N
= Nitrogen, P = Phosphorous, K = Potassium (potash)
Nitrogen is essential for
vigorous leaf growth and tends to increase fruit
set. Sources of Nitrogen are: Bloodmeal, Bone
Meal, Cottonseed Meal, Manure, and Activated Sludge.
Phosphorous
is essential for strong root systems and bright
flowers. It can increase fruit development and
seed yield. Sources of Phosphorous are Activated
Sludge, Bloodmeal, Bone Meal, Cottonseed Meal,
and Rock Phosphate.
Potassium
is essential for cell division and strong stems.
It helps fight diseases, improves quality of fruit,
and decreases water requirement of plants. Sources
of Potassium are: Greensand, Manure, Compost,
and Wood Ashes.
Trace Elements need for strong, healthy
plants are: Boron, Calcium, Cobalt, Copper, Iodine,
Iron, Magnesium, Molybenum, Sulfur, Tin, Zinc.
Sources are: Oyster Shell Flour, Leaf Mold, Seaweed,
Phosphate Rock, and Compost.
AMMONIUM SULFATE:
21% N, 24% Sulfur. Application Rate: 4 lbs. per
3″ sawdust covering 100 sq. ft.
BLOODMEAL: 12% N, 3% P. Application Rate:
Sprinkle on damp soil or water after application.
CASCADE SOIL AID: Ground, composted bark
with N added. For acid-loving plants, mix with equal
parts of sand or soil.
CHICKEN MANURE: 2-2-1. Application Rate:
Variable.
GREENSAND: 1.5% P and 5% K. Helps soil absorb
and hold water. Application Rate: 25 lbs. per 100
sq. ft.
LEAF MOLD: 5% N. Encourages good root growth.
BLACK GOLD: 50% earthworm castings, 25% peat,
and 25% Prelate. Rich and fine textured.
BONE MEAL: 4-21-1. Application Rate: 10 lbs.
per 100 sq. ft.
CHARCOAL: Absorbs and holds N until plant
can use it. Absorbs odors. Purifies the mixture.
COTTONSEED MEAL: 7-3-2. Rated second only
to manure as a source of N Application Rate: 5 lbs.
per 100 sq. ft.
JIFFY – MIX PLUS: Sterilized, pre-mixed,
potting medium of sphagnum, moss, and vermiculite.
LIME (DOLOMITE): Rich in magnesium. Can be
used to raise pH of soil. Application Rate: 5 lbs.
per 100 sq. ft. every 3-4 years.
OYSTER SHELL FLOUR: An excellent source of
calcium and trace elements.
ORCHID BARK: A medium for growing some types
of orchids. Available in fine, medium, or coarse
grades.
PERLITE: A silica derivative – no nutritive
value. Keeps the soil aerated and retains some water.
Sterilized.
PHOSPHATE ROCK: 65% P plus many minerals
and trace elements. Application Rate: 10 lbs. per
100 sq. ft. every 3-5 years.
STEER MANURE: 5-5-2 Builds soil rapidly.
Application Rate: Variable.
MILLED SPHAGNUM: Excellent source of organic
matter. Holds moisture well.
PEAT MOSS: Loosens heavy soils, binds light
soils, retains water. Application Rate: 1 part peat
to 2 parts soil.
PUMICE: Provides soil aeration and keeps
soil from compacting.
VERMICULITE: Sterilized expanded mica. Keeps
soil aerated, provides water and nutrient-holding
capacity. |