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Epsoma Plant-tone fertilizer: Bad smell when used in containers?

Posted by peterk312 none (My Page) on
Mon, Mar 11, 13 at 15:32

I'm trying to make a switch from using MIracle Gro fertilizer to a slow release type mixed into a peat/perlite/compost type mix. I've never used Epsoma products before. So, I'm just trying to avoid a mistake if the product isn't suitable for containers.

I've used Alaska Fish Fertilizer before, and although the product is supposed to have all odors removed it does smell like a pond for a day or so after you apply it. I've got about 16 sq. ft. of containers on a balcony, and they will all be getting the slow release mix with occasional Fish Fertilizer as needed. But with using the slow release product I don't want to mix up all the soil and then find out it smells too offensive once you start watering. So,does anybody know if Epsoma Plant-tone soil fertilizer is not appropriate to use in containers on a balcony because it smells too offensive?


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Epsoma Plant-tone fertilizer: Bad smell when used in containe

I just got back from a store that sells Plant-tone and read on the bag that they recommend for potted plants to mix 1 part Plant-tone to 25 parts soil (about 2/3 cups per gallon of soil). That would suggest the manufacturer believes the product is suitable for containers but still says nothing about potential odors. Ingredients in Plant-tone include pasteurized poultry manure. Is that what this is going to smell like then--poultry manure?

This post was edited by peterk312 on Mon, Mar 11, 13 at 23:01


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RE: Epsoma Plant-tone fertilizer: Bad smell when used in containe

Just mixed up my first batch of potting mix, and indeed there's no profound odor having added Epsoma Plant-tone. If anyone's interested here's my formula:

4 gallons peat moss
4 gallons perlite
2 Tblsp. hydrated limestone powder
Plant-tone (recommended at 1.5 Tblsp. per quart) 48 Tblsp. = 3 cups

I also add a few handfuls of garden compost (the Omni brand). Because Plant-tone is a 5-3-3 ratio for NPK, I intend to add some Alaska Morebloom 0-10-10 for flowering plants as the season progresses.


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RE: Epsoma Plant-tone fertilizer: Bad smell when used in containe

  • Posted by tapla z5b-6a mid-MI (My Page) on
    Mon, Mar 18, 13 at 11:56

Based on the 5-3-3 NPK %, it already contains almost twice as much P as needed, relative to N.

I wouldn't be too surprised if it smells, since it's primary fraction is ground feathers.

Al


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RE: Epsoma Plant-tone fertilizer: Bad smell when used in containe

I agree with Tapla 100%.


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