Can I store fertilzer after it's been mixed with water?

by Fred
(Exeter, N.H.)

I use soil, not hydro yet. I have Fox Farm fertilizers, Big Bloom and Tiger Bloom. The instructions give directions for a gallon mix. I would be lucky to use that in a week. Can I mix these products and store them at room temp. and should it have a lid on it. I have read somewhere that with organic products once mixed it should be used that day and not after. Is this true? Thank you very much, Fred

Answer: Fred- even though organic fertilizers recommend using them right away once mixed, I have never had a problem saving them for three or four days. Even at a week you are probably still fine. I have no doubt SOME degradation occurs as micro-organisms begin to feed on the seaweed and other organic material in the fertilizer....but if you are keeping it in a cool, dark location this will be kept to a minimum.

Light will cause algae to grow when both water and nutrients are present....and heat will cause micro-organisms to multiply very rapidly. Avoid both and you should be OK for short term storage. I always kept a lid on my extra nutrients, more to avoid spills than for any other reason.

If you become overly concerned about the nutrient solution quality, you could always try mixing it up a half gallon at a time (simply use HALF the fertilizer recommended in the directions). That will reduce the amount of time you have to store the extra nutrient solution.

If you were using freshly brewed compost tea, that would be a different story. Fresh brewed compost tea supports large populations of beneficial micro-organisms....this is one of the reasons it is so effective. If you try to store this type of fertilizer for several days, most of the beneficial micro-organisms are likely to die off (along with any benefit you would have gotten from using them).

I hope this helps you out Fred....Happy Growing!