Potash is one of the "Big 3" nutrients that make up most commercial fertilizers and is also referred to as a variety of compounds.It's important for your plants to have a good amount of Potassium to fight disease and grow strong roots.It can make your plants more resistant to the elements.The best way to tell if your plants benefit from potash is to get a soil sample for testing.The test results and the specific needs of your plants are what will determine whether or not to apply a potashfertilizer.
Step 1: Check the leaf edges for signs of a deficiency.
The edges of leaves near the bottom of the plant will turn yellow or brown if there is a deficiency of potassium.The leaves higher up on the plant will be affected over time.If you notice any of the symptoms in your plants, you should get your soil tested for a deficiency.There are white or yellow spots on the edges of older leaves in alfalfa plants.Potato plants can be hard to grow in the summer.The leaves are turning brown and the vines will eventually die back.
Step 2: You can send a soil sample for testing.
If you need to add potash to your soil, you should get a soil test.Use a trowel, spade, or soil probe to collect soil samples from the affected area.Try to dig down at least 6 inches to get the samples.If you want to mix the samples thoroughly, combine them in a bucket.Contact your local agricultural extension office to find out how to package the sample and submit it for testing.If you don't have an agricultural extension office in your area, you may be able to get your soil tested by a local nursery.If you want to check the nutrition of your garden before you plant it, you should get your soil tested.A soil test in the U.S. costs about $10 for one sample.
Step 3: Potash can be used if the tests show a deficiency.
Specific recommendations about your plants should be provided by your soil test results.If the tests show that there isn't enough potassium in the soil, you should apply a potash or high-Kfertilizer.If you don't know how to interpret the test results, talk to someone at your local agricultural extension office.Different types of plants need different amounts of potassium.If your soil contains less than 80 parts per million, your plants will benefit from a boost.Recommendations about when and how much to use should be included in the test results.
Step 4: Potash can be used to feed potatoes and sugar beets.
Some plants need more than others.If you are growing root vegetables, like potatoes or sugar beets, you will need more than the normal amount of potassium.cauliflower and cabbage are cruciferous vegetables.Corn, carrots, and alfalfa need a lot of water.
Step 5: Fruit trees should be fertilized in the winter and spring to prevent disease.
Plants can be protected from diseases, such as anthracnose fungus.Fruit trees are prone to infections.Adding potash to the soil around the trees in late winter and early spring will help prevent the fruit from being spoiled by the fungus.Potash treatments in the winter and spring can benefit fruit trees.For more guidance on the specific needs of your trees, check with a plant specialist at your local nursery or agricultural extension office.
Step 6: It's a good idea to choose a high-K fertilizer.
N-P-K is the most common fertilizers.Nitrogen, P, and K are referred to in these 3 letters.The percentages of elements are always in the same order as the 3 numbers on the label.If you need more potassium, look for a high K number.A balanced mixture of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium can be found in a 10-10-10)fertilizer.A potash-onlyfertilizer will usually be between 60 and 50.
Step 7: Pick a low-cost, high-K option.
The most commonly used type of potash is muriate.If you want a low-cost, readily available form of potash, you should choose this option.You can either buy it online or at a home and garden supply center.There are products labeled "muriate of potash" or "potassium chloride".
Step 8: Extra nutrients can be found in the form of potassium sulfate or potassium-magnesium sulfate.
If soil tests show that your plants can benefit from extra sulfur or magnesium, it may be a good idea to use a sulfate fertilizers.Extra sulfur and magnesium can be beneficial for crops such as corn, alfalfa, and potatoes.It is sometimes called sulfate of potash.You can buy thesefertilizers online or in a garden supply center.The cost of these fertilizers is more expensive than that of potassium chloride.They have lower concentrations of potassium.
Step 9: If you need a fast-acting potassium boost, use potassium thiosulfate.
If your plants need a supplement that works fast and is easily absorbed, liquid potassium thiosulfate can be very helpful.To give your plants a boost, add it to your water supply or spray it directly onto the leaves.Other sources of potassium are more expensive.You will need to apply it more frequently because it is shorter-acting.Plants can be purchased online or from plant supply stores.
Step 10: Check with your local extension office to find out when to apply potash.
The best time to apply potash depends on the plants you are growing, the weather, and the type of soil you have.Contact your local agricultural extension office, horticultural society, or plant nursery for advice before using potash.Potash application at the time of planting can benefit corn the most.If you add the potash before planting the seeds, other plants do better.Potash can be applied as a top dressing once a year to some established perennial crops.While fall and spring are the most common times for potassium applications in the soil, some farmers or gardeners opt to add it during the winter so that it is available for the plants when they start to grow.
Step 11: The amount of potash you need depends on the results of the soil test.
Use your soil test results as a guide to figure out how much potash you need to apply.Your results might suggest that you use 0.8 pounds of potassium per 1,000 square feet in your garden.To figure out how much to apply, you need to calculate the area of your garden and the amount of potassium in yourfertilizer.You can find the area of your garden by dividing it by its length.If you divide the area of your garden by 1000, you will get the amount of potash you need.If you have a 200 sq ft (19 m) garden, you need 0.8 pounds of potash for every 1000 square feet.You will need to do another calculation to figure out how much of the urea is used.Take the amount of potash you need and divide it by the percentage of yourfertilizer.For a 200 sq ft (19 m) garden, 0.16/.6 is equal to 0.27 pounds.
Step 12: On top of the soil is where you should apply the potashfertilizer.
If you use a solid form of potash, such as potassium chlorate or potassium sulfate, apply it as a topdressing before planting or mixing it into the top layer of soil near your seeds.The easiest way to apply it is with a wheelbarrow-like device called a fertilizer broadcaster.Spread thefertilizer evenly, moving in 2 different directions so that you get good coverage across the area.The cheapest and easiest way to apply potash to the surface of the soil is to till it in.
Step 13: During the growing season, spray the leaves.
If your plants suffer from a deficiency in potassium during the growing season, you can give them a boost with liquid potassium thiosulfate.According to the directions on the package, spray it directly onto the leaves.Since it can damage your plants when used this way, don't add it to the soil.If it is hotter than 90 F (32C) outside, don't apply it to your plants' leaves.Plants won't absorb the nutrients if it's too hot because the small pores on the surface of the leaves close.