Mixing liquid fertilizer can be time-consuming, so I’d like to share with you a way that I have found to get more done in less time. In this video, I’ll show you how to use liquid fertilizer more efficiently.
As an organic gardener, I don’t have to fertilize much because I use a lot of compost, and the compost provides most of the nutrients my plants need. Still, I do like to come in periodically and add some supplemental fertilization.
My fertilizer of choice is usually liquid fish fertilizer. For years, the way that I mixed a batch was to add fertilizer and water to my watering can, one canful at a time. Out of each batch, I’d usually have enough to fertilize one bed. With all the beds that I have in my garden, this meant mixing a lot of batches. But I’ve since come up with a time-saver.
Mixing multiple small batches of liquid fertilizer is time-consuming. I’ve found a more efficient way.
Instead of diluting enough fertilizer to make one batch at a time, I use a large TubTrug to make 8 gallons at a time. I mix the liquid fertilizer with water at the same ratio I would use when making a small batch. Then, I dip my watering can into the tub to fill it up quickly. I can refill the can this way multiple times. When there is just a little liquid left in the tub, I can pick the flexible tub up and pour it into the watering can without spilling any.
I make one large batch of liquid fertilizer, then dip my watering can into the tub to fill it up quickly. I can refill the can this way multiple times.
TubTrugs have lines drawn on the inside that show you how many quarts or gallons it is holding. To make it even easier to see my target, I mark the 8-gallon line with a Sharpie.
TubTrugs have lines drawn on the inside that show you how many quarts or gallons it is holding. To make it even easier to see my target, I mark the 8-gallon line with a Sharpie.
When I’m not using my TubTrug to mix fertilizer, it has so many other uses, from carrying soil and compost to a container for your harvest. I’m sure you’ll also find it very handy to have in the garden.
TugTrugs have all sorts of uses around the garden. When I’m not using mine to mix liquid fertilizer, they come in handy for carting compost, soil, vegetative waste and more.
What solutions do you have to save time fertilizing in the garden? Let us know in the comments below.
Links & Resources
Some product links in this guide are affiliate links. See full disclosure below.
Episode 046: Organizing Your Gardening Life
Episode 063: Garden Fertilizer Basics: What to Know Before You Grow
Episode 109: Garden Safety: When Shortcuts Have Consequences
Episode 210: Non-Negotiables for Summer Success in the Garden
joegardener blog: The Numbers on Fertilizer Labels, What They Mean
joegardener Online Gardening Academy™: Popular courses on gardening fundamentals; managing pests, diseases & weeds; seed starting and more.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Beginning Gardener Fundamentals: Essential principles to know to create a thriving garden.
joegardener Online Gardening Academy Growing Epic Tomatoes: Tomato expert Craig LeHoullier joins me in leading this course on how to grow healthier, productive tomato plants and how to overcome tomato-growing challenges.
Corona® Tools – Video sponsor and Brand Partner of joegardener.com
Disclosure: Some product links in this guide are affiliate links, which means we would get a commission if you purchase. However, none of the prices of these resources have been increased to compensate us. None of the items included in this list have any bearing on any compensation being an influencing factor on their inclusion here. The selection of all items featured in this post and podcast were based solely on merit and in no way influenced by any affiliate or financial incentive, or contractual relationship. At the time of this writing, Joe Lamp’l has professional relationships with the following companies who may have products included in this post and podcast: Rain Bird, Corona Tools, Milorganite, Soil3, Exmark, Greenhouse Megastore, High Mowing Organic Seeds, Territorial Seed Company, Wild Alaskan Seafood Box and TerraThrive. These companies are either Brand Partners of joegardener.com and/or advertise on our website. However, we receive no additional compensation from the sales or promotion of their product through this guide. The inclusion of any products mentioned within this post is entirely independent and exclusive of any relationship.
