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can't find fertilizer options listed on soil report #4M5ZA4 for lavender farm. Can I use fertilizer 6-24-24? #741606

Asked March 30, 2021, 2:06 PM EDT

my local feed/grain supplier does not carry the fertilizer you recommended in soil report #4M5ZA4.  they do have 6-24-24.  can I use that?

Monroe County Michigan

Expert Response

Your soil test result shows a very high value for phosphorus, so you do not need and should not use a fertilizer containing phosphorus as more phosphorus will contribute to algae pollution in lakes and streams.  It also shows a low value for Potassium so you need to build it up in your soil.

Ask your supplier if they have a 6-0-24 (or 3-0-10 or 4-0-18) or something close to it.  If not check out some other nurseries or even a 'big box' with a garden center.  What you should try to find is a fertilizer: 1) with '0' Phosphorus and 2) an approximate ratio of 1:4 Nitrogen to Potassium.

More info:

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/ask-extension-do-fertilizers-help-or-hurt-plants

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/crop-production/soil/abcs-npk-fertilizer-guide

https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/tools/fertilizer-calculator/

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/fertilizer_basics_for_the_smart_gardener

http://msu-water.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Youre-Not-Just-Fertilizing-Your-Lawn.pdf

Dick M. Replied March 30, 2021, 10:42 PM EDT
Thank you very much
Take care
Patty

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 30, 2021, at 10:43 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied March 31, 2021, 8:03 PM EDT
Received From: Greg Pollock <<personal data hidden>>



hello,

I have 2 questions about planting lavender plants in the soil tested in this report.

Do you recommend that I use a compost/topsoil to build up my rows before covering with landscape fabric?  And I was told to use pea gravel.  Does the pea gravel get placed before you place plant in ground or after?

Thank you,

Patty



On Tue, 30 Mar, 2021 at 10:41 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
 
To: patricia pollock
The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2021, 11:19 AM EDT

Yes, mix the compost in the top 2"-4" of soil before putting down the landscape fabric. You'll need to think about how to add more compost in future years w/ fabric down.  It's much less effective on top of the fabric.

 I'm not sure why there's a recommendation for pea gravel, except maybe as a path to walk on (thus put in top of the fabric).

Dick M. Replied April 13, 2021, 12:51 PM EDT


Hi,
I can not get any straight compost. I can only get compost with topsoil. will that be ok?
Thanks,
Patty


On Tue, 13 Apr, 2021 at 12:50 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
 
To: patricia pollock
Cc: <personal data hidden>
The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2021, 2:38 PM EDT

This must be for bulk compost (mix).  If that's the only option, yes use it.  I'd ask for the % of compost in the mix to know what (% organic material) you're getting.  Shredded leaves, old sawdust , wood chips, straw are all acceptable materials in compost.  Here's an interesting article on topsoil:   Shocking Truths About Topsoil-MSU

Dick M. Replied April 13, 2021, 5:39 PM EDT


Thank you very much!


On Tue, 13 Apr, 2021 at 5:38 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
 
To: patricia pollock
Cc: <personal data hidden>
The Question Asker Replied April 14, 2021, 9:29 AM EDT

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