Simple Fertilizer Dispenser

[Ray]

When I still had my greenhouse, I used a metering pump to feed fertilizer concentrate into my irrigation water. Now that I have a much smaller collection and use a pump-up sprayer to water my plants, I have found that using powdered fertilizer is a hassle. Fortunately, my packaging supplier carries self-measuring "Bettix" bottles.

A Bettix bottle has two chambers, a larger “holding tank” (to the left in the image above) and a smaller, graduated measuring or dispensing chamber on the right, connected to the holding tank by a molded-in tube going from the bottom of the larger chamber to the top of the smaller one. Operation is as follows:

• Add fertilizer powder to the holding tank.
• Add water to that tank and close both tops, shaking to dissolve the powder.
• Loosen or remove the cap from the dispenser side and squeeze the holding tank until the dispenser is filled to the appropriate level.
• Pour that concentrate into your fertilizer application jug, then replace the cap.

For example, I want to apply 100 ppm N using K-Lite to my plants weekly. From the label, I know that 100 ppm N requires 2.9g or 3/4 teaspoon of that fertilizer powder per gallon.

My Bettix bottle has a 67 ounce capacity – perfect to hold two quarts (64 ounces) of solution. I have decided to use 2 ounces of concentrate per gallon so that my concentrate doesn’t run into solubility issues, so I must add 2.9g to every 2 ounces of concentrate, or 2.9 x 32 = 92.8g (24 teaspoons) of powder to two quarts of water, giving me enough concentrate for 32 gallons of solution to be applied.

So now, I just have to shake the bottle, dispense the two ounces/gallon into my pump up sprayer, fill that with water and I’m good to go.

[WaterWitchin]

Which brings up a question from me... once a powder or liquid has been added to the water, some sort of idea how long it will last or stay stabilized? Not sure if that's the right terminology.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Not sure if that's the right terminology.

Good question WW. A shelf life or expiry date or best before.

And - does the solution need to be stored in a dark place.

[Ray]

Most fertilizer components are inorganic salts, so quite stable in solution. The only organic chemical would be the iron EDTA, and that is also very stable.

Anything with organic components should be mixed for one-time use.

[Orchidking]

It is safe practice to not share water between plants but if like me and other growers you do use this practice then we have used prepared water for up to a month with no ill effects.
Water generally becomes smelly if it is no longer fresh. Most people don't recommend sharing water. Full stop. But I know enough people who have never had issues do it for me to not waste my time unnecessarily.
So again if you want to be as good a grower as most think they are on here then never share water and make a fresh batch every 5 minutes for every plant - if you are doing it for the fun of growing then just reuse water for up to a month. Saves hassle but realize some people believe this to be highly risky.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Orchidking

then just reuse water for up to a month. Saves hassle but realize some people believe this to be highly risky.

I wouldn't say highly risky. I would just say risky, and not worth the risk. Anything to avoid orchid abuse or cruelty to orchids is good.

Also - your post is off-topic. The subject is simple fertilizer dispenser ----- not water sharing.

[WaterWitchin]

I thought we were talking about an easy way to do a liquid fertilizer concentrate. How did we get into sharing water? And reusing water?

And Orchidking "So again if you want to be as good a grower as most think they are on here then never share water and make a fresh batch every 5 minutes for every plant." I don't understand. Is that supposed to be funny or sarcasm? I do consider, think, and believe myself to be a decent grower, by the way. I would hope, if you're a decent grower, you share your expertise and knock off the petty remarks.