Hi all, it has been mentioned several times to use 20-20-20 fertilizer for the brugs (cut in half for babies). Where do you find this type of stuff, and does someone have a brand name? I tried Fred Meyers (a local have-it-all store) and they didn't have anything near that number. Or can you suggest a place that might have some like that? Thanks in advance.
Many people use Miracle Grow or Peter's. You should be able to find them at WalMart, Home Depot, Lowes or any Farm and Garden Center.
I had the best luck with Peter's 15-5-15 Cal/Mag which can be purchased online.
I use a soiless mix and found the phosphorus (middle number) builds up in the soil while the Nitrogen and Potassium (1st and 3rd #) washes out with watering.
It caused a calcium deficiency with the buildup of phosphorus and a big problem with curling leaves for the Brugs.
If you are using regular potting soil (with no added fertilizer) then 20-20-20 should work fine.
Selma, 20-20-20 is a very common fertilizer ratio. Maybe "Freddy's" hasn't brought in their Spring supply of garden products yet. If you want it right away, do try Lowe's or HD. If you're not in a rush, I'll bet there will be sales on it once all the garden centers get fully into the swing of Spring. I got a box (20# I think) 2 years ago at Costco. I'm now using 18-18-18 from a greenhouse supply company down in Sumner.
BTW, my cuttings I got in the fall were potted up in my own blend of potting soils, one of which (MG), had some fertilizer in it. I gave none of them any fertilizer over winter & watered infrequently. All are now next to windows & I'm seeing an awakening in them, so think I will give a light dose of fertilizer within the next few days. Me thinks they're ready for a little breakfast!
Patrick
Brug Moderator
USDA Zone 8b
Heat Zone 3
Sunset Zone 5
SeaTac, WA...one cool place
This message has been edited by Celtguy on Jan 30, 2007 1:25 AM
Just noticed yesterday that my "adults" are showing signs of being hungry, so I plan to start a mild feeding right away. Oh, what a good sign - Spring must be right around the corner (though I'll bet Shirley doesn't feel like it this morning). Just got a look at her temp at 3 degrees, and I am mighty glad that front is turning east before it gets to me.
Hi Carrie, what are "signs" of being hungry? I brought mine up from basement a month ago & they are growing leaves -- slow & small. Should I start a low dose of fert?
Also, is 10-10-10- about as good as 20-20-20?
Last year I gave them what I give my citrus -- 24-8-16 & they loved it. And sometimes early & late summer, MG tomato food -- 18-18-12.
Yes, Patty, I saw tiny new leaves beginning to form, and I will be able to move mine outside in about six weeks (she says hopefully). This has been an unusual winter for us, so I will just have to play by MN's rules. As for the strength of 10-10-10, I would think it would be fine, though not from experience.
I'm keeping in mind what Terry said about having the middle number lower than the other two, due to the build-up of phosphorus in the soil. My next fertilizer purchase will take that into account.
The subject of fertilizer...what strength, how much, how often comes up in the forum. There are lots of opinions on what brugs need and whether they can be overfertilized. How about someone going back thru the threads and bumping up a thread or two where this has been discussed? As we get ready to go into a new growing season, it's good material to review. Ultimately, we each have to make our own decision how we're going to fertilize.
One thing I really remember, however! Last year I saw a 'Mtn. Treasure' that looked hideous (nasty, streaked color & poorly formed corollas, almost without tendrils) & the owner hadn't had the plant long & didn't really know what it should look like. I had only seen pics on the computer, but knew it should look much prettier than that! I made some inquiries amongst our members and it was suggested she'd overfertized the plant. She flushed the soil thoroughly and withheld fertilzer for awhile. The brug responded well & went on to produce normal flowers. So, be skeptical when you hear people say "you can't overfertilize a brug"!
Patrick
Brug Moderator
USDA Zone 8b
Heat Zone 3
Sunset Zone 5
SeaTac, WA...one cool place
I mostly use Miraclo-Gro. The brugs seem to like it and it never burns them or makes them look weird. Though I've tried other stuff, MG just works for me.
Good point, Patrick, about being careful of over fertilizing. Guess we all have to experiment to decide what is best for our brugs in our area. Last summer mine would go 3-4 weeks without fertilizer and they didn't seem to suffer...the extreme heat and lack of water was more of an enemy to them.
LOL! If someone fertilizes every day, they will over fertilize. Every three days...no. However....it is important to use something like Terry mentioned. I have used it for a couple of years now and love it, but it's pretty expensive to have shipped in. I'll probably go with something I can get locally when I run out.
Does anyone use fish emulsion on their brugs? I'm sure it will help to "green" them up but not sure about the blooms because it's heaviest in nitrogen. I haven't used it for awhile and never on my brugs but thought I'd try it this spring.
Last summer mine would go 3-4 weeks without fertilizer and they didn't seem to suffer...the extreme heat and lack of water was more of an enemy to them.
I'm sure it will help to "green" them up but not sure about the blooms because it's heaviest in nitrogen. I haven't used it for awhile and never on my brugs but thought I'd try it this spring.