Old fertilisers - how long are they still OK to use?

Posts

• AnniD Posts: 12,585

  14 February

  I think the liquid tomato food should be fine, l have read somewhere that it can be ok for up to 10,years, but whether that applies to it being opened, l'm not sure.
  Personally l would use the liquid plant food, and any granular feed that hasn't been opened. 
  Not too sure about the Homebase stuff, l'd be inclined to get rid of that (safely). 
  
  I daresay other forum members will have different opinions, it might be worth contacting the manufacturers if possible? 

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• philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742

  14 February

  I would suggest you use them following the instructions on each container.  The worst that could happen would be that the feed may not be quite as effective if it is donleys years old.  Better on your garden/containers than putting it in the bin.
  Others may offer their experiences of using "old" plant food so see what's said 

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• JennyJ Posts: 10,576

  14 February

  I think I would use most of them. For powders/granules that are meant to be spread dry not dissolved in water, would use them if they're still dry and free-flowing, not damp/clumpy and difficult to spread evenly. The one in the jam jar looks particularly dodgy. In all cases if you don't have or can't read the instructions, err on the side of more dilution/ weaker application.
  

  Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  

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• Pink678 Posts: 498

  14 February edited 14 February

  I meant to say, they have all been opened. I also have an opened box of bonemeal and of chicken manure pellets.

  This is a summary of what I have, all opened:

  Liquid:
  tomato food
  miracle gro food
  vitax growmore food
  affordable excellence multi purpose food
  affordable excellence feed for roses
  rose focus
  
  Non-liquid:
  powdered tomato food
  after plant rose food  - looks like a soil texture
  homebase slow release blue pellets
  bone meal
  

  chicken manure pellets

  So maybe I'll dispose of the homebase one, and keep all the others, but only use dry ones if not damp/clumpy.

  Thank you very much

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• Pink678 Posts: 498

  14 February

  I'm going to the local council waste disposal tip this afternoon, so I think I will dispose of the homebase one there.
  

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