Knowledgebase
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
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 30, 2021, at 10:43 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
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:
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).
On Tue, 13 Apr, 2021 at 12:50 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Cc: <personal data hidden>
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
On Tue, 13 Apr, 2021 at 5:38 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Cc: <personal data hidden>