You can get away with just the FP.

However, I think you would do well to use an additional source of potassium if at all possible.
It doesn't have to be PT, though the silicon in it does offer other potential benefits. Tomatoes use NPK in a 3:1:3 ratio and FP is 3:1:2. This isn't to say tomatos can't get enough K from FP, only that they will be getting more N than they need in the process. Not enough more N to make huge plants with no fruit though so don't worry about that part.

It's nice to have around because it adds the versatility JaG described to your nutrient supplementation program. For plants you think you'll want to fertilize at reduced N rates, you could also add a tbsp of potash to each gallon of soil for additional K (potassium).

Using a K supplement allows you to use a 3:1:2 fertilizer initially, to build the foliage you need for photosynthesis, and then reduce the strength of the fertilizer solution to limit N w/o shorting your plants K.

Al

Ok so I purchased some PT. Question; I'm growing other veggies as well, so which of these would also benefit from the FP and the PT? Broccoli, sweet/hot peppers, cucumbers, carrots and strawberries. Thanks.

Damon

Think of ProTeKt in two ways. One is to add versatility to the fertilizers you have. Adding it to your fertilizer solution allows you to fertilize at low N rates w/o creating a K deficiency. E.g.: If you are fertilizing at low rates to reduce plant N usage, you're also fertilizing at low P and K rates. K is more likely to become deficient than P at reduced rates of either 3:1:2 or 1:1:1 formulations, so a K supplement can eliminate that concern.

Second, you can simply use it to supplement your favorite fertilizer for plants known to have an appetite for extra K (caladium, hibiscus, e.g.).

Al

Carrots likely would. The others wouldn't be hurt by it.

Pro-TeKt came today, is this stuff supposed to be clear? I was expecting some sort of colored liquid like the FP.

Damon

it's clear. BTW, there's a hydroponic supply shop off of the 7th or 10th street exit on Hwy 280 that sells Pro-Tekt and other Dyna-Gro stuff.

Yes, it's clear. Don't mix it with the FP in concentrated form or the CaNO3 will precipitate out of solution.

Al

It's clear and you also need very little so it is actually very economical. I just wish I had paid more attention when I used it to compare to times I didn't. It would be a great experiment to have a few untreated controls.

For years I have listened to various orchid lecturers extoll its virtue and that is why I decided to use on tomatoes. I wanted the numerous benefits of the SILICON in Pro-teKt on plant growth and disease resistence. (google silicon and plant growth). That and I read that potassium is particular important for flavor in tomatoes and our sandy soils are always deficient in potassium.

Plus if you are growing in soilless mixes you aren't getting silicon from soil or most fertilizers.

So what's not to like-its cheap and has silicon and potassium.

hazel- Howdy there neighbor. Actually I've been to Hahns lighting before and talked to the guys down there about tomatoes for an hour, lol, it was great. And no they do not unfortunetly sell the FP nor the Pro TeKt, but thats ok I found a vendor online that sells Dyna-Grow products for a fraction of what Hahns Lighting is selling the Dyna-Grow products they do have in stock.

Damon

oh bummer! They used to have it a few years back when I was growing a bunch of orchids. Glad I didn't waste a trip!