Measuring out liquid plant feed - how do you do it?

Mr. Vine Eye

So last year, following bottle instructions regarding quantities, when I was feeding toms/courgettes. I used a 500ml yoghurt pot, filled a watering can using it to 4.5l, added the capful of tomato feed, mixed, decanted back into the yoghurt pot and used that amount on each plant.

Because according to the bottle, 4.5l will feed 9 plants, so that would mean 500ml each.

Maybe I’m being too exact with it! But it’s really awkward.

How do you do it?

Nanny Beach

Usually s capful watering can

Lizzie27

I just bung a capful of tomato stuff in a 4.5 watering can and slosh it on the tomato pots. If I think they've had enough, any left over goes on whatever's nearest. I don't think they can tell if it's not exactly the right amount.

Fire

I use about half a capful   (a splish) for a five litre water bottle, which is my watering tool of choice. This is for roses, dahlias and any hanging baskets I might have. About once a week. But early in the season I put down rose feed, or granular feed in the pots, and I don't want to overdo it, so I try to err on the side of caution.

I think in this case, more does not equal better.

JennyJ

I just mix it in the watering can, approximately following the instructions, eg my current bottle of tomato food says half a capful to 1 gallon/4.5l of water so I use one capful to a 10l can - close enough, and better a bit more dilute than too strong. Then I just pour some into each pot - not so much that it runs out of the bottom. One can does my 12 pots of tomatoes, with a bit left over that will go into one or more of my salvias in pots (if they're lucky I might mix up another can and feed the rest). Repeat once a week or so. I'm not that precise about it, but it seems to work.

Fire

It's interesting that 10 litres can water 12 tom plants. Are they in mini pots?

Tack

I make up 27lt at a time. Run water into trug to the level required (lines are printed into side of cheapo plastic trug) add desired measure of fertiliser, stir and I dip fill can or 1lt scoop.

edhelka

One capful for my 7-8l can (which is slightly weaker than it should be). I use as much water as I would use for normal watering.
Or for the tomato food, I go for 35ml, I think... it has this small measuring thingy which goes up to 40ml.

StephenSouthwest

The  bit that you could change to make it easier is to look on the outside of your watering can to see if it has quantity marks on it.

If it doesn't, then measure your 4 1/2 litres, and put a mark on the outside of the can.

You can then use your yoghurt pot to plant something in!

Ilikeplants

I use any plant liquid food in the same way - one overfilled capful in a 5 or 6 Lt watering can and try and water all pots first. It’s a lot of watering cans but I’ve often forgotten to feed so trying to get into better habit of feeding once a week.

Ditsy

So for a pot this size, approx 45 cm, should I give it a whole watering can of diluted food can or just a bit?