Question
i am growing some flowers...and i recently tested my soil and it said i have a low nitrogen and a low potash and i was wondering what should i do to get my soild to a good lvl of potash...and how should i get my nitrogen up...like i have just started using mirclegrow on my plants...and right before i transplanted the plant i put a plant feed that said i would not have to worrie about feeding the pland for up to 180 days... but can u give me some advice and how to better manage my soil.

Answer
Plant feeds which states that it is good for 180 days are usually coated fertilizer pellets which release slowly over 6 months. There is no reason to add any more fertilizer.

The fertilizer will likely have 3 numbers, such as 14-14-16, 14-14-14, 10-10-10, etc (all fertilizers do). Check the 180-day fertilizer you purchased. The last number of the 3 indicates potasssium (potash). If your soil is deficient in potash, this fertilizer will likely be enough.

Your miracle grow fertilizer also have good amount of potash (15-30-15). E.g. 15% is potash (the 3rd number). The numbers are: nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (N-P-K) always in that order.

I would discountinue miracle grow for the moment due to the slow release (180 day) fertilizer you have applied. Only fertilize if plants turn light green and/or flowering cease.

If you are concerned about potash in the soil, you can use a 5-10-10 or 10-16-18, etc fertilizer i/o miracle grow (15-30-15) which contain relativley more potash, however, my guess is that your soil is fine now that you have added fertilizer.

E.g.
- you have already fertilized with slow release fertilizer (180 days) so stop miracle grow fertilizer right now
- potash is included in the fertilizer, and you should not have to worry about this.
- by early fall, you can start miracle grow fertilizer again.