Growing in pots

[fisting_mayfield]

I have a few varieties of chili kicking around the sunny patches in my yard... all in pots.
I'm currently renting, so I have to make my chili stash portable in case of the inevitable... I get EVICTED

Now obviously I'm not having the same results as if my plants were in the soil. However, I was wondering if anyone here could share their wisdom on how to get my plants to flourish?

Cheers!

[DevilDuck]

I hate to say this, but if you do a search, there are several good threads on this subject.

[fisting_mayfield]

thanks duck...

I kinda jumped the gun a bit...

You're right there is plenty there

lol

[chilliman64]

* don't over fertilise
* don't over water
* don't underwater
* do try to use some compost in the pots
* check the dryness of the soil daily by poking your finger in to about the 2nd knuckle - if it comes out dry, water the plant
* make sure they get plenty of sun
* use mulch
* do regular snail hunts, use baits if you can
* try to water in the mornings if you can (this helps prevent bacterial issues by having wet plants at night)
* don't use too much nitrogen

[fisting_mayfield]

Chilliman you Legend!!!

Thats the simple, concise tips i was after!

Now what is the best fertilizer? I'm assuming that something that dosent have a high nitrogen level.

I'm using miraclegrow atm, but methinks this isnt the best.

Would a fish emulsion be better? or is there a commercially available fertilizer that is best for chillies?

-Laurence

[imaguitargod]

Plants love Superthrive! (http://www.superthrive.com/gallon.html)

[DevilDuck]

I used to use MG, but I quickly found out that my "soil" (mostly sand that I've beefed up a bit) has a high salt content....and so does MG. My plants didn't like that too much.

So, I went to a local nursery and they told me about this stuff called microrhizae (sp?). It's a dry enzyme that you blend in with your soil and it really helps with root growth. I saw an immediate (24 hours) turnaround in my plants. It's pretty expensive, but well worth the cost if you're looking into some really healthy and productive plants.

[macmanmatty]

as for ferts I used biobizz grow and bloom the past two years and have had nothing but great results. Fatalii uses it and look at his plants :mouthonfire: http://fatalii.net/fatalii/?u=g&c=search&word=biobizz. Best of all it's organic, only needs to be used once a week or less. and costs about the same as miracle grow depending on where you get it.

[fisting_mayfield]

Thanks for the suggestions, but i'm not sure on the suggested brands of fertilizer's availability in Australia.
I can see that biobizz have a warehouse/factory in Western Australia, however i'm not sure if their products are available on the east coast...
I'll take a trip to my local nursery to find out!

[chilliman64]

FM - go to Bunnings and get some Phostrogen (in an orange box) - it is a powdered tomato fertiliser, as chillies and tomatoes (and eggplants among others) are closely related, they seem to enjoy the same/similar ferts and nutrients. I used Phostrogen last year and had good results. you can try using diluted Seasol on a regular basis also.

I use a weak Nitrosol solution until buds are appearing then switch to the Phostrogen - 1ts in a 9 litre bucket then fill with water. The Seasol I use fortnightly. Just remember it is better to use less than the manufacturers recommended dosage than more - especially when growing in containers.

many will steer you clear of MiracleGro. it has been described to me like giving a kid some sugar for energy instead of something healthy, also it accumulates in the pot. (see Pam, I have been listening to you!)

after all that, a lot of growers don't fertilise at all, preferring to rely on compost matter, soil and water and still get excellent results. me, I like to help it along a little bit, especially when I start my season late and have no intention of overwintering my plants or reusing the soil next season.

[fisting_mayfield]

Thanks again chilliman.

I'll duck down to bunnings when i vote howard out later on today

[bentalphanerd]

Thanks again chilliman.

I'll duck down to bunnings when i vote howard out later on today

Don't forget to get out there & vote today Aussies. Unless your keen to throw them another $50.

-Enough said - No Politics in THP :!: