Instructions: Fertilizing

Fertilizing the Easy Way

Dark green leaves indicate a plant has the nutrients it needs. Yellowing leaves, or leaves turning a lighter color of green (especially with darker veins) show a nutrient deficiency. The normal fertilizer rate is 1 ounce Gro-System fertilizer to 1 gallon water.

16” Round Pot – 2 Gal.
4′ Oval Pot – 7 Gal.
Tomato on the Go kit – 2 1/2 Gal.
4’x4′ Raised Bed – 50 Gal.

In the Gro-System, the easiest way to fertilize is to pour fertilizer directly down the fill tube, then immediately fill the reservoir with water. Water agitation will mix fertilizer and water as the reservoir fills. This prevents having to mix water and fertilizer in a separate container. *Note: When watering only from the top, mix fertilizer with water first.

Warning: Never mix fertilizer at a rate stronger than 1 or 1 ½ ounces per gallon of water because high levels of salt in strong fertilizer concentrations can chemically burn plants. If it is apparent that plants need more fertilizer, apply fertilizer more often (1 – 2 days earlier), but Do Not strengthen the fertilizer concentration.

Fertilizing Flowers

Fertilize flowers about once every 3rd watering. In other words, water clear 2 times (allowing the reservoir level to drop between waterings), then add fertilize just before the 3rd watering. At the start of the season, this usually puts fertilizing about once every 7 – 10 days. When plants are large enough to take up all the water each day, it is best to increase fertilizing to once every 5 – 7 days. To avoid disturbing larger plant growth around the fill tube, use a funnel with a short, flexible tube attached to the narrow end. Do not fertilize with every watering.

Fertilizing Vegetables

Fertilize vegetables once every 2 – 3 weeks. Vegetables require the most fertilizer at the beginning of the season in order to quickly develop green, leafy growth. As they begin producing fruits, however, fertilize less often so plants focus energy on fruit production instead of leaf production. To avoid disturbing larger plant growth around the fill tube, use a funnel with a short, flexible tube attached to the narrow end. Do not fertilize with every watering.

Non Gro-System Applications

To fertilize plants in regular pots or in the ground, simply mix 1 ounce fertilizer to 1 gallon water. Follow frequency directions above, but increase if needed. Plants in the ground usually require less fertilizer than in pots.