[Gareth J]

I have just read the article on the use of fertilizer and was wondering if anyone makes their own up instead of using growmore? A couple of questions popped to mind
1 is it any better than commercial options?
2 is it any cheaper?
3 where can I buy straight fertilizers in bulk (25 kg bags)

Thanks in advance for the worldly knowledge !                 

[Yorkie]

1. I'd have thought less reliable
2. Don't know
3. Your local lotty shop might sell it (we do, but York's a bit far ... !)

[Mark-S]

I have just read the article on the use of fertilizer and was wondering if anyone makes their own up instead of using growmore? A couple of questions popped to mind
1 is it any better than commercial options?
2 is it any cheaper?
3 where can I buy straight fertilizers in bulk (25 kg bags)

Thanks in advance for the worldly knowledge !                 

its much cheaper that way - its called blending.  The ratios of the nutrients applied and that they are applicable to the crop being grown are the important aspect, the brand name is not. As a professional i am happy to stand by that statement.

You could try your local Wynnstay or countrwide they may be able to help.

[Gareth J]

I like the fact that I can alter the mix to suit different plant needs by just using the 3 components in different quantities rather than having to buy different fertilizers

[solway cropper]

If you are buying straight fertilizers in 25kg bags I suspect you must be growing on a commercial scale. I make all my own compost and seaweed feed but only use about 3 or 4kg of bought fertilizer in a season and I manage to feed three people with fruit and veg.

[Gareth J]

no, I only have the one plot. my thoughts were that buying in larger quantities may provide an economy of scale (cheaper) and i dont think it has a shelf life so it should last indefinately

[Salmo]

One of your problems will be mixing things with different characteristics and keeping them evenly mixed without seperating. i.e. crystals/prills/granules/powders.

Rather than mix them you may be better to buy in bulk and apply them seperately. This would have the advantage that you could, for instance, apply phosphate and potash to the seedbed and delay nitrogen until later.

The cheapest way may be to apply growmore (equal amounts of N-P-K) and then apply extra nitrogen, phosphate, potash, magnesium, according to the needs of the crop.

If you have any farmer friends they might be willing to sell you a small quantity of what they use. The commercial stuff is a lot higher percentage nutrients than growmore and other garden centre products so you would have to work out application rates carefully.