Going organic-ish without large expense

Steve Magruder · April 24, 2013

I got a soil test back that says my soil pH is fine but I need 2-3 lbs. N, 1-2 lbs. P and 1-2 lbs. K per 1,000 sq. ft. 20 lbs. of 10-10-10 were recommended but I'd like to consider organic substitutes if they are not too expensive.

I am thinking of using Steer Manure Blend from Home Depot to amend the soil, but I'm unsure of how much to use. In place of using 20 lbs of synthetic 10-10-10, how much of the SMB should I use?

Also, I need to figure out how to fertilize as I transplant the tomato plants and what to add at later times, all organically if possible.

Thanks in advance for suggestions. I'm new to organic practices and would like to start at the simplest, least expensive end of the scale for now.

April 24, 2013	#1
Steve Magruder Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2012 Location: Louisville, Kentucky (Zone 6B) Posts: 89	Going organic-ish without large expense I got a soil test back that says my soil pH is fine but I need 2-3 lbs. N, 1-2 lbs. P and 1-2 lbs. K per 1,000 sq. ft. 20 lbs. of 10-10-10 were recommended but I'd like to consider organic substitutes if they are not too expensive. I am thinking of using Steer Manure Blend from Home Depot to amend the soil, but I'm unsure of how much to use. In place of using 20 lbs of synthetic 10-10-10, how much of the SMB should I use? Also, I need to figure out how to fertilize as I transplant the tomato plants and what to add at later times, all organically if possible. Thanks in advance for suggestions. I'm new to organic practices and would like to start at the simplest, least expensive end of the scale for now. Last edited by Steve Magruder; April 24, 2013 at 08:58 PM.