Fertilizing Container Veggies

10 years ago

Hi all! My students and I are slowly preparing to transplant some seedlings into larger containers for the growing season. We are also doing an in-ground vegetable bed. I'm not sure if this is the right place, but since it's mostly related to container vegetables, I'm hoping it is.

Two years ago we used Jobe's AP fertilizer when we transplanted seedlings into the ground and then used Foliage Pro for regular feeding.

What I'm trying to decide now is what the method course for fertilizing the container plants will be. They will grow tomatoes, cukes, beans, corn, peppers, spinach/lettuce, onions, and a few herbs in containers. They all selected a specific plant (such as Pink Bananas) to germinate and grow as part of a research project.

Should I stick with the Foliage Pro? should I add something in addition? Should I get a different fertilizer?

Any advice is greatly appreciated :)

thanks!!!

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Comments (4)

calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
10 years ago
Just for clarification these are containers not connected with the ground?
nmrcons
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes, I'm going to attempt a 5-1-1 mix for the containers.
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MrClint
10 years ago
In my locale, veggies are so much easier in EarthBoxes. They can't be beat for students, entry level gardeners, and busy folks. I'm able to grow tomatoes and other veg year round here. EBs can be wheeled around to hotspots in Winter and cooler spots in Summer. You didn't ask about EBs, but I thought I'd offer them up as a suggestion it it isn't too late for you.

Otherwise, I grow blueberries, flowers and herbs in regular containers, and everything gets fertilized with Dr Earth organic blends. If you or anyone else here isn't accepting of organic principles (for whatever reason), that's OK, I'm not trying to talk anyone into it. And I have no interest in arguing. Just offering what works best for me. :)

Here's some EB 'Ambrosia' melon vines from last Summer fertilized with Dr Earth:A juicy melon sliced:

Here's some flowers, herbs, and pomegranate cuttings in regular containers fertilized with Dr Earth:
jbclem
10 years ago
I like the concept of fertilizing more often with smaller amounts, which is more in tune with the way plants take up nutrients. Foliage Pro is great stuff, but a little too expensive for my many container plants and fruit trees. Using it(for a while) got me into the habit of fertilizing more often...I usually use Miracle Gro soluble(with some added epsom salts for magnesium) and I've been using it at 1/3-1/2 strength (1 tbsp in 2.5gal water) once a month. Some people use very diluted Foliage Pro every time they water, although in hot weather that would mean every day for containers.

The Earth Box idea is a good one, it would be a great student DIY project to make one. There are plenty of instructions online. Having a water reservoir beneath the soil can really work well...I started making wicking containers(similar concept) last fall and had super results from late planted tomatoes.