Fertilizer Program 2016.

[arcanedeity]

So as with every year new products come and go. What is everybody' plan for a fertilizer program? I go "organic" myself, but am still new to the use of fertilizer. I am considering a combination of Compost/manure tea and Slow release fertilizer. I am still working out the specifics. I am sure once my soil test comes in, I will have to tweak it.

[KarenO]

soil test is a good idea for sure. Compost (for planting not tea)and slow release granular is what I use.
KarenO

[arcanedeity]

Last year, I used a fish emulsion bi-weekly (every two weeks) and epsom sallt in between. I used compost tea at the beginning to get the maters established. However, I am trying every year to increase my yield. I had plenty of green, but now i want more blossoms. So I am contemplating your approach to see how it goes.

[JosephineRose]

I am feeling confident about what I want to use, but I'm unsure of WHEN?

I have heard there are formulas such as using water soluble fertilizer/compost tea at transplant, then at fruit set and not again.

I have heard some use compost tea every two weeks.

I have heard some do nothing until fruit set and then every two weeks.

Looking forward to hearing about everyone's experience with this. I don't want all leaves and no fruit, but I don't want my plants to struggle either.

[Worth1]

You wont get all leaves and no fruit if they have what they need.
You can slightly burn plants with so much nitrogen and if they still have the rest they will still produce lots of fruit.

Worth

[arcanedeity]

From what I understand, it all depends on what is in your tea. If you use high nitrogen producing plants in your compost, but little to no manure you can use as much or as little as you want. Actual water soluble fertilizer is a different story. I also believe that if you use a manure compost, a little more care is needed. Just make sure the manure has had time to compost before using.