Mittleider Gardening and Variants

[sio2rocks]

I have noticed several people on this site have referenced this method of gardening and several variations that have worked. I am curious to hear more about individuals' experiences trying this method. I found this video detailing the construction of telegraph style trellises: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFwKC...JViw&index=149
They are similar to ones suggested in the Mittleider gardening book for anyone interested. Specifically I am curious about the fertilizer regimens and how effective they are in the long term.

Colin

[kevn357]

Originally Posted by sio2rocks

I have noticed several people on this site have referenced this method of gardening and several variations that have worked. I am curious to hear more about individuals' experiences trying this method. I found this video detailing the construction of telegraph style trellises: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFwKC...JViw&index=149
They are similar to ones suggested in the Mittleider gardening book for anyone interested. Specifically I am curious about the fertilizer regimens and how effective they are in the long term.

Colin

Same here. Are the 'micronutrients' used really beneficial? Here is the ratio for their micronutrients.

They really want you to buy their own packs though which is kind of turning me off from this.

[b54red]

I tried a variation on their method with some of my fall tomatoes last year. Instead of working in the dry mix I used Miracle Grow, Kelp and Seaweed, Fish Fertilizer, humic acid and Molasses and chelated iron all applied with a hose end sprayer. I tried to do this every 7 to 10 days and I must say the results were very good. I alternated the application of some of the fertilizers so I didn't put too much of one thing down too often. I used a more dilute solution than if I were giving them a monthly boost but still more fertilizer than I would ordinarily apply. The plants didn't get a whole lot bigger but the health of the plants did seem better than on my fall tomatoes and production was much better than usual with larger than normal fruit for that time of year. I am going to try this on some of my spring plants this year and compare to the usual fertilized plants. I worry that this might be too much fertilizer in the fast growing spring plants and I might get just too much foliage growth resulting in too much pruning work. During the hot dry weather of late summer and fall I always give my plants a little extra but never that often til last year.

The Miracle Grow and other fertilizers I used have a fair amount of trace elements but I may order the Mittleider micro nutrients and see if they make a significant difference. I have been gardening in the same spot for many years and I'm sure some of my trace elements are a bit scarce by now.

Bill

[amideutch]

Check out the link below. I think you will find some interesting products. I've dealt with him before and purchased his products as well. A+ service to go along with A+ products. If you got a question about his products shoot him an e-mail and he will be more than happy to answer your questions. Ami

http://www.tandjenterprises.com/

[sio2rocks]

Thanks for the link Ami. Several of their products look interesting. I might have to try a few.

[sio2rocks]

I just ordered a sampler pack of yucca extract, biovam mycorrhizae, and the Planters II micronutrients from T&J. I ordered the Mittleider micronutrient blend a few days ago but may regret that because the Planters II mix is much cheaper $10 for 10 lbs. I will compare the two methods in a side by side comparison on tomato plants.

[tsipgolf12]

Originally Posted by sio2rocks

I just ordered a sampler pack of yucca extract, biovam mycorrhizae, and the Planters II micronutrients from T&J. I ordered the Mittleider micronutrient blend a few days ago but may regret that because the Planters II mix is much cheaper $10 for 10 lbs. I will compare the two methods in a side by side comparison on tomato plants.

I started using the mittleider micronutrient blend March4 when I put my seedlings into the greenhouse along with the calcium nitrate that Carolyn Phillips uses in her system with
the mittleider micronutirents. To early to tell much although they look good. I too am considering the planters II micronutrients and the biovam mychorrizae for the garden later this spring. The brix information at the site was new to me and certainly eye opening.

[sio2rocks]

Originally Posted by tsipgolf12

I started using the mittleider micronutrient blend March4 when I put my seedlings into the greenhouse along with the calcium nitrate that Carolyn Phillips uses in her system with
the mittleider micronutirents. To early to tell much although they look good. I too am considering the planters II micronutrients and the biovam mychorrizae for the garden later this spring. The brix information at the site was new to me and certainly eye opening.

Where did you get your calcium nitrate if I may ask. I have had issues finding it for a reasonable price from a respected reseller. I don't really want to buy it from ebay as I don't trust most sellers there.
P.S. got my Mittleider magic micronutrient blend today in the mail (Thurs->Monday shipping...Fast). Will blend my pre-plant mix and weekly-mix later this week. Should get my T&J by the end of the week.

Colin

[amideutch]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...te%2Caps%2C312

[tsipgolf12]

Originally Posted by sio2rocks

Where did you get your calcium nitrate if I may ask. I have had issues finding it for a reasonable price from a respected reseller. I don't really want to buy it from ebay as I don't trust most sellers there.
P.S. got my Mittleider magic micronutrient blend today in the mail (Thurs->Monday shipping...Fast). Will blend my pre-plant mix and weekly-mix later this week. Should get my T&J by the end of the week.

Colin

I got a 50lb bag of greenhouse grade at a local agri supply Southern States for around $19..can not recall the exact amount. The attached link is a pdf with product analysis which can probably be locally sourced. Cheapest source that I found. Probably a 10 year supply for me.

RWG

http://www.canitratedirect.com/Calcinit%20PDS.pdf

[b54red]

RWG you better keep it in an air conditioned environment as it will solidify into an unusable brick if humidity gets to it. That is one great price. I wish I could find it around here.

[tsipgolf12]

Originally Posted by b54red

RWG you better keep it in an air conditioned environment as it will solidify into an unusable brick if humidity gets to it. That is one great price. I wish I could find it around here.

I found it at Southern States..When I checked for calcium nitrate on their website they showed no such product...I stopped by their store and asked for calcium nitrate and they said they did not have calcium nitrate...then the manager checked their listed inventory and found the greenhouse grade Calcinit product. You might call them if there is a store near you and see if they have this product http://www.canitratedirect.com/Calcinit%20PDS.pdf..failing that what companies supply greenhouse growers in your area...that might be a source near you. Maybe I should divide up the 50 lb bag into smaller amounts and put them into ziplock bags so at least I had something I could handle better than a 50lb block. Thanks for the heads up on avoiding the block problem.

RWG

[b54red]

There are 4 stores within 35 miles of me so I will give them a call. Thanks for the info.

Bill

[frugalhomestea]

Have you tried your variation of the mittleider method with liquid fertilizers again? How did it go? I am trying the granules this season, but I think I would prefer liquid fertilizing. Thanks, Eric

[tjinpgh]

Originally Posted by sio2rocks

I just ordered a sampler pack of yucca extract, biovam mycorrhizae, and the Planters II micronutrients from T&J. I ordered the Mittleider micronutrient blend a few days ago but may regret that because the Planters II mix is much cheaper $10 for 10 lbs. I will compare the two methods in a side by side comparison on tomato plants.

Forgive me for reviving an old thread but, did you ever do the comparison on this? If so, how did the plants you used the Planters II on compare to the Mittleider Magic Micro Mix?