Have you heard people talking about high potash fertilisers and wondered whether this is a product you should buy? The name often causes some confusion and with so many different fertilisers out there, it is naturally to think there could be a gimmick.
But, you should know that high potash fertilisers can be very useful. In particular, some plants will thrive when it is given to the soil around them. Here is a guide to figure out whether this is a good idea.
What is a high Potash Fertiliser?
There are various fertilisers out there. It is easy to get confused with the different names you can buy. Therefore, it is important to first clarify what a high potash fertiliser is. This way, you can know exactly what you are purchasing and whether it is going to be the right product for your needs.
A high potash fertiliser is a product that contains potassium. Plants require three nutrients for growing and one of them is potassium. So, this is a product that aims to provide this nutrient and improve the soil. The name can confuse people, but it is a result of the historical product methods that were once used.
Note that some fertilisers might not be called a high potash product. Instead, they can be called a tomato fertiliser or rose fertiliser. Often, when you look at the label, they are high in potassium. Of course, the point is that they are designed for that type of plant. This is something to be aware of. We will cover how to use high potash fertilisers later on in this guide. Alternatively, you can check out the products that Dejex has on the link. This way, you can get a better idea of what you will be shopping for.
Should You Use a High Potash Fertiliser?
It does not matter whether you are growing plants as a hobby or as part of your business. You do not want to spend money unnecessarily. Naturally, you will be questioning whether you really need to use a high potash fertiliser or whether it is a product that is not vital. Well, many growers believe it can be highly beneficial. Let’s take a look at when you should consider using a high potash fertiliser.
Colour Changes to the Leaves
Most people are aware of what healthy leaves look like. They are a solid green colour and they simply look healthy as you would expect. But, if your plants are not getting enough potassium, they are not going to look like this. Instead, they will have tints or colour changes that become noticeable. For example, there can be yellow tints on the leaves, as well as purple spots. You might find that as things progress, the leaves start to brown at the edges. This is not something you want to see on your plant and it demonstrates they need this nutrient.
Poor Flowering
Have you noticed that what you are growing is not flowering like it should? Perhaps they are not fully coming out during the spring and summer like they are expected to. Alternatively, they do flower and they die away very quickly. This can be frustrating and you can spend all year looking forward to the flowering.
Note that the same will happen if you have a plant that develops fruit. Simply, they are not going to develop well or at all. This can be disappointing and you wonder what has gone wrong. Well, it might be that there is not enough potassium in the soil and you need to change this if you want to see an improvement.
You Have Sandy Soil
Note that the type of soil you have will affect how much potassium is available. For example, there are some soils that allow the nutrients to wash away easily. This can happen with sandy soils. So, it can mean that potassium is removed and plants do not have time to enjoy it. If this is the case, you might want to think about supplementing potassium.
Alternatively, you should choose another soil in the future. For instance, one that is renowned for holding potassium is clay soil. While there are downsides to this type, this is certainly one of the benefits. You need to think about what you are growing and weight up the options. It can also depend in the age of what you are growing and whether you would be able to move them or not.
How Do You Apply Potash?
You have decided that you need to buy a high potash fertiliser. But, you are unsure of how you should apply this product. Well, most products are going to inform you of how they should be used. They should include instructions. But, there are some useful tips.
Apply During Active Growth
There is no point in using fertilser when the plan is not actively growing. They are not going to be taking in nutrients from the soil. You will be wasting your time and money. Therefore, you should always wait until the active growing season for your plants. Usually, this is going to be spring and summer. If you are not sure when your plants are actively growing, you can easily research this online.
The Soil Should be Moist
Most of the time, the soil will have to be moist for the nutrients to be absorbed. This is something you should remember during application. In particular, the soil might be applied as a liquid, which can help. But, if you are using granules, you may need to apply water to the soil in order for them to be ‘activated.’
Know How Often
There are some potash fertilisers that should be applied often during the growing season. Then, there are others that are slow-releasing and you only have to use them once or twice during the summer. The key is knowing how often you have to apply the product. This way you can ensure you achieve the best results with your plants.