fertilizer

[MONTCRIEFF49]

what mixture
of fertiizer
is best for potatoes

any sugegestions
thank you xxx

[Clanad]

It really depends on the Ph of the soil, but an overall average would be 10-20-10 or even 10-20-20... You might consider a home-soil testing kit... they're inexpensive and failry accurate, at least for our soils here in the western U.S.

[heathfield]

For those unfamiliar with Clanad's numbering system, it refers to Nitrogen-Phosphorous-K-Potash, also known as NPK.
Nitrogen encourages growth, Phosphorous helps rooting, and Potash (potassium) aids in flowering and fruiting.

But round my way, folk will just dig in a generous amount of matured dung, and that seems to work quite well.

[Twenty20]

Is that right Clanad? Isnt the Ph to do with the acidity of the soil rather than the amount of nutrients present?

[Clanad]

Initially, Twenty20, that was my view until I participated in soil testing done by our local County Extension agent. One reference I can provide for you is through another university related site: Soil pH (or soil reaction) measures the "active" acidity in the soil's water (or hydrogen ion activity in the soil solution), which affects the availability of nutrients to plants. (Souce: Greg Mullins, Extension Nutrient Management Specialist, Virginia Tech and Steve Heckendorn, Soil Test Laboratory Manager, Virginia Tech)...

[MONTCRIEFF49]

thanks all to you

im taking notes

on this matter to improve my skills

thanks again to you all x

[Twenty20]

Blimey Clanad thats too technical for me!! Probably aimed at farmers and serious growers who need to get the most out of their soil I'd guess?

I'll bung some manure in the previous year and hope for the best!

[Clanad]

I've often seen, at least here in the U.S., caution on using uncomposted manure for potatoes. It often causes a disease known here as scabs. Composted manure, i.e. aged and rotted manure is an excellent fertilizer but my objection is the amount of weed seed associated with its use...

[shylock73]

I use 6X manure, stinks like hell but produces the best spuds. Available from all Garden Centres. Sprinkle it on and stand well back if it`s windy.

[egrow]

Best to use garden compost and /or well rotted farm manure. If manure is not available 6x is excellent. For further gardening hints and tips go to www.egrow.co.uk
Best wishes.
egrow