Converting application rates

[Disguised]

If an organic fertilizer lists the application rate of 5 to 10 lbs per 100 sq.ft for beds, what is the best way to convert this to tablespoons per gallon for container gardening?

Thank you for your time

 

[VerdantGreen]

i would probably say that 1 pot = 1 square foot, so 5-10lb is 80-160 oz. (presuming the pot is 1-3 gallons or something like that)
so divide that by 100 = 0.8-1.6 oz per pot

maybe round it up and start at 1oz per pot.

what fert is it ?

 

[Disguised]

Thanks Verdant. It is a 2.5-1-1 Alfalfa meal that I wanted to use instead of blood meal in LC's mix #1.

I did some crazy math, and came up with 2 tablespoons per gallon, but I just wanted to see if I was even remotely correct

The most confusing thing to me is that the application rate on the box seems to be for a flat surface? And containers have volume so I have no clue what to do here.

I'm new to this dirt thing :smile:

 

[maryjohn]

outside, the dirt is not flat, but has volume just like your pots.

 

[Disguised]

This is very true of course, but the application rate on the box makes no mention of depth. Just square feet.

 

[VerdantGreen]

yeah i have the same thing with rock phosphate and other stuff that gives an application rate per square metre or whatever.

you should be fine if it's alfalfa meal - not too much chance of overdoing it unless you go crazy. if it is a flowering mix then see if the leaves fade at the right sort of time (you want them to fad in the last couple or 3 weeks) if they still look green and healthy at harvest time then you should add less next time, and if they fade too early then feed them and add more next time! - always best to err on the side of caution with these things imo.

 

[VerdantGreen]

outside, the dirt is not flat, but has volume just like your pots.

is that your idea of helping?

 

[VerdantGreen]

if you look in organics for beginners thread they have one mix which has 1 cup alfalfa meal to 10 gallons of soil mix (well 4 to 40 but i divided by 4!)

Let me know if my guestimation was anywhere near that!