We deal with some common issues raised by our dirt-loving readers!

What exactly is “bat guano” and why did it burn the $@#! out of my plants?

Because you used too much of it! Duh! High nitrogen bat guano is composed of the fresh bat poop on the bottom of the cave. After the guano miner dudes mine all the fresh stuff they start to mine the hard floor which is the high phosphorus bat guano. The high phosphorus guano is fossilized high nitrogen guano. Guano which is rich in nitrogen contains a considerable amount of ammonia and ammonium nitrate.  This is what gives the nitrogen component to the fertilizer. The nitrogen is released freely whereas the phosphorus and potassium are slower to release. This is what burned your plants. High nitrogen bat guano should be applied between 1-3 pounds per cubic yard. A tablespoon or two per five gallon pot. Take it easy!

Can you add too much compost tea?

There is good biology and bad biology. You only waste money by over-applying good biology. That is, unless you disturb the natural balance of the soil. In all our years of using compost tea we have never seen a negative effect – unless you drown your plants in it!

Can certain soils be “too rich” for some plants?

Yes, soil is a natural “buffer” for your plants but don’t think it will prevent you from totally frying your plants with too much fertilizer! Many people have proved this fact. Most problems arise through misapplication. Growers read teaspoon as tablespoon. Or guess that they put in 10 mills a liter instead of measuring it. Or they feed, feed, feed, feed, over and over again with no run off from the bottom of their pots. Or simply their pH is off. All these things are really common. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t be afraid to call them up if you have question.

What’s best for fast growing veg? Pre-mixed products or a DIY mix?

Difficult question! In either case you should use a proper balanced soil. It needs good drainage, and rich with no more than 30% good quality compost: try to use 10-15 %.  For most growers (especially beginners) it’s better to buy a good quality soil than to try and make one up – but experienced growers sometimes enjoy the challenge or have a good recipe.

Do you have a tried and tested soil recipe?

The following recipes are great because they are so simple and very effective for growing heavy-feeding, sun-loving plants that enjoy lots of aeration around the roots.

Recipe 1
2 parts coco
2 parts peat
1 part earthworm castings
1 part perlite

Recipe 2
2 parts Sunshine no 4
½ part earthworm castings

Got an organic mix of your own you want to share with us? Tell us about it!