Continuing the discussion from What do you use for fertilizer? Do you have any brands or recipes?:
After mixing this recipe you gain about 33% volume with a 2cu ft bag soil. It filled 5, 3 gallon grow bags. Good starter if moving towards living soil,
Organic Soil Amendments by Category
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Worm Castings: An essential amendment that provides a slow-release source of nitrogen and introduces beneficial bacteria.
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Kelp Meal: Excellent for potassium and micronutrients, promoting microbial diversity.
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Bat Guano: High in nitrogen and phosphorus, ideal for sustained plant growth and blooming.
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Bone Meal: A slow-release source of phosphorus, which is crucial for root development and flowering.
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Dolomite Lime: A must-have for raising soil pH to the optimal 6.0–7.0 range while adding calcium and magnesium.
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Mycorrhizal Inoculant: Increases root surface area, enabling better nutrient and water absorption.
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For 2 cubic feet of soil, add approximately 10 to 20 quarts (2.5 to 5 gallons) of worm castings, which equates to roughly 15-20% by volume. For high-nutrient potting mixes, a ratio of 1 part castings to 4 or 5 parts soil (20-25% range) is recommended. For, example, 15% of 2 cu ft is 0.3 cu ft, which is about 9.4 quarts or roughly 2.3 gallons.
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For 2 cubic feet of soil, apply 1/2 cup to 1 cup of kelp meal, as the general recommendation is 1/4 to 1/2 cup per cubic foot. This provides necessary trace minerals and growth stimulants without exceeding recommended nutrient levels. Thoroughly mix the meal into the soil blend.
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For 2 cubic feet of soil, a standard, safe application of high-quality bat guano (such as 7-3-1 or 9-3-1 NPK) for new potting mix or raised beds is approximately 1 to 2 cups (roughly 0.5 to 1 lb). For a more potent, nutrient-rich “super soil” mix, up to 2.5 lbs (roughly 5 cups) can be used.
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For 2 cubic feet of potting soil, mix in 1 cup of bone meal. This provides a steady, slow-release source of phosphorus and calcium for root development and blooms. Ensure it is thoroughly incorporated into the mix to prevent odor and avoid attracting pests.
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For 2 cubic feet of soil, the generally recommended amount of dolomite lime is 1 to 2 cups (roughly 0.5 to 1 lb). This amount helps stabilize soil pH (raise it) and provides essential calcium and magnesium, particularly when working with acidic ingredients like peat moss or for container gardens.
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For 2 cubic feet of soil, the recommended amount of granular mycorrhizal inoculant generally ranges from 4 to 10 tablespoons (roughly 1/4 to 1/2 cup), depending on the concentration of the product.
Good - mostly organic - go to for nutrients. Also shown Epsom Salt for plants. Adds Magnesium and Sulphur. Follow the Feed Schedule and the end result is big yields. Mostly organic no need to follow the scientists.
Spendy - Mostly use for NPK adjustment. Produces very healthy plants. A lot of work measuring nutrients in a twelve-plant garden. This also has an easy to follow feeding schedule that can be adjusted to plant needs.
