I recently bought some compost from a local plant store, and I didn't check the bag thoroughly. Unlike previous bags that mentioned they feed plants for 4-6 weeks, this one doesn't specify any time frame for nutrient release. I'm using this compost for potting up chillies and basil. Should I start fertilizing right away, or is the compost likely to have enough nutrients for now?
2 Answers
Compost that states it feeds for several weeks usually contains slow-release fertilizers. If yours doesn’t mention that, it might not have specific nutrient claims. You often can't predict exactly how long it will last, as growth rates depend on many factors. Generally, basil won't need fertilizing right away, but when it comes to peppers, you should consider a weekly feed with something like tomato fertilizer once they start fruiting.
Honestly, I tend to ignore those compost instructions altogether. I just monitor how my plants are doing. If they aren't thriving, that's when I think about adding extra nutrients. This approach has worked pretty well for me, but it's just my personal method.