Jimini's FEEDING RECIPE

WARNING:

Never apply liquid feeds to dry roots. Water the plants normally first. Then apply the feed.

I never give too much liquid feed at one time. I imagine I am adding caustic acid which will burn the roots if I apply too much. I try to give just enough to reach about a quarter way down the pot. This way it will gradually work its way down. The root hairs will be safe, since they are mostly lower down in the soil at the tips of the roots.

Allow about a month to see the results. Most people, thinking the feeding hasn't worked, apply more, only to find they have destroyed their plants

Do not apply feed to unhealthy-looking plants in the hope it will revive them, unless you are sure they are suffering from some sort of feed deficiency.

FEEDING RECIPE for Bedding Plants

I said it was simple. Here it is:

Work about 5 mls of bonemeal into the soil, to a depth of about 10 cm (4 inches), at planting, just below the roots. It must be accessible to the roots. Bonemeal does not dissolve in the soil. And even if it did, phosphates cannot travel far in the soil.

This should support the plant 'till flowers appear. Then give 'Phostrogen Plant Food (10-14-27)' at the recommended rate. Just feed once, for now, not weekly. Give more a month later if plants look pale.

That's all there is to it. I said it was simple, didn't I?


FEEDING RECIPE for Other Plants

The system is similar for other flowering plants, certainly as far as bonemeal is concerned. We just give it in proportion. When we planted the dahlias, you might remember we added about an egg-cup full.

'Phostrogen' can be used for all flowering plants, again at instructed rate. Note that some plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons might prefer an ericaceous feed.


WHAT ABOUT EXISTING BEDDING PLANTS and other flowers?

Bonemeal is safe (or relatively so). If you want to give your plants a treat, work it into the soil around the edges of the roots (this will be roughly at the tip of the leaf canopy). Just to be safe, put it a bit further away, and dig it deeper in the soil (down to about 15 cm (6 inches)) so the roots will grow into it. Again, allow some time for it to work.

FEEDING POT PLANTS

Same principle: But mix about 1 ml bonemeal for one inch of pot, into compost at planting. So, for example, a 3 inch (75 -80 mm) pot would need about 3 mls of bonemeal.

At flowering, apply 'Phostrogen' in same way.

And be careful not to burn the roots.