What is a good source for iron?

[DWSmith]

What's a good source of iron for my vegetable bed?

Thanks,
Dan

[Bigmallly]

I know you can buy iron tablets as a supplement for humans but not sure if they are soluble.

[veggiechicken]

You can buy Chelated iron which is soluble in water.
Why do you need it?

[Greenleaves]

Perform a soil test; correct soil pH to 7.0 or lower.
In iron-deficient soils, add bone meal or blood meal organic amendments, or add iron sulfate or chelated iron liquid or granular inorganic amendments.
Quick fix: Apply chelated iron directly to soil or as a foliar spray.
Reduce soil pH to at least 7.0 which is considered neutral.
Long term: Improve the soil by adding 1-2 inches of compost in the spring every year.

[arpoet]

Train lines??????

[marchogaeth]

Is the soil iron deficient because it is alkaline? If so you need to tackle the pH like Greenleaves said, ie solve the cause of the problem don't just keep treating the symptoms.

[brownfingers]

Haematite.

[Bigmallly]

This may be what you are looking for Dan:

How Do I Add Iron to My Garden Soil? | Garden Guides

[Penellype]

As others have said, blood meal (or blood, fish and bone) will do the trick. Blood contains a red pigment, haemoglobin, which contains iron and is safe for growing veg.

[Bigmallly]

I personally think you are over analysing it Dan. I think a regular top up with manure or home made compost will right the soil. Maybe add some blood fish & bone.

[Penellype]

I agree with Bigmally - you are over-analysing. Most soils are not perfect but will grow healthy crops. You've identified that your soil has a problem with iron deficiency which affects growth, so correct the iron deficiency and see if that solves the problem. If it does, and things grow happily, there is no need to change anything else. You will need to keep adding the extra iron though as it will disappear over time.

you don't want to end up with a soil that is just a concoction of chemicals.

[Bigmallly]

You'll start to drive yourself crazy Dan, instead of enjoying your garden.

[Bigmallly]

Blueberry plants like to grow in acidic conditions. If memory serves me right, my Blueberry plants turned a vivid maroon colour after fruiting which was quite normal. Bone meal is high in phosphorous.

[Nicos]

Blueberry plants like to grow in acidic conditions. If memory serves me right, my Blueberry plants turned a vivid maroon colour after fruiting which was quite normal. Bone meal is high in phosphorous.

Same here BM...and we too have acidic soil.

[Nicos]

I've just found this and thought you might find it interesting DWS

Organic And Inorganic Minerals