WEEKLY GARDEN THREAD MARCH 10, 2017

freerepublic | 3/10/2017 | greeneyes

[greeneyes]

The Weekly Gardening Thread is a weekly gathering of folks that love soil, seeds and plants of all kinds.

From complete newbies that are looking to start that first potted plant, to gardeners with some acreage, to Master Gardener level and beyond, we would love to hear from you.

This thread is non-political, although you will find that most here are conservative folks. No matter what, you won’t be flamed and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked.

It is impossible to hijack the Weekly Gardening Thread. Planting, Harvest to Table(recipes)preserving, good living - there is no telling where it will go and... that is part of the fun and interest. Jump in and join us!

NOTE: This is a once a week ping list. We do post to the thread during the week. Links to related articles and discussions which might be of interest are welcomed, so feel free to post them at any time.

[daniel1212]

By far, the best all-around fertilizer that I have found for just about ANYTHING that sets a fruit or a vegetable is a granular 10-18-10.

Thanks, but while that can work for the plant, i read that it is not as good for the soil as organic fer. as per my referenced source.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Well, then look for an organic formula that is 10-18-10. It’s the formula that’s the important part.

[daniel1212]

Thanks. I have 3lbs of Scotts 10-10-10 fertilizer i got cheap last Fall, and maybe one could mix some of this in with it, but will look for what you say, though those numbers seem to be more for grass. Meanwhile, i was able to order this for 6.84 for 4lbs, thank God if that price is for real. The specs are only 5-7-3 but it contains a lot of other nutrients.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

10-10-10 won’t hurt, but you NEED a high middle number (Phosphorus) for really outstanding fruit/vegetable production. That’s why I like the 10-18-10 the best. :)

[daniel1212]

Well online, there is Jobe’s Tomato Fertilizer Spikes, 6-18-6 Time Release Fertilizer for All Tomato Plants, $6.98 and Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food 15-30-15 at 4.86 for just 1.5lbs. But i will keep looking.

[daniel1212]

I would heat water with the wood and get a hot water pump to pump the water through copper lines in the greenhouse. I had a small hothouse in Colorado. I used homemade solar hot water collectors to pump through and into a 100 gallon barrel in the basement. Then the hot water would pump through pipes in a raised insulated floor and an old steam unit in the greenhouse. Two hot water pumps and sensors to start and stop the pumps depending on temperature differences. Thats a redneck solution to a fancy outside furnace they sell.

You must be in hot water. Sounds good to me!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Usually any of the ‘Bloom Boosters’ are good. As long as the middle number is close to 2x as high as the first and last numbers, you should be good to go! :)

[daniel1212]

Usually any of the ‘Bloom Boosters’ are good. As long as the middle number is close to 2x as high as the first and last numbers, you should be good to go! :)

Got it. It may be easier to just add Phosphorus to a 10-10-10 mix.