Hanging basket feed?

[cal]

Hi everyone

I've just ordered an "easy fill" hanging basket and intend to fill it with Fuchsia and Jack's Magic compost.

What would be the best way to keep them fed? Should I use a liquid feed or something like fish blood & bone?

Thanks

[Alison]

You can add feed to the compost when you first put it in (I'm not familliar with Jack's Magic so don't know what it contains) but that will only last a few weeks and then you'll need to feed again. I find that liquid feeds are easiest then as you can add them at the same time as watering (which you'll have to do a lot if we get a half decent summer )

[Potstubsdustbins]

I used Jacks Magic for the first time this year. It contains enough nutrients for about 6 to 8 weeks after that you would need to feed.

[Two_Sheds]

Should I use a liquid feed or something like fish blood & bone?

they are slightly different things, one being an instant feed and the other a gradual feed.

Plants can't eat granules, they have to have their food dissolved in water, which is why the BFB is "slow release" ~ it has to turn into particles small enough that the roots can take it up.

If you are forgetful about feeding, then go for the BFB ~ it lasts about 6 weeks, give or take.

There are also slow release feeds in a kind of tablet too, but they'll be more expensive.




I make my own feed (comfrey, seaweed & snail tea) but can only use it when I'm going out

[cal]

Thanks everyone, my other half picked up some liquid feed today so I'm going to use that. Fingers crossed I get an awesome basket this year!

[andy_j]

If you still have time, get some Osmocote into the compost....a controlled release fertilizer pellet. Then, from around the beginning of August, start liquid feeding every week.....Fuchsias are very hungry plants !!!