Re: CULT: Fertilizer
- Subject: Re: [iris-talk] CULT: Fertilizer
- From: B* S*
- Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 10:31:06 -0400
TB irises are not "heavy feeders" in the sense that they do not require a
great amount of nitrogen, which is what that usually means. Phosphate is
the major required nutrient and is usually in good supply in most soils.
Your best bet is to have a soil test done through your local extension
agent.
While some people prefer to fertilize, many successful iris growers do not.
They prefer to rely on building a healthy, living soil, usually through
compost, and letting soil microorganisms supply the needs of the irises.
In my experience, the most successful fertilizer formulations have about
twice the phosphate as they do nitrogen or potash (in other words, something
like 5-10-5, rather than 10-10-10).
Some time ago, Christy Pearson described on this list a fertilizer mixture
that was extraordinarily successful in their southern California garden.
The formula can be altered to meet various needs. There was also extensive
discussion of the use of alfalfa pellets, but this talk has died out of
late.
There is no substitute for good soil preparation and for maintaining soil
organisms. Overfeeding, especially with nitrogen, leads to soft, weak
growth that is susceptable to disease. Bearded irises should be
transplanted to fresh, or at least reconstituted (add more compost!) soil
every 3-5 years. The best growth results in soil that has not grown irises
previously, or for several years.
I would suggest that you consult local irisarians to learn what works for
them. Recommendations from people like me--who live far away--may not be
the best for you.
Bill Shear
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