Hi. I accidentally bought a "flower" fertilizer that I later looked at, after I opened the package, was 10-8-6 and for "Azaleas, Camellia and Rhododendron-- which are plants I never in a million years grow. (Oh, and Blueberries).

So, all I have in my flower garden are daylilies and Iris and they take 4-4-2.

On the other side of the house, I have a food garden with tomatoes, peppers, and usually squash. So, Tomatoes take 10-10-10. So, the question is can I add anything to get the 10-8-6 up to 10-10-10?
So maybe I can put it to use on the tomatoes.

Or is this a useless idea?

KatyLLL, never been to Clovis; have been along I 10, 25, and 40 with overnights in Albuquerque, Gallup, Truth or Consequences. My guess Clovis gets less than 10" percipitation yr and has natural alkline soil. I would not worry about using a fertilizer composed for acidic soils (doubt it would have any immediate or lasting affect), or any fertilizer containing less than ideal nitrogen, phosphorus, and phosphate qualities. Also, would not worry about the fertilizer on day lilies or irises. Over the years, I have seen daylilies, irises and tomatoes growing in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan , plus. More damage can come from using fertilizer containing high quantities of nitrogen than using a fertilizer with less quantities.

Just scatter it about, maybe on the thin side, and it'll do fine.

BrooklynStart said:KatyLLL, never been to Clovis; have been along I 10, 25, and 40 with overnights in Albuquerque, Gallup, Truth or Consequences. My guess Clovis gets less than 10" percipitation yr and has natural alkline soil. I would not worry about using a fertilizer composed for acidic soils.

Katy, that was my first thought...is your soil alkaline like in this area? I agree with BrooklynStart, probably won't make much difference with the vegies, but apply with a light hand. I'm assuming your plants are in the ground? If they're in pots, maybe not.

Thanks all, I might just throw it on the grass. The grass has probably not had an ounce of any fertilizer for 20 years. So...

I am actually more of a fish emulsion person. I don't know what came into me when I bought that, but I don't like seeing things going to waste!

nmoasis said:

Katy, that was my first thought...is your soil alkaline like in this area? I agree with BrooklynStart, probably won't make much difference with the vegies, but apply with a light hand. I'm assuming your plants are in the ground? If they're in pots, maybe not.

Oh, I suspect. It is regarded as "slightly alkaline." It is encompassed in the area of Llano Estacado which is part of the area covered by the dust bowl of the 1930s. Yes the plants are in the ground but it is ground that has been tilled much and has ammendments. I would hazzard a guess that not much of the soil there is original. I guess I will get a soil test to put this question to rest.

KatyLLL said:Hi. I accidentally bought a "flower" fertilizer that I later looked at, after I opened the package, was 10-8-6 and for "Azaleas, Camellia and Rhododendron-- which are plants I never in a million years grow. (Oh, and Blueberries).
So, all I have in my flower garden are daylilies and Iris and they take 4-4-2.

On the other side of the house, I have a food garden with tomatoes, peppers, and usually squash. So, Tomatoes take 10-10-10. So, the question is can I add anything to get the 10-8-6 up to 10-10-10?
So maybe I can put it to use on the tomatoes.
Or is this a useless idea?

Daylilies grow and flower best in a moderately acid to alkaline soil ranging from 6.0 to 8.0 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
16-4-8 fertilizer ensures plant growth and leaf enhancement – Recommended to apply in Spring.
10-52-10 is recommended in Summer for superior blooming.
10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK ratio is recommended in the Fall, to ensure plant growth (stronger & taller). Moreover, it will increase the flowers - number, size, maximize the color, and maintain healthy blooms.

The veggies will take what ever you give them; I make a half-hearted effort for my tomatoes, but generally give them the same I give my roses.
The Squash and peppers I dump what ever I have not used else where on them.