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Tue, Apr 26, 11 at 10:49
| This year I decided to make raised beds with new soil mix. Some of the beds had more compost than others, unfortunately. Recently I noticed that my lettuce (in all beds for now) was growing great in some beds but not growing at all in others. My broccoli, kale and cabbage is not growing at all and the leaves are yellowing now. Finally did a soil test and discovered that I am high in potassium but terribly low in nitrogen and low in phosphorus. Last night I picked up blood meal and fish emulsion and plan to broadcast it this evening. Does anyone know how long it takes to boost the nutrients and any continued maintenance I can do to remedy this problem? Are my cole crops ruined for the season? How long will it take to have balanced, sustaining soil? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| The blood meal will be available almost immediately, but if soil temps are below about 55* you might want to rethink applying it because ammonium toxicity can be a real issue. Did you use coir or CHCs in your beds? Curious if that's responsible for the elevated K issue - which if high enough can inhibit uptake of other essential elements. Knowing how you made your soil - what from - might be helpful in tracing your problems to their source. Al |
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| If raised beds are mainly just container type "soil" with some compost, I can see where nutrients can be sorely lacking....especially until roots can get down into some real soil. When I amend beds, I mix the amendments into the good top soil beneath. |
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- Posted by Paperfinch 6b TN (My Page) on Tue, Apr 26, 11 at 15:59
| I used a lot of my own compost and mixed it with coir, vermiculite, mushroom compost, aged manure, and a little top soil. I tried to get it 50% compost, but there was not enough for all the beds. The beds with the least compost are definitely the ones struggling the most. |
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- Posted by TheMasterGardener1 none (My Page) on Wed, Apr 27, 11 at 0:08
| Your compost is high in K. This is prob because alo of veg/fruit scrabs maybe went into the compost. N value is easy to get...manuar fish grass ect..in your case you need it now so go pick up a full line of cold pressed fish fert like Neptunes. |
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| TheMasterGardener1. I've noticed your posts consistently mention a major brand of fertiliser. If you simply recommend 'liquid fish' or something along those lines, I'll feel a lot more comfortable that you're not on someone's payroll! Thanks. |
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