or as a powder.

    What many gardens love about kelp is that it’s an organic product, that’s packed full of goodness. As well as helping your plants to thrive, it’s also good for the environment.

    To use kelp fertilizer, all you need to do is spray it onto the leaves of your plants. Results can be seen fairly quickly; in around a day or two.

    All You Need to Know: Seaweed

    Now we know all there is to know about kelp, you may be wondering the same for seaweed in gardening. Let’s take a closer look.

    To make seaweed fertilizer, the sea water is usually rinsed and then left to ferment with regular water. Over time, the seaweed will decompose and you’ll be left with a fertilizer to use. Seaweed fertilizer most often comes in liquid form.

    The benefits of seaweed are much the same as the benefits of kelp. However, as well as this, they can last in extreme environments and are a hardy fertilizer.

    To use seaweed fertilizer, simply spread it around your plants – it is that easy!

    Seaweed

    Health Benefits of Kelp

    When it comes to kelp, as well as being good for your plants, it’s also extremely good for your body too! Let’s see some of the health benefits of kelp.

    • Sea Kelp is Full of Vitamins. Iron, Magnesium, and Vitamin A – sea kelp is bursting with goodness. This goodness can help to keep your eyes, bones, and even your immune system at its best!
    • Helps with Hair Loss. Kelp is known for containing iodine. And iodine is known for aiding with things like hair loss.
    • Lower Cholesterol. A study found that kelp can even help your cholesterol levels.

    Health Benefits of Seaweed

    As well as kelp being good for your body, so is seaweed. Let’s see some of the health benefits seaweed has to offer.

    • Contains Iodine. Without iodine, thyroid problems may occur – and seaweed is full of iodine!
    • Good for Gut Health. Seaweed can help replenish the good bacteria your gut needs. And a healthy gut is a happy gut.
    • Weight Loss Aid. Seaweed can help you feel fuller for longer and doesn’t contain many calories at all.

    Conclusion: Kelp vs Seaweed

    If you use kelp or any seaweed as fertilizer, there are a few things to consider:

    • You may forage it in small quantities, always trimming the submerged parts of the seaweed, and avoid collecting it from the beach. 
    • Notice that seaweed foraging may be an illegal practice in your region. 

    If you liked this post about kelp vs seaweed, and find it useful, please share it with your friends and leave your comments below. We love to read your feedback. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    Is kelp the same as seaweed fertilizer?

    No, kelp is not seaweed fertilizer. Kelp is a type of alga (one of the plant kingdom) that can be found in salt water. 

    It is used for various purposes including fertilizer and food. In fact, it’s one of the most popular seafood supplements out there. Kelp is also commonly known as seaweed because of its similarity to the plant life that grows on land. However, kelp has more in common with plants than seaweed. 

    It is often referred to as “kelp” or “rockweed” since it is so similar to the plant life on land.  There are different types of kelp. One of the most common varieties is Alaria esculenta (macroalgae) which is a type of red algae. This variety is the main source of nutrition for people who consume kelp supplements. Another variety of kelp is Laminaria digitata, which is a type of brown algae. These two types of kelp are found in coastal areas. One of the reasons that people use kelp is because it is a natural source of vitamins and minerals. It’s also a great source of iron and iodine. Kelp contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals and proteins.

    Is kelp a good fertilizer?

    Yes it is a good fertilizer. It is a very good source of nitrogen (N) which is needed by plants. The nitrogen is released as ammonia.

    This is then used by the plant for photosynthesis. It is also a good source of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and phosphorous (P). There are a few problems with kelp though. The biggest problem is that kelp takes a long time to decompose. It can take anywhere from 2 to 10 years. This is because it contains cellulose, which is a natural organic compound.

    The cellulose breaks down in soil over time, releasing nutrients. Another problem with kelp is that it tends to build up in rivers and streams. 

    If you want to use kelp as a fertilizer for your lawn, then it may work well. Kelp contains a lot of nitrogen. However, this nitrogen is locked away inside the plant. You would have to apply the kelp to the soil at least 3 times before the nitrogen gets released into the soil. The other problem is that the kelp is not easy to spread out on the lawn. It needs to be shredded first before it can be applied to the lawn. DKelp is just one more ingredient to add to your fertilizer bag. You should look at what else you can add to your fertilizer to get the most nutrients into your lawn.

    Is seaweed the best fertilizer?

    Seaweed is the most widely used organic fertilizer. It is used to fertilize the soil, but not the plants. It is used as a source of nitrogen and potassium in the soil. The application rate of seaweed is 1-3% in the soil depending on the type of seaweed. It is very effective for the growth of vegetables because it is rich in potassium and nitrogen, which are very important for plant growth. It is also very effective in controlling the weeds.

  • How to Make Potash (Best Step-by-Step Guide)

    How to Make Potash (Best Step-by-Step Guide)

    Potash is derived from the word potassium and it is also referred to as fertilizer potassium. Potash is a natural element or a natural nutrient for both plants as well as human beings. How to make potash is what we would like to talk about.

    This natural element is essential for plants as well as humans to get adequate nutrition to grow properly. Historically, potash has been used to make soap and glass. It has also been used as a drying agent in food and as an animal feed ingredient.

    Even though potash is fairly easy to make, it can still require a little effort to know how to go about it.  Now, in this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to make potash, so keep on reading for some insight on this.

    But before we look into how to make potash, let’s quickly look into some information on potash.

    About Potash

    Potash is also known as the potassium salt. It comes from an early production technique whereby potassium was leached from wood ashes. Then the resulting substance was then concentrated by evaporating the leachate in big iron pots (“pot-ash”).

    So, in those days, potassium is usually extracted from the ashes of burnt wood. However, this practice is no longer used due to several environmental issues.

    The very first patent in the US is potash. It was first patented in 1790 and it still remains an essential product today.

    Potash is primarily used as an agricultural fertilizer and this is mainly because it is a great source of soluble potassium. This potassium is one of the main plant macronutrients alongside nitrogen and phosphorus (i.e. NPK).

    This potash can be used in making soap and textiles softer. Potash can be used as a fertilizer to improve your garden soil nutrient. It can also be used in the prevention of plant diseases or you can use them as an insecticide by applying them to bugs directly.

    Sources Where Potash Are Derived From

    Since the old way of deriving potash is not safe and unreliable, where then does today’s potash come from? Here are two ways potash is sourced:


    1. From Ancient Sea


    A time came when an ancient sea dried up. Then the marine salt concentration on the resulting dry land left an abundant residue of minerals and this mineral included potash. This residue is found in the dead sea of Israel and it has produced valuable sources of potash with ICL. They are one of the world’s top producers of potash that sells over 4.5 million tons yearly.

    Sources Where Potash Are Derived From

    1. Mining


    Another source of potash fertilizer is from mining a variety of geological potassium salt deposits around the world. Now, these are then processed to take out impurities and then converted into a variety of fertilizers.

    There is also another mining operation that occurs in Catalonia, Spain through its subsidiary, ICL Iberia Suria and Sallent (IBP).

    How to Make Potash: Guide to Follow

    Follow this procedure to learn how to make potash:

    Step 1: Addition of water and nitrate

    Use a measuring cup of 100 milliliters to measure water, then use another measuring cup to measure 40mg of nitrate. Then pour it into the cup.

    Step 2: Stir completely

    Pour the mixed solution above into a beaker and begin to stir slowly until it mixes completely.

    Step 3: Get a hot pan to pour into

    Use filter paper to sieve the solution and ensure there are no insoluble particles left. Then get a saucepan and pour the solution into it (water and nitrate). Then begin to heat it.

    Southern Ag Sulfate of Potash 0-0-50, 5 LB Size: 5 LB

    How To Make Potash
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    Step 4: Potassium chloride addition

    Get 37 gms of potassium chloride and slowly pour it into the saucepan and begin stirring the solution until all is mixed. Make sure you maintain the heat at a medium temperature range and avoid boiling the solution. Then keep on stirring.

    Step 5: Filter then freeze

    After properly mixing the solution, get another filter paper and filter the solution into a freezer-safe container. Again, make sure no solid particles are left out.

    Step 6: Crystallization

    Once you’ve placed the solution into the freezer, crystallization will begin to form. Then you can take out the container from the freezer once you’ve noticed the total solution has turned completely crystal.

    Step 7: Excess liquid should be drained out

    You should drain out the extra liquid. So, in case you see some liquid residue at the bottom of the container, you should just drain out the extra liquid. This is to further ensure that no liquid is left and all you’ve got is crystal.

    Excess Liquid Should Be Drained Out

    Step 8: Dry the crystal

    Next, allow the crystal to dry for a while. Then once they are finally dried, the dried crystal can be applied to your plant as a potash fertilizer.

    So, there you go. You can see how easy it can be to make potash fertilizer with the right knowledge.

    Sources of Potash From Nature

    There are some excellent sources of potash from nature, and they include:

    • Potassium sulfate (K2SO4)- Sulfate of potash
    • Potassium Chloride(KCl)- Muriate of Potash
    • Potassium thiosulfate (K2S2O3)
    • Potassium-magnesium sulphate(K2SO4-2MgSO4)
    • Potassium nitrate (KNO3)

    The potash or potassium content present in each of the fertilizers mentioned above is pretty nutritious for plants no matter the source. However, the only difference between each of the fertilizers listed above is the element that follows the potassium compound.

    You should also note that each of the added elements has its own function and acts differently when supplied to crops as fertilizers.

    Sources Of Potash From Nature

    How to Make Potash From Wood Ashes

    You can make your own potash in a range of ways. While you can buy it, it’s super easy to make yourself and you need very few products to make it happen. While wood ash is the most common type of ash to use, you can also use other plant ashes, such as ashes from vines, bean stalks, ferns, and thistles. For wood ash, the best wood ash to use is either from coniferous or deciduous trees.

    This guide will make around 60g of potash. For this, you’ll need the following products:

    • 400g of wood ash (either from coniferous or deciduous trees)
    • 4L of drinking water

    Now all you need to do is:

    1. Add both the wood ash and drinking water to a pot and leave for around 10-12 hours. After this time, stir.
    2. Next, you’ll need to use filter paper to filter the mixture. Alternatively, you can bring it to a boil in the pot it’s in.
    3. Once you have a clear mixture, boil on medium heat and heat until the water has completely evaporated. You should stir often throughout. At this point, a powder should be left behind. This is your potash!
    4. Store your potash in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for the best results.

    What is the Ash Composition of Potassium Hydroxide?

    This is simply the fancy name for potash. Wood ashes contain both potassium hydroxide and potassium carbonate. Because of the high amount of potassium and the use of ashes, this is how it gets the name potash.

    Advantages of Potash

    When it comes to potash, there are many advantages and reasons why you’ll want to add it to your garden. Let’s take a closer look.

    • Potash is a natural resource, as opposed to chemical fertilizers, which is one of the main appeals of the product
    • You can easily make this natural fertilizer yourself at home
    • If you do buy it, it’s much more affordable than other fertilizers
    • It’s easy to use on your plants
    • It’s considered a nontoxic product
    • It’s renewable, which means that it’s much better for the environment than say chemical fertilizers

    Disadvantages of Potash

    While there are many advantages of potash, like most things in life, it does come with some disadvantages and negative effects too. It can cause problems for both animals and people. Let’s take a closer look.

    As the name suggests, it has a high amount of potassium. Unfortunately, if not used correctly, potassium can cause hyperkalemia. This simply means an abundance of potassium in your body. This can cause a range of problems to your body, and in the most extreme cases, can even cause death.

    In terms of the problems it can cause with your plants, potash can either make your soil too alkaline or too acidic – yes, it can cause either! If you have too much acid in your soil, it may mean your plants don’t grow as well as they should. And if you have too much alkaline in your soil, they may simply cease to grow, period!

    While there are a few disadvantages of potash, I believe the advantages far outweigh the negatives. Just be sure to use your potash correctly.

    Final Thoughts: How to Make Potash

    Potash is a type of fertilizer that is very useful when added to our garden crops and it can also be referred to as potassium.

    Apart from adding them to our plants as fertilizers, there are also other uses for this substance. For instance, it can be used as a drying agent for food, it can be used for making soaps or glass, and you can also use it as animal feed.

    In this article, we have given you a step-by-step guide on how you can make potash. So, we do hope we have been able to enlighten you on the question: of how to make potash.

    Do you have any tips and tricks when it comes to making potash? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    how to make potash from wood ashes

    FAQs

    How to make potash fertilizer?

    As of today, potash fertilizer comes from either underground or solution mining. Using mining method, a variety of geological potassium salt deposits around the world is mined to derive potash fertilizer. Then from the bottom of the sea when dried up, the residue minerals left from the dried sea contains also potash.

    How to make liquid potash fertilizer?

    Banana peels with 3 eggshells should be dried. Then combine them with Epsom salt and grind the mixture into powder form. Add water into the powder. Shake and water your plants with this liquid potash.

    How to make potash from wood ashes?

    Burn some woods in an enclosed area. An extra tip is not making use of any tree branch as this will leave to become black ashes. Then make sure the woods burn to about 2 hours and you can have your potash.

    How to make organic potash fertilizer?

    You can make organic potash fertilizer from hardwood ashes, kelp meal, and green-sand. Making a homemade organic potash fertilizer reduces wastage and the best part is that it does not require measuring or mixing ingredients.