High phosphorous fertilizer?

[deltz]

Im growing marrows/pumpkins and they are planted out with about 5 leaves now. I want to start using fertilizer and the one I have is the BandQ one which is 6-2-4 or similar which is high in nitrogen and im guessing thats more for herbs?

Can anyone recommend a good phosphorous fertilizer? And also a high potassium feed for when the fruits begin?

Many Thanks!

[Two_Sheds]

you want hi-potash: something like tomato feed or comfrey tea. Only feed once the plants start to flower though, or you'll get lush foliage at the expense of fruits

[Shadylane]

Bonemeal is high in phosphorous isn't it, which is for roots? But like the Sheds said - you want potash really not a root builder.

[deltz]

So I use potassium feed after plants have begun, what do I use before?

[Ruud]

Chempak no 8 has N.P.K. 12.5 - 25-25

and no4 for 30 potassium

[solway cropper]

If they are planted in soil you shouldn't need anything till the first fruits start to form. If in containers of MPC you'd probably need to start feeding once they get established and are growing strong.

[Snadger]

If you want phosphate......this is the stuff!

Superphosphate



Superphosphate is a fertilizer type that most gardeners are familiar with. As a fertilizer type one can get superphosphate in three different grades, depending on the manufacturing process. The following is a short description of the different superphosphate fertilizer grades:

• Single superphosphate containing 16 to 20% phosphoric acid;
• Dicalcium phosphate containing 35 to 38% phosphoric acid; and
• Triple superphosphate containing 44 to 49% phosphoric acid.

Triple superphosphate is used mostly in the manufacture of concentrated mixed fertilizer types.

The greatest advantage to be had of using Superphosphate as a fertilizer is that the phosphoric acid is fully water soluble, but when Superphosphate is applied to the soil, it is converted into soluble phosphate. This is due to precipitation as calcium, iron or aluminum phosphate, which is dependent on the soil type to which the fertilizer is added, be it alkaline or acidic garden soil. All garden soil types can benefit from the application of Superphosphate as a fertilizer. Used in conjunction with an organic fertilizer, it should be applied at sowing or transplant time.



Types of fertilizer

[deltz]

Thanks alot for that, so do you recommend I use Superphosphate untill the fruits from then straight to the tomato feed ?

[Two_Sheds]

You don't need to feed your plants (unless in containers for a long time). Feed your soil (with garden compost) and save your money to spend on decent seed.

I have never used superphosphate or the likes in my life (just a dash of comfrey tea or BFB when I remember), and my veg are healthy enough: crown prince on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[Snadger]

Thanks alot for that, so do you recommend I use Superphosphate untill the fruits from then straight to the tomato feed ?

I would think that if you do a soil analysis, you will probably find you already have ample phosphate in it? It isn't as 'leachable' as Nitrogen or Potassium. If you do as Two Sheds suggests (and like wot I do!) and feed the soil regualrily with manures you should have ample phosphate.
If using superphosphate its usually applied as a topdressing in the autumn I believe!

[Shadylane]

Agree with above. If they're in the gound there's no need for phosphate. Don't think I fed mine last year - I meant to (with tomato feed) but never got round to it. Didn't do pumpkins but the courgettes would not stop coming. Buttercup squash did ok too. You deffo don't need phosphate, tom feed or comfrey tea is optional.