What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

CaNO3
AmNO3
P
MgSO4
K
B
MnSO4
ZnSO4
Fe
CuSO4.
Mo
CaSO4

I have the measurements for each of these chemicals which, when combined in proper ratios, are supposed to make a very, very adequate veggie garden fertilizer. I try to grow naturally but know that's not always possible. Besides Epsom salts what else "off the shelf" stuff would work? Coffee grounds? Diluted urine? BTW, until relocating to the land of sand and no soil, I never used any amendments; compost was my go to fertilizer even when the only "compost" I had was pure leaf mould. It worked. I'm using local compost but think my plants could use a boost. (And it could be lack of watering--I'm still getting used to no clay to hold moisture.)

Oh, and I'm lying. I once purchased a pound of green sand...I used a bit and 10 years later tossed the rest over my beds. I don't think it ever added much but spreading in where it might have some affect was better than trashing it. Right?

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

I suggest you go to your local extension office and see if you can sign up for the florida gardening courses. I assume they still have them. Also go to your local agriculture stores and find out what the narijuana growers are doing. I think you will find that to solve your problems. I have been growing in Florida since 93 and I can say those are the best starter resources.

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

Narijuana? Is that anything like pot?

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

I don't really think I need their advice; I've asked and gotten horrid advice in Brevard County such as "plant everything in full sun". Baloney. Dealt with master gardeners in Montgomery County, MD and in OH; I not only stumped them but taught them a few things. (I was teamed with a very committed MG when I worked as a landscaper in OH; she and I got along just fine because she researched my questions rather than spouting the official nonsense. BTW, she's still working on finding out what the weed I found near Cleveland is and how to eradicate it because it's fast becoming an obnoxious weed; the "guys" dissed me.)

So thanks for not answering my question. I'm doing fine with County compost and generic Miracle Gro building gardens. Issues I'm having are learning a totally new climate and no clay in the mix. I was asking how to mix an organic and/or cheap fertilizer based on certain components; you didn't address my issues but insinuated that I hadn't a clue how to grow anything. As usual. Thanks again?

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

Once upon a time...long, long ago...that's all I'm saying...okay, really tall corn and horse manure...that's it! ;)

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

The Florida gardening courses are held by the University of Florida and your given contact sources in lab and field work. The extension simply helps you sign up. You are a very angry person I see. I can't testify to your gardenin skills but attitude is pretty snappy.

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

Want cheap clay? Kitty litter is clay. Get the cheapest stuff walmart has with no scent that doesn't clump...It's just crushed dry clay.

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

Cell typing

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

My attitude is that of a true gardener--I live, I breathe and I learn from my land--wherever that land may be. I'm not angry; I'm passionate.

Daughter of a physicist (PhD from RPI), I was trained to observe. Daughter of a Tulane Moot Court participant, I learned to evaluate my observations equitably. My degrees are from much more reputable Universities than what FL has to offer and I know their AG department is nonsense since their advice rarely works.

My life experience has taught me that blowhards who pretend to know it all know nothing in the end. Perhaps I'm wrong but, hey, that's what I've chosen to believe.

And with that I'm signing off for a while...later nice guys.

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

Nope, you sound angry. And a little braggery to boot.

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

Great post.....I pulled a bunch of railroad spikes up on an abandoned track and soaked them in a five gallon bucket for that great rusty water full of iron.....to turn my aeae dark green....guess what they turned green....lol

Great post....:08:

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

During my needed break I did some research and believe I might have killed 2 birds with one stone. When I moved my compost tube I noticed it wasn't breaking down very fast. So I layered in some "mushroom growing" county compost.

And then I peed on it!

Being female I didn't actually do that but I did find a way to save a "gallon of gold" from being flushed to my septic tank (I drink that much water every day) thus added N, P, K and lots of "me" to my garden mix. If I take extra vitamins perhaps I can supplement the other needed "inputs" on my list and make it a "one stop shopping deal". ;)

Fingers crossed FL heat and my amendments move things along so I have some real dirt for transplants and topdressing.

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

Mulch. Lots and lots.

Chicken poop is great for everything, low NPK count. Just keep loving the soil and in return it will love you.

Also, spray lots of EM.

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

I've tried mightily to recall what EM is and, when that didn't work, tried to search it out. Then I attempted to think it out. (You don't want to know what I dreamed up.) So I surrender. What is EM spray? (If it's something to do with Elephant Manure (tea), I have no nearby source.)

Re: What household "stuff" could I use for the following?
 

Soo... if you could get a hold of some Elephant dung let me know, I would love to hear more about the finished product.

Any who, Effective Microbes. You can make some via compost tea. There are lots of different ways. A friend of mine makes a banana ferment which is very good for flowering & fruiting plants. You have it in your native soil. I simply bought EM-1 from our local farm supply. Do not forget the mulch as well!


Happy planting