How long does the fertilizer starter charge last and does it have trace elements?
Like most commercially prepared growing mixes, Fafard mixes are formulated with an N-P-K plus trace-elements starter fertilizer. This fertilizer is water soluble, not granular, and is sprayed onto the mix during the mixing process. This spray application assures uniform coverage. The starter charge is not intended to be a long-term fertility source. Instead, it is used to provide nutritional balance at planting. Being water soluble, this starter fertilizer has limited longevity because it is easily leached from the mix. Watering in with a large volume of water can easily leach most of the fertilizer from the mix. Even with lighter watering, most of the fertilizer can be leached after two or three irrigations. During the initial watering, use care to apply the same volume of water to each container. Failure to do so can result in uneven leaching of the starter charge and subsequent nonuniformity of initial growth. While the starter charge contains small amounts of iron, manganese, coppe
