How do I get a siphon mixer to work?

[caryliss]

or--what is the easiest way to fertilize a small greenhouse?

I have a 10'x22' greenhouse. I have been fertilizing by gallon jugs, but now that the orchid population is over 200 that is too time consuming.

I purchased a Hozon Siphon Mixer but I cannot get it to work properly. Even with a 15 foot hose and full water pressure with no leaks.

I would like something I can just attach to the garden hose that will deliver a reasonably predictable amount of fertilizer. Any suggestions?

[fotofashion]

Didn't it come with instructions? I believe the instructions that came with mine stipulate that the hose between the Hozon and the watering wand be no longer than 25'. My setup has a long hose between the faucet and the Hozon, then the Hozon, then the short hose and lastly a water wand that DOES NOT HAVE an adjustable nozzle. I put the fertilizer solution in a bucket and mix it well then drape the Hozon with its little takeup hose over the bucket with the end of the takeup hose in the fertilizer solution. I fasten the water wand to the end of the short hose and turn everything on full blast (important).
When I first tried to use the Hozon, I used the watering wand that has an adjustable head (you know, mist, full blast and other 6 or 7 different sprays) Did not work at all. HTH
Beverly A.

[stonedragonfarms]

A simpler method might be using either osmocote in your pots and just applying it at regular intervals (I set myself a reoccurring reminder on my google calendar which is synced to my iphone...it shoots me a reminder when to fertilize again) or investing in one of the "Miracle-Grow" type in-line fertilizer mixers...if you are using a dry fertilizer, just follow the directions on the side of the mixer. I seldom water with the hose, so I can not address your siphon issues; I have about half again as many plants in my greenhouse, but prefer to water pots individually...it let's me tailor fertilizer application to individual groups of plants as well as give each a basic health check every time I water them
Just my $.02,
Adam

[HighSeas]

I tried a siphon mixer. I had problems with the uptake too and never knew how accurate or inaccurate it was...so I invested in a Chemilizer. It's an investment of about $300.00 but for me well worth the savings of time AND knowing exactly what my plants are getting in terms of nutrition. I work and it was taking me SO long to water. Plus I got to that place where I didn't want any more plants because of the vast amount of time spent (especially in Florida during the summer) watering.

I've never looked back. It works flawlessly and has saved me countless hours. Now I can sit back and actually enjoy.