{"title":"Potash \u0026 Potassium Fertilisers","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePotash and potassium: what they do and who needs them\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium runs the plumbing of a plant. It governs how water moves, how sugars are made and stored, and how well a plant stands up to drought, cold and stress. In the garden that shows up as fruit size and flavour, flower colour, and the difference between a tomato that splits and one that does not. A high potash fertiliser is the feed for anything that flowers or fruits, and the thing to reach for when a plant has plenty of leaf and not much else. Everything here is chloride-free; potassium chloride is cheap but hard on soil life and on sensitive crops like strawberries and potatoes, and we do not use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe straight potassium sources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-forests-organic-sulphate-potash-fertiliser-50\"\u003eSulphate of Potash, 50% K₂O\u003c\/a\u003e. The concentrated option: a mined mineral potassium sulphate, sprinkled around fruit trees, tomatoes and flowering shrubs, or worked into the potato bed. \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/polyhalite-vs-sulphate-of-potash-which-to-use\"\u003ePolyhalite versus sulphate of potash\u003c\/a\u003e explains when to choose it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-potassium-fertiliser\"\u003ePotassium Rich Fertiliser, 11% K\u003c\/a\u003e. A potassium plant food at a gentler analysis, easier to spread evenly and kinder on seedlings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-liquid-potassium-fertiliser\"\u003eOrganic Liquid Potassium Feed, 15% K₂O\u003c\/a\u003e. The chloride-free liquid potash for containers and for a quick lift at flowering and fruit set.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-granulated-polyhalite-fertiliser-mined-yorkshire-14\"\u003ePolyhalite\u003c\/a\u003e. Mined in Yorkshire: potassium with calcium, magnesium and sulphur in the same slow-release granule. \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/what-is-polyhalite\"\u003eWhat is polyhalite\u003c\/a\u003e has the geology and the numbers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe crop feeds that lean towards potassium\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would rather buy one blend than balance your own, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-tomato-fertiliser\"\u003eOrganic Tomato Fertiliser 3-4-6\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-strawberry-fertiliser\"\u003eStrawberry Fertiliser\u003c\/a\u003e and the liquid \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-liquid-fertiliser-3-2-6\"\u003eOrganic Liquid Fertiliser 3-2-6\u003c\/a\u003e are all built with potassium ahead of nitrogen, which is the shape a fruiting plant wants from first flower onwards. The full set of crop blends is in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/tomatoes-edibles\"\u003etomatoes and edibles\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between potash and potassium?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGardeners use them interchangeably. Strictly, potash is the traditional name for potassium compounds, and fertiliser labels quote potassium as K₂O, the oxide, which is why the same product can be described as 50% K₂O or about 41% elemental potassium. We quote K₂O on the pack because that is the convention on every fertiliser sold in the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I overdo it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Heavy potassium feeding locks out magnesium, and the first sign is yellowing between the veins on older leaves. If you see that, ease off and look at \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kieserite-magnesium-sulphate-fertiliser\"\u003eKieserite\u003c\/a\u003e or polyhalite, which carries its own magnesium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich potash for roses?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSulphate of potash in early summer, or polyhalite if the soil is also short of magnesium. The \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rose-flower-fertilisers\"\u003erose and flower collection\u003c\/a\u003e covers it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor nitrogen-led feeds, see \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/nitrogen-fertilisers\"\u003eNitrogen Fertilisers\u003c\/a\u003e; for phosphorus, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/phosphorus-fertilisers\"\u003ePhosphorus Fertilisers\u003c\/a\u003e. The potassium-led autumn programme for grass is in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/autumn-winter-lawn-feed\"\u003eAutumn \u0026amp; Winter Lawn Feed\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"sulphate-of-potash","title":"Sulphate of Potash | 50% K2O","description":"\u003c!-- Dr Forest — Sulphate of Potash Product Page — Design System v1.0 (granulate only) --\u003e\n\u003c!-- Prefix: sp --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .drf-wrap *, .drf-wrap *::before, .drf-wrap *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-wrap { font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif; font-weight: 400; color: #2c2c2c; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.65; width: 100%; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; }\n  :root {\n    --drf-grn:        #1B3D2F;\n    --drf-grn-dark:   #0F2A1F;\n    --drf-grn-light:  #E8F0EB;\n    --drf-grn-mid:    #4a7a5e;\n    --drf-cream:      #F5F2EC;\n    --drf-gold:       #C5A55A;\n    --drf-gold-light: #FAF7F0;\n    --drf-muted:      #3A4A40;\n    --drf-white:      #FFFFFF;\n    --drf-border:     #d4cfc5;\n  }\n  .drf-wrap h2 { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; 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}\n\n  \/* REFERENCES *\/\n  .drf-refs { font-size: 0.78em; color: var(--drf-muted); line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 1.5em; padding-top: 0.8em; border-top: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-refs h4 { color: var(--drf-muted); }\n  .drf-refs ol { padding-left: 1.4em; margin: 0; }\n  .drf-refs li { margin-bottom: 0.3em; }\n\n  \/* HAIRLINE RULE *\/\n  .drf-sep { border: none; border-top: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); width: 200px; margin: 1.5em auto; }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tabs-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cinput checked id=\"drf-sp-tab1\" name=\"drf-sp-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-tab2\" name=\"drf-sp-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-tab3\" name=\"drf-sp-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-tab4\" name=\"drf-sp-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tab-labels\"\u003e\n\u003clabel for=\"drf-sp-tab1\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-sp-tab2\"\u003eThe Science\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-sp-tab3\"\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-sp-tab4\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panels\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-sp-panel1\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrganic sulphate of potash — 50% K₂O chloride-free potassium \u0026amp; 18% sulphur\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-badge-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003e50% K₂O Potash\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003e18% Sulphur\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eChloride-Free\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eLow Salt Index\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eCertified Organic Input\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eRecyclable Packaging\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSulphate of potash is a chloride-free potassium fertiliser — 50% K2O plus 18% sulphur — used as a high potash feed for fruit, flowers and roots. Potassium drives sugar transport, fruit ripening, flower colour, drought tolerance and disease resistance. Most budget potash supplies it as potassium chloride, which builds up in soil and damages sensitive crops. Dr Forest's is naturally mined potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄), certified for use in organic production under Regulation (EC) 834\/2007 and handmade in small batches in Stockport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 50% K₂O and 18% sulphur this isn't a diluted compound or a blend — it's pure potassium sulphate in a uniform granulate that spreads evenly and dissolves on contact with soil moisture. Two essential macronutrients, immediately available, with no chloride, no nitrogen and no phosphorus to upset a carefully balanced feeding programme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stats\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e50%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eK₂O (Potash)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e18%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eSulphur (S)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e0%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eChloride\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e0-0-50\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eNPK Analysis\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat sulphate of potash is used for in the garden\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"drf-uses\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruiting and flowering crops\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium regulates sugar transport, speeds ripening and intensifies flower colour; essential for tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, roses and all fruiting plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlavour and quality\u003c\/strong\u003e — research consistently links potassium sulphate to higher soluble sugars, vitamin C and dry matter than untreated controls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChloride-sensitive crops\u003c\/strong\u003e — berries, grapes, potatoes, tomatoes, citrus and salad crops all perform better on a sulphate-based source that avoids chloride build-up\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrought and frost resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium controls stomatal opening and cell turgor, cutting water loss and improving survival in temperature extremes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDisease resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e — adequate potassium strengthens cell walls and activates plant defence enzymes, lowering susceptibility to fungal and bacterial problems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSulphur supply\u003c\/strong\u003e —  18% sulphur supports amino acid synthesis, chlorophyll production and nitrogen use; particularly important for brassicas and alliums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLawns and turf\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium hardens turf for winter and improves drought tolerance and spring green-up without an excess-nitrogen flush\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBalancing NPK feeds\u003c\/strong\u003e — zero nitrogen and zero phosphorus make it ideal for lifting the K of any feeding programme without touching the N or P\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy sulphate of potash instead of muriate of potash?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSulphate of potash (K₂SO₄) — this product\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e50% K₂O — high-concentration, chloride-free potassium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18% sulphur — a second essential macronutrient in every application\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlmost zero chloride — safe for sensitive fruit and veg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow salt index — minimal osmotic stress on roots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCertified for use in organic production under Regulation (EC) 834\/2007\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSulphate-S improves nitrogen uptake efficiency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMuriate of potash (KCl)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60% K₂O — more potassium per kg, but at a cost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e47% chloride — accumulates in soil and the root zone over time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo sulphur — delivers a single nutrient\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigher salt index — greater risk of root burn and osmotic stress\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLinked to lower starch, dry matter and vitamin C in potatoes (Koch et al., 2022)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoorly suited to containers and tunnels where leaching is limited\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eHandcrafted in Stockport\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Dr Forest product is made by hand in small batches at our workshop in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Recyclable packaging throughout, ingredients chosen for quality rather than cost, and no slaughterhouse by-products in this product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-sp-panel2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe science of potassium and sulphur in plant nutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePotassium: the quality nutrient\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium is the most abundant cation in plant tissue and the single most important nutrient for fruit quality. It never becomes part of an organic molecule — instead it works as a free ion, regulating water pressure, activating over 60 enzymes, balancing electrical charge and moving sugars from leaves into developing fruit. Plants short of potassium produce smaller, blander fruit with poorer shelf life and weaker resistance to disease and stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike nitrogen, which drives leafy growth and is easily over-applied, potassium can't really be made excessive in a practical garden. It is the nutrient most often under-supplied in container growing and intensive vegetable production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-pullquote\"\u003ePotassium decides size, flavour and shelf life — not just yield.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy the potassium source matters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoughly 96% of the world's potassium fertiliser is sold as potassium chloride, or muriate of potash. It's cheap and concentrated. But the chloride ion it carries isn't inert — it accumulates in soil, raises salinity and damages sensitive crops directly. The choice between chloride and sulphate as the accompanying anion has measurable consequences for crop quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e01\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePotato quality — starch, sugars \u0026amp; vitamin C\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA two-year field trial by Koch et al. (2022) compared K₂SO₄ and KCl on two potato cultivars. Potassium sulphate held higher starch and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), while KCl-treated tubers built up more reducing sugars in storage — the precursors to acrylamide during cooking. The KCl treatment also carried more lipid-derived off-flavour compounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e02\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFruit weight \u0026amp; soluble solids\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn pineapple, swapping KCl for K₂SO₄ at 20% less total potassium produced larger fruit and better bromatological quality, including total soluble solids and vitamin C (Arias-Vázquez et al., 2018). The sulphate-fed plants won on less total potassium — source matters as much as quantity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e03\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eChloride accumulation \u0026amp; root-zone salinity\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium sulphate adsorbs to soil particles more strongly than KCl, so it leaches less (Tisdale et al., 1999). In containers, where leaching is limited, that matters. Chloride from KCl accumulates in the root zone, raising osmotic potential and reducing water uptake. Sulphate ions don't carry that risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e04\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSulphur, the fourth macronutrient\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSulphur is essential for the amino acids cysteine and methionine — without them protein synthesis stalls. It's a structural part of coenzyme A and thiamine and is needed for chlorophyll. Sulphur deficiency caps nitrogen efficiency: adding N to a sulphur-short soil gives diminishing returns. Every application here delivers 18% S alongside the potassium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e05\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePotassium \u0026amp; disease resistance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdequate potassium thickens cell walls, increases cuticle wax and activates pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. Potassium-sufficient plants show fewer fungal problems including powdery mildew, botrytis and fusarium wilt. The mechanism is mostly physical — stronger walls are harder for fungal hyphae to penetrate — backed by faster enzymatic defence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e06\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePotassium \u0026amp; water regulation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium is the main ion controlling stomatal aperture. When it's adequate, guard cells close stomata quickly under water stress to cut transpiration — which makes potassium the single most important nutrient for drought tolerance. Well-supplied plants also recover faster from frost, since potassium lowers the freezing point of cell sap and protects membranes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-refs\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific references\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKoch, M. et al. (2022). Comparison of the effects of potassium sulphate and potassium chloride fertilisation on quality parameters of potato tubers. \u003cem\u003eFrontiers in Plant Science\u003c\/em\u003e, 13, 920212.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArias-Vázquez, E.L. et al. (2018). Effects of potassium chloride and potassium sulphate on 'MD-2' pineapple fruit yield and quality. \u003cem\u003eActa Horticulturae\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTisdale, S.L. et al. (1999). \u003cem\u003eSoil Fertility and Fertilizers\u003c\/em\u003e. 5th ed. Prentice Hall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMengel, K. \u0026amp; Kirkby, E.A. (2001). \u003cem\u003ePrinciples of Plant Nutrition\u003c\/em\u003e. 5th ed. Kluwer Academic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharma, U.C. \u0026amp; Sud, K.C. (2001). Effect of potassium sources on potato yield and quality in acidic and alluvial soils. \u003cem\u003eJ. Indian Potato Assoc.\u003c\/em\u003e, 28, 70–71.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKumar, P. et al. (2004). Effect of sulphate and muriate of potash on quality of potato. \u003cem\u003eAnnals of Agricultural Research\u003c\/em\u003e, 25(3).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-sp-panel3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to use sulphate of potash: application rates \u0026amp; guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eMeasuring \u0026amp; spreading\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA level teaspoon of granulate is roughly \u003cstrong\u003e5g\u003c\/strong\u003e. The granules are free-flowing — broadcast by hand or spreader, top-dress around plants, or stir into compost and potting mixes. Always water in after a soil application so the potassium reaches the root zone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eApplication rates — soil\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSoil mix — potting and container preparation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1–2g per litre of compost  |  \u003cstrong\u003eWhen:\u003c\/strong\u003e at planting\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix thoroughly through compost or potting soil before planting. Provides baseline potassium and sulphur for the first 4–6 weeks. Ideal for tomatoes, peppers, strawberries and other fruiting crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTop dressing — established containers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–6g per 10-litre pot  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e every 4–6 weeks in the growing season\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScatter granules evenly over the soil surface and water in well. Use the higher rate for heavy-fruiting crops at peak production. Work lightly into the top centimetre of soil where you can.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOutdoor beds and borders\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–50g per m²  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e every 6–12 weeks, spring to autumn\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBroadcast evenly across the soil surface and water in. Lower rate for maintenance; higher rate for heavy-fruiting crops, new plantings, or where soil potassium is known to be low.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLawns and turf\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–35g per m²  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e twice a year — spring and autumn\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApply in spring for active growth and in autumn to harden turf for winter. Water in immediately. Potassium improves drought tolerance, wear resistance and winter colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDissolving for liquid feed\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eGranulate dissolves more slowly\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe granulate is fully water-soluble, but it dissolves more slowly than a fine grade. Stir well, or dissolve in warm water and leave to stand for a few minutes before topping up. For a foliar spray, dissolve completely and strain through fine mesh first to protect your sprayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLiquid feed \/ fertigation — root drench\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1–2g per litre of water  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e weekly to fortnightly during fruiting\/flowering\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDissolve, then apply at the base of the plant. Ideal for topping up potassium when demand peaks. Lower rate for maintenance, higher rate when plants are in full production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFoliar spray\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10g per litre of water  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e every 2 weeks during fruiting\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApply to both leaf surfaces in early morning or late evening. Foliar potassium is absorbed quickly and can ease deficiency within days. Dissolve fully and strain before spraying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStep-by-step\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col class=\"drf-steps\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdentify your potassium need.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fruiting and flowering crops have the highest demand. Scorched leaf edges, poor fruit set and weaker disease resistance are classic deficiency signs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasure the rate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Use the rates above as a starting guide — a level teaspoon of granulate is about 5g.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApply and water in.\u003c\/strong\u003e For soil, scatter evenly and water thoroughly. For liquid feeding, dissolve fully before applying. Watering in moves potassium into the root zone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTime it to demand.\u003c\/strong\u003e Potassium demand peaks through flowering and fruit development. Start when the first flowers appear and carry on to harvest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eWorks well combined with…\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair with Dr Forest crop feeds — \u003cstrong\u003eTomato\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-rose-fertiliser\"\u003eRose \u0026amp; Flower\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-fruit-vegetable-fertiliser\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Vegetable\u003c\/a\u003e — where extra potassium is wanted during peak fruiting. Combine with \u003cstrong\u003eSeaweed\u003c\/strong\u003e for biostimulant activity and \u003cstrong\u003eCal-Mag\u003c\/strong\u003e where calcium is also needed. Zero nitrogen means it won't disturb bloom-phase ratios.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eFurther reading\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNew to potassium minerals? See our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/what-is-polyhalite\"\u003epolyhalite\u003c\/a\u003e, a multi-nutrient potassium mineral, and \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/why-are-my-tomato-leaves-turning-yellow\"\u003ewhy tomato leaves turn yellow\u003c\/a\u003e — often a potassium or magnesium signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-sp-panel4\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions about sulphate of potash\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-faq1\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sp-faq1\"\u003eWhat is the difference between sulphate of potash and muriate of potash?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eBoth deliver potassium, but the accompanying ion differs. Muriate of potash (potassium chloride) carries 47% chloride, which can accumulate in soil and damage sensitive crops. Sulphate of potash is almost chloride-free and adds 18% sulphur. For container growing, tunnel crops and chloride-sensitive plants like tomatoes, strawberries and potatoes, sulphate of potash is the safer, better-quality choice.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-faq2\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sp-faq2\"\u003eIs sulphate of potash suitable for organic growing?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYes. This sulphate of potash is certified for use in organic production under Regulation (EC) 834\/2007 as a naturally mined crude mineral salt — no synthetic processing and no chemical additives. It's approved for use in organic growing systems. (In the EU and Northern Ireland the equivalent regulation is now (EU) 2018\/848.)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-faq3\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sp-faq3\"\u003eWhen should I apply sulphate of potash?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePotassium demand peaks through flowering and fruiting — begin when the first flowers appear and continue to harvest. For lawns, apply in spring and autumn. For general soil maintenance, once or twice in the growing season. Leaf-edge scorching, poor fruit set or rising disease are deficiency signs that warrant an immediate application.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-faq4\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sp-faq4\"\u003eHow much sulphate of potash should I use?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAs a guide: 1–2g per litre when mixing into compost, 2–6g per 10-litre pot as a top dressing every 4–6 weeks, 20–50g per m² on outdoor beds, and 20–35g per m² on lawns. A level teaspoon of granulate is roughly 5g. Start at the lower end and increase for heavy-fruiting crops.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-faq5\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sp-faq5\"\u003eCan I dissolve the granulate in water?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYes. Potassium sulphate is water-soluble, though the granulate dissolves more slowly than a fine grade. Stir well, or dissolve in warm water and let it stand for a few minutes. For foliar spraying, dissolve completely and strain through fine mesh first to protect your sprayer. For most gardeners, applying to the soil and watering in is the simplest route.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-faq6\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sp-faq6\"\u003eWill it burn my plants?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSulphate of potash has a low salt index compared with muriate of potash, so it's much less likely to scorch roots. Apply at the recommended rates, water in afterwards and keep granules off stems. At normal garden rates the risk is very low.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-faq7\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sp-faq7\"\u003eHow is sulphate of potash different from tomato feed?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eMost liquid tomato feeds are balanced NPK fertilisers with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium together. Sulphate of potash is a \u003cem\u003esingle-nutrient supplement\u003c\/em\u003e — only potassium and sulphur. That makes it ideal for lifting potassium on its own, without adding nitrogen (which pushes leafy growth at the expense of fruit) or phosphorus.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-faq8\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sp-faq8\"\u003eWhat crops benefit most from sulphate of potash?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAll fruiting and flowering crops: tomatoes, peppers, chillies, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, courgettes, cucumbers, roses, dahlias and sweet peas. Root crops like potatoes and carrots benefit too, since potassium improves starch and storage quality. Brassicas and alliums make particular use of the sulphur.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-faq9\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sp-faq9\"\u003eCan I use it alongside Dr Forest fertilisers?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYes. It pairs naturally with any Dr Forest blend where extra potassium is wanted — usually at peak fruiting or flowering. With zero nitrogen and zero phosphorus, it won't disturb the NPK ratio of your base feed. Many growers run a crop-specific fertiliser as the base and add sulphate of potash as a targeted booster during heavy production.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-sp-faq10\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sp-faq10\"\u003eHow should I store sulphate of potash?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eKeep it cool and dry in the sealed bag. Potassium sulphate isn't hygroscopic under normal conditions, so it won't draw in moisture and clump if kept sealed. Stored properly, shelf life is effectively indefinite — it's a stable mineral salt.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dr Forest","offers":[{"title":"500g","offer_id":53587298615670,"sku":"DF-SOP-500G","price":6.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.5kg","offer_id":37684919992507,"sku":"DF-SOP-1.5","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4kg","offer_id":37684920025275,"sku":"DF-SOP-4","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"9kg","offer_id":37684920090811,"sku":"DF-SOP-9","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"15kg","offer_id":44740949409979,"sku":"DF-SOP-15","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"36kg","offer_id":57119511740790,"sku":"DF-SOP-36","price":117.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0049\/8194\/8504\/files\/dr-forests-organic-sulphate-potash-fertiliser-50-fertiliser-pile-707.webp?v=1785512767"},{"product_id":"polyhalite","title":"Polyhalite Fertiliser | 4-in-1 Mineral (K, Ca, Mg, S)","description":"\u003c!-- Dr Forest — Polyhalite Fertiliser Product Page (v2 — Design System v1.0 — GSC-tuned May 2026) --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- Prefix: pl --\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .drf-wrap *, .drf-wrap *::before, .drf-wrap *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-wrap { font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif; font-weight: 400; color: #2c2c2c; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.65; width: 100%; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; }\n  :root {\n    --drf-grn:        #1B3D2F;\n    --drf-grn-light:  #E8F0EB;\n    --drf-grn-mid:    #4a7a5e;\n    --drf-grn-dark:   #0F2A1F;\n    --drf-gold:       #C5A55A;\n    --drf-gold-light: #FAF7F0;\n    --drf-cream:      #F5F2EC;\n    --drf-border:     #d4cfc5;\n    --drf-muted:      #3A4A40;\n    --drf-white:      #FFFFFF;\n  }\n  .drf-wrap h2 { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.9em; color: var(--drf-grn); line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }\n  .drf-wrap h3 { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.35em; color: var(--drf-grn); margin: 1.4em 0 0.4em; }\n  .drf-wrap h4 { font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif; font-weight: 600; font-size: 0.85em; letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--drf-muted); margin: 1.2em 0 0.3em; }\n  .drf-wrap p { margin-bottom: 0.9em; }\n  .drf-wrap ul { padding-left: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.9em; }\n  .drf-wrap ul li { margin-bottom: 0.35em; }\n  .drf-wrap strong { font-weight: 500; color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-wrap em { font-style: italic; color: var(--drf-muted); }\n\n  \/* ── BADGES ── *\/\n  .drf-badge-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 7px; margin: 0 0 12px; }\n  .drf-badge { padding: 9px 12px; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.08em; text-transform: uppercase; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; text-align: center; min-height: 36px; line-height: 1.3; }\n  .drf-badge-green { background: #eaf4ea; color: #2d6a2d; border: 1px solid #c0d8b0; }\n  .drf-badge-gold  { background: #fdf6e3; color: #8b6914; border: 1px solid #e0cc80; }\n  .drf-badge-dark  { background: var(--drf-grn-dark); color: #d4e4c8; border: 1px solid #2d6a2d; }\n\n  \/* ── STATS (white cards, gold top border on the grid) ── *\/\n  .drf-stats { display: grid; 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text-transform: uppercase; color: #8b6914; background: var(--drf-gold-light); cursor: pointer; text-align: center; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; border-bottom: 3px solid var(--drf-gold); margin-bottom: -2px; transition: all 0.15s; }\n  .drf-tab-labels label:hover { color: var(--drf-grn); background: var(--drf-grn-light); border-bottom-color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-panel { display: none; }\n  #drf-pl-tab1:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-pl-tab1\"],\n  #drf-pl-tab2:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-pl-tab2\"],\n  #drf-pl-tab3:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-pl-tab3\"],\n  #drf-pl-tab4:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-pl-tab4\"] { color: var(--drf-grn); background: var(--drf-grn-light); border-bottom-color: var(--drf-grn); font-weight: 700; }\n  #drf-pl-tab1:checked ~ .drf-panels #drf-pl-panel1,\n  #drf-pl-tab2:checked ~ .drf-panels #drf-pl-panel2,\n  #drf-pl-tab3:checked ~ .drf-panels #drf-pl-panel3,\n  #drf-pl-tab4:checked ~ .drf-panels #drf-pl-panel4 { display: block; }\n\n  \/* ── CALLOUTS ── *\/\n  .drf-callout { background: var(--drf-grn-light); border-left: 3px solid var(--drf-grn); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin: 1.2em 0; }\n  .drf-callout-gold { background: var(--drf-gold-light); border-left-color: var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-callout-dark { background: var(--drf-grn-dark); color: var(--drf-cream); border-left-color: var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-callout-dark p { color: var(--drf-cream); }\n  .drf-callout-dark strong { color: var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-callout p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\n  .drf-callout-title { font-size: 0.72em; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.18em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--drf-grn); margin-bottom: 0.4em; display: block; }\n  .drf-callout-gold .drf-callout-title { color: var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-callout-dark .drf-callout-title { color: var(--drf-gold); }\n\n  \/* ── PULL QUOTE ── *\/\n  .drf-pullquote { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.4em; color: var(--drf-grn); text-align: center; padding: 1.4em 1em; margin: 1.8em auto; max-width: 80%; line-height: 1.5; border-top: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); }\n\n  \/* ── MECH CARDS ── *\/\n  .drf-mech { border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); border-left: 3px solid var(--drf-gold); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin: 0.8em 0; background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n  .drf-mech-num { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-size: 2em; font-weight: 400; color: var(--drf-gold); line-height: 1; }\n  .drf-mech h4 { margin-top: 0.2em; color: var(--drf-grn); text-transform: none; letter-spacing: 0; font-size: 1em; font-weight: 600; }\n  .drf-mech p { font-size: 0.92em; color: var(--drf-muted); margin-bottom: 0; }\n\n  \/* ── RATE CARDS ── *\/\n  .drf-rate { border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin: 0.8em 0; background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n  .drf-rate h4 { margin-top: 0; color: var(--drf-grn); text-transform: none; letter-spacing: 0; font-size: 1em; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); padding-bottom: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; }\n  .drf-rate-meta { font-size: 0.85em; color: var(--drf-muted); margin-bottom: 0.5em; }\n  .drf-rate-meta strong { color: var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-rate p { font-size: 0.92em; color: var(--drf-muted); margin-bottom: 0; }\n\n  \/* ── STEPS (square block numbers) ── *\/\n  .drf-steps { counter-reset: drf-step; list-style: none; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-steps li { counter-increment: drf-step; padding: 0.8em 0 0.8em 3em; position: relative; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; }\n  .drf-steps li::before { content: counter(drf-step); position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0.8em; width: 2em; height: 2em; background: var(--drf-grn); color: #fff; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 0.9em; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; }\n  .drf-steps li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n\n  \/* ── USE-CASE LIST (1px hairline borders) ── *\/\n  .drf-uses { list-style: none; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-uses li { padding: 0.6em 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-uses li:nth-child(even) { border-bottom-color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-uses li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-uses li strong { color: var(--drf-grn); }\n\n  \/* ── COMPARISON BOXES ── *\/\n  .drf-compare { margin: 1.2em 0; }\n  .drf-compare-box { border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.8em; background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n  .drf-compare-box h4 { margin-top: 0; color: var(--drf-grn); text-transform: none; letter-spacing: 0; font-size: 1.05em; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; }\n\n  \/* ── FAQ (square +\/- with gold border) ── *\/\n  .drf-faq { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-faq:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-faq input[type=\"checkbox\"] { display: none; }\n  .drf-faq-q { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; padding: 0.8em 0; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 600; color: var(--drf-grn); font-size: 0.95em; }\n  .drf-faq-q::after { content: '+'; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: 300; color: var(--drf-gold); width: 1.5em; height: 1.5em; border: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); background: transparent; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-left: 0.6em; }\n  .drf-faq-a { max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s ease; font-size: 0.92em; color: var(--drf-muted); line-height: 1.7; }\n  .drf-faq-a \u003e div { padding: 0 0 1em; }\n  .drf-faq input:checked ~ .drf-faq-q::after { content: '−'; background: var(--drf-grn); color: #fff; border-color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-faq input:checked ~ .drf-faq-a { max-height: 600px; }\n\n  \/* ── REFS \u0026 SEPARATOR (200px hairline) ── *\/\n  .drf-refs { font-size: 0.78em; color: #888; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 1.5em; padding-top: 0.8em; border-top: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-refs ol { padding-left: 1.4em; margin: 0; }\n  .drf-refs li { margin-bottom: 0.3em; }\n  .drf-sep { border: none; border-top: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); width: 200px; margin: 1.8em auto; }\n\n  \/* ── TABLE ── *\/\n  .drf-wrap table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 1em 0; font-size: 0.92em; }\n  .drf-wrap table th { background: var(--drf-grn); color: #fff; font-weight: 600; padding: 0.6em 0.8em; text-align: left; font-size: 0.85em; letter-spacing: 0.04em; }\n  .drf-wrap table td { padding: 0.55em 0.8em; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-wrap table tr:nth-child(even) td { background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tabs-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cinput checked id=\"drf-pl-tab1\" name=\"drf-pl-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-tab2\" name=\"drf-pl-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-tab3\" name=\"drf-pl-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-tab4\" name=\"drf-pl-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tab-labels\"\u003e\n\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-tab1\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-tab2\"\u003eThe Science\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-tab3\"\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-tab4\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panels\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 1 — OVERVIEW ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-pl-panel1\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePolyhalite fertiliser — four macronutrients in one Yorkshire mineral\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-badge-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eMined in Yorkshire\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003e4 Macronutrients\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eEU Organic Approved\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eSlow Release\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eChloride-Free\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eRecyclable Packaging\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePolyhalite is a naturally occurring mineral fertiliser that supplies four macronutrients — potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur — from a single Yorkshire crystal.\u003c\/strong\u003e It's mined from beneath the North Yorkshire coast at Boulby — the world's only currently operating commercial polyhalite mine — and arrives in the bag exactly as it left the ground: crushed, screened, granulated. No chemical processing, no synthetic additives. Because it's a sulphate-based potash mineral with virtually zero chloride, it's particularly valuable for chloride-sensitive crops like tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes and salad leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the mineral that underpins every Dr Forest crop-specific blend — the primary source of potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur across the range, because nothing else delivers all four in slow-release form from a single natural input. Think of it as a multi-nutrient upgrade on sulphate of potash: the same chloride-free potash, plus the calcium, magnesium and sulphur most garden soils also need. Approved for EU organic production under EC 834\/2007, with one of the lowest carbon footprints of any commercial fertiliser. Now available as a straight, so you can apply the same mineral directly to your soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stats\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e14%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eK₂O · Potash\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e17%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eCaO · Calcium\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e6%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eMgO · Magnesium\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e48%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eSO₃ · Sulphur\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is polyhalite used for in the garden?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"drf-uses\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA chloride-free potash source\u003c\/strong\u003e — supplies 14% K₂O as potassium sulphate, the same chloride-free potash as sulphate of potash (SOP), but with calcium, magnesium and sulphur alongside it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBase mineral amendment for all crops\u003c\/strong\u003e — delivers the four macronutrients most commonly deficient in containers, raised beds and intensively cropped soils, where leaching strips them out fastest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium delivery without pH change\u003c\/strong\u003e — calcium sulphate doesn't raise soil pH the way lime does, so polyhalite is safe for acid-loving plants like blueberries, rhododendrons and camellias\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSlow-release season-long feeding\u003c\/strong\u003e — University of Nottingham research confirms 50–60% of sulphur is immediately available, with the rest released over the growing season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChloride-sensitive crops\u003c\/strong\u003e — tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, peppers and salad leaves benefit from potassium delivered without chloride accumulation in the root zone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMagnesium supplementation\u003c\/strong\u003e — prevents interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins) and activates over 300 plant enzymes, including those that build chlorophyll\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLawn and turf nutrition\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium hardens turf for winter, calcium improves soil structure, sulphur supports colour and density\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil structure on heavy clay\u003c\/strong\u003e — calcium and magnesium displace sodium on clay particles, opening up drainage and aeration without altering pH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYield and fruit quality\u003c\/strong\u003e — a 921-trial meta-analysis across 47 crops in 33 countries showed polyhalite raised yields by 3.8–16.3% over standard NPK programmes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy polyhalite instead of buying K, Ca, Mg and S separately?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePolyhalite — this product\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour macronutrients in one natural granule — K, Ca, Mg, S\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlow release — nutrients available across the full growing season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChloride-free, low salt index — safe for all crops including chloride-sensitive ones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMined, crushed, granulated — no chemical processing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEU organic approved under EC 834\/2007\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the lowest carbon footprints of any commercial fertiliser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne product replaces sulphate of potash, gypsum and Epsom salt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBuying K, Ca, Mg, S as separate products\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSulphate of potash plus gypsum plus Epsom salt — three products, three bags\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll fully soluble, so higher leaching losses and more frequent top-ups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigher total salt load from stacking soluble inputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarder to balance the ratios without overloading one nutrient\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigher cost per nutrient unit and more packaging in the bin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eHandcrafted in Stockport\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Dr Forest product is blended and packed by hand in small batches at our workshop in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Recyclable packaging throughout. Ingredients chosen for quality, not cost. New to polyhalite? Read our full guide — \u003cem\u003ewhat is polyhalite and how does it work\u003c\/em\u003e — linked from the Science tab.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 2 — THE SCIENCE ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-pl-panel2\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe science of polyhalite: a 260-million-year-old multi-nutrient mineral\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat polyhalite actually is\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolyhalite (K₂Ca₂Mg(SO₄)₄·2H₂O) is a hydrated sulphate of potassium, calcium and magnesium. It formed during the Permian period when a vast shallow ocean — the Zechstein Sea — evaporated under hot, arid conditions across what is now northern Europe. As the water retreated, dissolved minerals concentrated into dense crystalline layers and were sealed underground for 260 million years. The world's largest known deposit sits beneath North Yorkshire, estimated at over two billion tonnes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis polyhalite is extracted from Boulby Mine on the North Yorkshire coast — over 1,200 metres beneath the North Sea. It undergoes no chemical separation or industrial refining. Just mining, crushing, screening and granulation. That minimal processing gives it one of the lowest carbon footprints of any commercially available fertiliser at roughly 0.034 kg CO₂ per kg of product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant the full background — how polyhalite formed, how it's mined and how it compares to other potash sources? Read our companion guide, \u003cem\u003ewhat is polyhalite\u003c\/em\u003e, on the Dr Forest blog.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePolyhalite composition and nutrient content\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNutrient\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eContent\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eForm\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePotassium (K₂O)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSulphate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalcium (CaO)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSulphate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMagnesium (MgO)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSulphate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSulphur (SO₃)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e48%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSulphate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll four nutrients are present as sulphates — the form plants absorb directly through the roots. The crystalline structure means these sulphates dissolve at different rates depending on soil moisture and temperature, creating a natural slow-release effect that pre-mixed soluble salts cannot replicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-pullquote\"\u003eA single ancient ocean. Four nutrients in one crystal. No chemical processing.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy slow release matters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e01\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eReduced leaching, longer residual\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransport and leaching of Ca, Mg, K and S after polyhalite application is significantly lower than after equivalent soluble salts, because the sulphate ions in polyhalite adsorb more strongly to soil particles. Trials consistently show a higher residual effect into the following season — the mineral keeps feeding subsequent crops, which improves both economics and soil biology over time. In container growing and raised beds, where leaching is a constant problem, this extended availability matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e02\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eStaggered nutrient availability\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUniversity of Nottingham research confirmed that 50–60% of the sulphur in polyhalite is immediately plant-available, with the remainder releasing gradually across the growing season. This staggered release pattern matches the way plants actually take up nutrients — demand rises through vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting. A single application at planting can supply nutrients for months rather than days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e03\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e921 trials, 47 crops, 33 countries\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA landmark meta-analysis published in \u003cem\u003eAgronomy Journal\u003c\/em\u003e (2025) combined data from 921 replicated field trials across 47 crops in 33 countries, conducted between 2014 and 2023. Polyhalite raised yields by 3.8–16.3% over NP controls. Crops with the strongest responses were potato, peanut, onion and oilseeds — all of which have high calcium and sulphur demand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e04\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCalcium without pH change\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost calcium amendments — lime, dolomite — raise soil pH significantly, which makes them unsuitable for acid-loving plants or already-alkaline soils. Polyhalite delivers calcium as calcium sulphate (gypsum form), which is pH-neutral. So you can correct calcium deficiency — preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes, bitter pit in apples, tip burn in lettuce — without disturbing your soil pH at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e05\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSoil microbial activity\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eField trials show polyhalite application positively influences soil microbial biomass carbon and FDA hydrolase activity — both indicators of a biologically active, healthy soil. The calcium and sulphur content improve cation exchange capacity and aggregate stability, creating better habitat for beneficial soil organisms. On wheat, treatments using 100% K from polyhalite produced the highest soil organic carbon and microbial activity compared to conventional fertiliser programmes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-refs\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific References\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeta-analysis of polyhalite's yield performance across diverse soil, crop and environmental conditions (2025). \u003cem\u003eAgronomy Journal\u003c\/em\u003e, 117, e70259. (921 trials, 47 crops, 33 countries.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGopinath, K.A. et al. (2024). Exploring the use of POLY4 for the improvement of productivity, peanut quality and soil properties in Southern India. \u003cem\u003eFrontiers in Plant Science\u003c\/em\u003e, 15, 1448909.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingh, S.P. et al. (2025). Polyhalite as an alternate nutrient source for improving growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency in onion and garlic. \u003cem\u003eScientific Reports\u003c\/em\u003e, 15.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKumar, R. et al. (2025). Polyhalite nutrients driving balanced crop nutrition and sustainable agricultural productivity. \u003cem\u003eDiscover Soil\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarbarick, K.A. (1991). Polyhalite applications to sorghum-sudangrass and leaching in soil columns. \u003cem\u003eSoil Science\u003c\/em\u003e, 151, 159–166.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMello, S.D.C. et al. (2018). Potato response to polyhalite as a potassium source fertiliser in Brazil: yield and quality. \u003cem\u003eHortScience\u003c\/em\u003e, 53(3), 373–379.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMello, S.D.C. et al. (2018). Response of tomato to polyhalite as a multi-nutrient fertiliser in southeast Brazil. \u003cem\u003eJ. Plant Nutr.\u003c\/em\u003e, 41(16), 2126–2140.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTiwari, D.D. et al. (2015). Effects of polyhalite as a fertiliser on yield and quality of oilseed crops mustard and sesame. \u003cem\u003ee-ifc\u003c\/em\u003e, 42, 10–17.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 3 — HOW TO USE ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-pl-panel3\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to use polyhalite: application rates and guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-dark\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eA base mineral — not a complete fertiliser\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolyhalite contains \u003cstrong\u003eno nitrogen and no phosphorus\u003c\/strong\u003e. It supplies potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur. For a complete feeding programme, use it alongside a nitrogen and phosphorus source — a Dr Forest crop-specific blend (Tomato, Rose \u0026amp; Flower, Fruit \u0026amp; Veg) or an all-purpose NPK fertiliser.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePolyhalite application rates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSoil mix — potting and container preparation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.5–5g per litre of compost  |  \u003cstrong\u003eWhen:\u003c\/strong\u003e At planting\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix thoroughly into compost or potting soil before planting. The slow-release profile gives baseline calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur for the first 8–12 weeks. Ideal for all container crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTop-dressing — established containers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10–30g per 10-litre pot  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 6–8 weeks during the growing season\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScatter granules evenly across the surface and water in. The slow-release profile means less frequent applications than with soluble alternatives. Particularly valuable for tomatoes, peppers and other heavy-feeding fruiting crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOutdoor beds and borders\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50–125g per m²  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 6–12 weeks, spring to autumn\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBroadcast evenly across the soil surface and water in well. Lower rate for general maintenance, higher rate for heavy feeders, new plantings or clay improvement. Apply at planting and as a mid-season top-up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLawns and turf\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 35–70g per m²  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3 times per year — spring, summer, autumn\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApply and water in. Potassium hardens turf for winter, calcium improves soil structure, sulphur supports colour and density. Polyhalite is the mineral used in professional turf nutrition programmes at the highest level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eClay soil improvement\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100–150g per m²  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annually in autumn or spring\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe calcium in polyhalite displaces sodium on clay particles, improving aggregate structure, drainage and workability. Unlike lime, it doesn't alter pH — so it's safe on all soil types. Work into the top 10–15cm where you can.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStep-by-step application\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col class=\"drf-steps\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAssess your soil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Polyhalite is most useful where calcium, magnesium, potassium or sulphur are running low — typically containers, raised beds, sandy soils and intensively cropped patches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasure the rate.\u003c\/strong\u003e A level tablespoon of polyhalite is roughly 12–15g. Use the rates above as a starting point and adjust to crop demand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApply evenly.\u003c\/strong\u003e Scatter across the surface for containers. Broadcast by hand or spreader for beds. Mix thoroughly with compost for soil mixes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater in.\u003c\/strong\u003e Polyhalite needs soil moisture to begin dissolving and releasing nutrients. Water it in straight after application.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePair with a nitrogen source.\u003c\/strong\u003e Polyhalite carries no N or P. Use it with a Dr Forest blend or another NPK fertiliser for complete crop nutrition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eWorks well combined with…\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolyhalite is the natural partner for any nitrogen-led feed. Pair with Dr Forest \u003cstrong\u003eAll Purpose 4-4-4\u003c\/strong\u003e for general gardens, the crop-specific blends (\u003cstrong\u003eTomato\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eRose \u0026amp; Flower\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ePotato\u003c\/strong\u003e) for targeted feeding, or \u003cstrong\u003eSeaweed Powder\u003c\/strong\u003e for biostimulant activity. The calcium content also pairs well with \u003cstrong\u003eSlow Release Humic Acid\u003c\/strong\u003e for long-term soil structure building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 4 — FAQ ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-pl-panel4\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions about polyhalite\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq1\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq1\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eWhat is polyhalite?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePolyhalite is a naturally occurring mineral with the formula K₂Ca₂Mg(SO₄)₄·2H₂O. It formed 260 million years ago when the Zechstein Sea evaporated, concentrating dissolved minerals into dense crystalline layers beneath what is now North Yorkshire. It supplies four macronutrients — potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur — all as sulphates, with virtually zero chloride. It's mined, crushed and granulated with no chemical processing.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq2\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq2\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eWhat is polyhalite used for?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePolyhalite is used as a base mineral fertiliser to supply potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur — the four nutrients most often stripped out of containers, raised beds and intensively cropped soil. Gardeners use it as a chloride-free potash source, for tomatoes and other chloride-sensitive crops, for lawns and turf, and for breaking up heavy clay. It carries no nitrogen or phosphorus, so it's paired with an NPK feed for complete nutrition.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq3\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq3\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eWhat crops benefit most from polyhalite?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eCrops with high calcium, potassium and sulphur demand respond most strongly. A 921-trial meta-analysis found the largest yield gains in potato, peanut, onion and oilseeds. In the garden that means potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, onions and other alliums, and tree fruit. Chloride-sensitive crops — tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes and salad leaves — particularly benefit from potash delivered without chloride build-up in the root zone.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq4\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq4\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eWhere is polyhalite mined?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis polyhalite is extracted from Boulby Mine on the North Yorkshire coast, over 1,200 metres beneath the North Sea. It is the world's only currently operating commercial polyhalite mine. A second major deposit — Woodsmith Mine, also in North Yorkshire — is under construction and expected to become the largest polyhalite mine in the world.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq5\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq5\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eIs polyhalite a potash fertiliser?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYes — polyhalite is a type of potash fertiliser. \"Potash\" is the umbrella term for potassium fertilisers, and polyhalite is one of them: it supplies 14% K₂O as potassium sulphate, the same chloride-free form as sulphate of potash (SOP). Where SOP gives you potash plus sulphur and nothing else, polyhalite gives you potash plus calcium, magnesium and sulphur in one product — so it covers more ground per application if your soil needs more than just potassium.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq6\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq6\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eHow is polyhalite different from sulphate of potash?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSulphate of potash (SOP) delivers 50% K₂O and 18% S — two nutrients. Polyhalite delivers 14% K₂O, 17% CaO, 6% MgO and 48% SO₃ — four nutrients. If your only need is concentrated potassium, SOP is the more concentrated source. If you need potassium \u003cem\u003eplus\u003c\/em\u003e calcium, magnesium and sulphur — as most garden soils do — polyhalite delivers all four in one slow-release product.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq7\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq7\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eIs polyhalite organic?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePolyhalite is approved for use in EU organic production under Regulation (EC) 834\/2007 as a naturally mined crude salt. It's also approved by the Soil Association and OMRI Listed. No chemical separation or industrial processing is involved — only mechanical crushing and granulation.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq8\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq8\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eIs polyhalite a complete fertiliser?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eNo. Polyhalite contains no nitrogen and no phosphorus. It supplies potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur only. For a complete feeding programme, combine it with a nitrogen and phosphorus source — a Dr Forest crop-specific blend, or an all-purpose NPK fertiliser.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq9\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq9\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eWill polyhalite change my soil pH?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eNo. Unlike lime or dolomite, polyhalite delivers calcium and magnesium as sulphates, not carbonates. Sulphates are pH-neutral. That makes polyhalite safe for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas and rhododendrons, as well as for soils that are already neutral or alkaline.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq10\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq10\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eCan polyhalite prevent blossom end rot?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eBlossom end rot is caused by calcium deficiency in the developing fruit — usually triggered by irregular watering rather than absent soil calcium. Polyhalite supplies 17% CaO in slow-release form, holding a steady baseline of available calcium in the root zone. Combined with consistent watering, this significantly reduces the risk of blossom end rot in tomatoes, peppers, courgettes and aubergines.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq11\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq11\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eHow quickly does polyhalite work?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePolyhalite begins releasing nutrients as soon as it contacts soil moisture. University of Nottingham research showed 50–60% of sulphur is immediately plant-available, with the rest releasing gradually across the growing season. Expect visible effects within 2–4 weeks, with benefits continuing for months from a single application.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-pl-faq12\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel for=\"drf-pl-faq12\" class=\"drf-faq-q\"\u003eIs this the same as Polysulphate?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePolysulphate is a branded trade name for polyhalite, marketed by the mining company that extracts it at Boulby. The mineral itself is the same — K₂Ca₂Mg(SO₄)₄·2H₂O. We sell polyhalite directly without commercial rebranding, so you know exactly what you're getting.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dr Forest","offers":[{"title":"1.5kg","offer_id":44704335790267,"sku":"DF-POLY-1.5","price":10.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4kg","offer_id":44704335823035,"sku":"DF-POLY-4","price":19.35,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"9kg","offer_id":44704335855803,"sku":"DF-POLY-9","price":30.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"15kg","offer_id":44740972576955,"sku":"DF-POLY-15","price":44.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30kg","offer_id":57119451447670,"sku":"DF-POLY-30","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60kg","offer_id":57814955852150,"sku":"DF-POLY-60","price":176.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0049\/8194\/8504\/files\/organic-granulated-polyhalite-fertiliser-mined-yorkshire-14-338.webp?v=1785512768"},{"product_id":"organic-potassium-fertiliser","title":"Potassium Rich Fertiliser | 11% K₂O","description":"\u003c!-- Dr Forest — Micro-K Micronised Potassium Product Page --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- Prefix: mk --\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .drf-wrap *, .drf-wrap *::before, .drf-wrap *::after { box-sizing: border-box; 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}\n  .drf-uses li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-uses li strong { color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-compare { margin: 1.2em 0; }\n  .drf-compare-box { border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.8em; border-radius: 3px; background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n  .drf-compare-box h4 { margin-top: 0; color: var(--drf-grn); text-transform: none; letter-spacing: 0; font-size: 1.05em; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; border-bottom: 2px solid var(--drf-gold); padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; }\n  .drf-faq { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-faq:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-faq input[type=\"checkbox\"] { display: none; }\n  .drf-faq-q { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; padding: 0.8em 0; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 600; color: var(--drf-grn); font-size: 0.95em; }\n  .drf-faq-q::after { content: '+'; font-size: 1.3em; font-weight: 300; color: var(--drf-gold); width: 1.5em; height: 1.5em; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--drf-grn-light); display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-left: 0.6em; }\n  .drf-faq-a { max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s ease; font-size: 0.92em; color: #555; line-height: 1.7; }\n  .drf-faq-a \u003e div { padding: 0 0 1em; }\n  .drf-faq input:checked ~ .drf-faq-q::after { content: '−'; background: var(--drf-grn); color: #fff; }\n  .drf-faq input:checked ~ .drf-faq-a { max-height: 600px; }\n  .drf-refs { font-size: 0.78em; color: #888; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 1.5em; padding-top: 0.8em; border-top: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-refs ol { padding-left: 1.4em; margin: 0; }\n  .drf-refs li { margin-bottom: 0.3em; }\n  .drf-sep { border: none; border-top: 2px solid var(--drf-gold); margin: 1.5em 0; }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tabs-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"drf-mk-tabset\" id=\"drf-mk-tab1\" checked\u003e \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"drf-mk-tabset\" id=\"drf-mk-tab2\"\u003e \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"drf-mk-tabset\" id=\"drf-mk-tab3\"\u003e \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"drf-mk-tabset\" id=\"drf-mk-tab4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tab-labels\"\u003e\n\u003clabel for=\"drf-mk-tab1\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-mk-tab2\"\u003eThe Science\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-mk-tab3\"\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-mk-tab4\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panels\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 1 — OVERVIEW ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-mk-panel1\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMicro-K — micronised potassium rock dust, 11% K₂O, solution-grade mineral fertiliser\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-badge-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003e11% K₂O Potassium\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eMicronised Powder\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eSolution Grade\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eFoliar \u0026amp; Soil Drench\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eOrganic Approved\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eQuarry-Extracted\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium is the nutrient that drives fruit quality, flavour development, disease resistance, and water regulation. Most potassium fertilisers are soluble salts — they deliver a sharp pulse of K that peaks fast and leaches within days. \u003cstrong\u003eMicro-K\u003c\/strong\u003e is different. It is a potassium-rich mineral rock dust, quarry-extracted and micronised to solution-grade fineness, delivering \u003cstrong\u003e11% K₂O\u003c\/strong\u003e in a form that releases gradually as the particles dissolve in soil moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ultra-fine particle size means it can be suspended in water for foliar spraying and soil drenching — giving you the flexibility of a liquid feed with the sustained release characteristics of a mineral amendment. It can also be broadcast directly onto soil for long-term potassium building. Chloride-free, no synthetic processing, organic approved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stats\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e11%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eK₂O (Potash)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003eMicronised\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eSolution Grade\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003eFoliar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003e\u0026amp; Soil Drench\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003eNatural\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eMineral Origin\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Micro-K is used for in the garden\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"drf-uses\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruiting and flowering crops\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium regulates sugar transport, fruit ripening, and flower colour intensity; essential for tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, roses, and all fruiting plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlavour and quality improvement\u003c\/strong\u003e — adequate potassium increases soluble sugar content, vitamin C, and dry matter in fruit and vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrought and frost resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium regulates stomatal opening and cell turgor pressure, reducing water loss and improving survival under temperature extremes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDisease resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium strengthens cell walls, increases cuticle wax deposition, and activates plant defence enzymes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil remineralisation\u003c\/strong\u003e — broadcast application rebuilds potassium reserves in depleted soils, with a slower, more sustained release profile than soluble K salts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliar potassium for rapid response\u003c\/strong\u003e — the micronised particle size allows suspension in water for direct foliar application during peak demand or visible deficiency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLawn winter hardening\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium toughens turf against frost, improves wear tolerance, and supports root development ahead of winter dormancy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong-term soil building\u003c\/strong\u003e — unlike soluble potassium which leaches rapidly, mineral-bound K releases as soil biology and root exudates break down particles over the growing season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy micronised rock potassium instead of soluble potash?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMicronised Potassium Rock Dust — Micro-K\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural mineral — quarried, ground, and packaged with no chemical processing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSustained release — potassium held in mineral matrix, released gradually\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicronised to solution-grade — suspends in water for foliar or drench use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlso effective as a dry broadcast for long-term soil K building\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContains trace minerals from the parent rock alongside potassium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow salt index — no risk of root burn or salt stress\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSulphate of Potash \/ Muriate of Potash\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigher K₂O concentration (50–60%) — more potassium per gram\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully soluble — fast-acting but leaches rapidly in rain and watering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigher salt index — greater risk of root burn in confined volumes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMOP adds chloride; SOP adds sulphur — additional considerations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for acute deficiency correction or peak-demand supplementation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest used in combination with slower-release mineral sources\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eHandcrafted in Stockport\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Dr Forest product is made by hand in small batches at our workshop in Stockport, Greater Manchester. We source ingredients for quality, not cost. Recyclable packaging on the 1.5 kg, 3 kg, and 9 kg sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 2 — THE SCIENCE ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-mk-panel2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe science of potassium in plant nutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe quality nutrient\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium is the most abundant cation in plant tissue and the single most important nutrient for fruit quality. It does not become part of organic molecules — instead it operates as a free ion, regulating water pressure, activating over 60 enzymes, balancing electrical charges, and transporting sugars from leaves to developing fruit. Plants deficient in potassium produce smaller, less flavourful fruit with reduced shelf life and weaker resistance to disease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e01\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSugar Transport \u0026amp; Fruit Quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium is essential for phloem loading — the active process by which sucrose is pumped into the phloem for transport to developing fruit, roots, and storage organs. Potassium-deficient plants accumulate sugars in leaves while fruit remains undersized, under-sweetened, and poorly coloured. This is why potassium is called the \"quality nutrient\" — it does not increase the quantity of growth so much as the \u003cem\u003equality\u003c\/em\u003e of what is produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e02\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eStomatal Regulation \u0026amp; Drought Tolerance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium is the primary ion controlling stomatal aperture. Guard cells accumulate K⁺ to increase turgor and open stomata for gas exchange; they release K⁺ to close stomata and conserve water under drought stress. Plants with adequate potassium respond faster to water stress, lose less water per unit of CO₂ fixed, and recover more quickly from drought episodes. This makes potassium the most important nutrient for water use efficiency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e03\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDisease Resistance \u0026amp; Cell Wall Strength\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium strengthens cell walls by promoting lignin and cellulose synthesis, increases cuticle wax deposition, and activates pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. Potassium-sufficient plants show reduced incidence of fungal diseases including powdery mildew, botrytis, and fusarium wilt. The mechanism is physical — stronger cell walls resist penetration by fungal hyphae — combined with faster enzymatic defence cascades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e04\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFrost Hardiness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium lowers the freezing point of cell sap by increasing solute concentration, maintaining membrane integrity under temperature extremes. Autumn applications of potassium are standard practice in professional turf management and orchard care specifically to harden tissue against winter frost damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e05\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMicronised Rock Dust — Sustained Release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn soluble form (SOP, MOP), potassium is immediately available but highly mobile in soil solution — it leaches rapidly in rain and irrigation, particularly in sandy and container soils. Potassium held within a mineral rock matrix releases as the particle surface dissolves in soil moisture and is attacked by root exudates and microbial organic acids. The micronisation of Micro-K dramatically increases the surface area available for this dissolution, accelerating release compared to coarse rock dust while maintaining the sustained-availability advantage over fully soluble salts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e06\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDeficiency Symptoms\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium is phloem-mobile, so deficiency symptoms appear on older leaves first. The classic sign is marginal leaf scorch — brown, dry edges on lower leaves that progress inward. Other symptoms include poor fruit set, small fruit, weak stems, and increased susceptibility to disease and frost damage. In lawns, potassium deficiency manifests as poor winter survival and slow spring recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-refs\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific References\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMengel, K. \u0026amp; Kirkby, E.A. (2001). \u003cem\u003ePrinciples of Plant Nutrition\u003c\/em\u003e. 5th ed. Kluwer Academic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarschner, P. (2012). \u003cem\u003eMarschner's Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants\u003c\/em\u003e. 3rd ed. Academic Press.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWang, M. et al. (2013). The critical role of potassium in plant stress response. \u003cem\u003eInt. J. Mol. Sci.\u003c\/em\u003e, 14, 7370–7390.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePettigrew, W.T. (2008). Potassium influences on yield and quality production for maize, wheat, soybean and cotton. \u003cem\u003ePhysiologia Plantarum\u003c\/em\u003e, 133(4), 670–681.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 3 — HOW TO USE ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-mk-panel3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to use Micro-K: application rates \u0026amp; guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eSolution-grade micronised powder\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMicro-K suspends in water for foliar spraying and soil drenching. Stir or shake well before and during application — as a mineral suspension it will settle over time. It can also be broadcast directly onto soil as a dry amendment for long-term potassium building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eApplication rates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSoil drench — liquid application\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.5–1g per litre of water  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 2–4 weeks during the growing season\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuspend in water and apply to the root zone. Particularly useful during peak fruiting and flowering when potassium demand spikes. Use at the higher rate for heavy-feeding crops like tomatoes and peppers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFoliar spray — rapid potassium delivery\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.5–1g per litre of water  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 7–14 days during fruiting\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpray both leaf surfaces in early morning or late evening. Stir the solution regularly during spraying to maintain suspension. Foliar potassium is absorbed rapidly and can supplement root uptake during peak demand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSoil broadcast — dry application for beds and borders\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 150–350g per m²  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once or twice per year\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScatter evenly and work into the top layer if possible. Water in. The micronised particles release potassium gradually as they dissolve in soil moisture. Use the higher rate for known-deficient soils or heavy-feeding crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTrees and shrubs\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 150–350 g per m² of canopy area  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annually in spring or autumn\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure the canopy from the trunk out to the drip line, apply at the bed rate across that area, and work it into the soil. Water in thoroughly. Particularly important for fruit trees, vines, and ornamental trees where potassium supports fruit quality and winter hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLawns and turf\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50–150g per m²  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Twice per year — spring and autumn\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBroadcast evenly and water in. The autumn application is particularly important for winter hardening. Potassium improves frost tolerance, wear resistance, and spring recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStep-by-step preparation for liquid application\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col class=\"drf-steps\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasure the powder.\u003c\/strong\u003e For a 10-litre watering can, measure 5–10g (1–2 level teaspoons).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdd to water and stir vigorously.\u003c\/strong\u003e The micronised powder suspends in water but will settle over time. Stir or shake regularly during application.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApply to foliage or root zone.\u003c\/strong\u003e For foliar sprays, use a sprayer with good agitation. For root drenches, apply evenly around the base of the plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTime to demand.\u003c\/strong\u003e Potassium demand peaks during flowering and fruit development. Begin supplementing when the first flowers appear and continue through to harvest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore dry powder sealed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep in a cool, dry place. Shelf life is indefinite when kept dry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eWorks well combined with…\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor higher-concentration soluble potassium during peak fruiting, combine with \u003cstrong\u003eSulphate of Potash\u003c\/strong\u003e (50% K₂O). Use alongside \u003cstrong\u003eYorkshire Polyhalite\u003c\/strong\u003e for balanced K, Ca, Mg, and S. Pair with \u003cstrong\u003eMicro-Mag\u003c\/strong\u003e to maintain K:Mg balance — high potassium can induce magnesium deficiency if Mg is not also supplemented. Add \u003cstrong\u003eSeaweed Powder\u003c\/strong\u003e for biostimulant activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 4 — FAQ ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-mk-panel4\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions about Micro-K\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-mk-faq1\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-mk-faq1\"\u003eWhy only 11% K₂O when sulphate of potash is 50%?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eMicro-K is a natural rock dust, not a refined salt. The potassium is bound within the mineral matrix and releases gradually as particles dissolve in soil moisture. Sulphate of potash is a concentrated soluble salt — higher K per gram but it leaches faster and has a higher salt index. The two products serve different purposes: Micro-K for sustained background potassium and soil building, SOP for acute supplementation during peak demand. Many growers use both.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-mk-faq2\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-mk-faq2\"\u003eWhat are the symptoms of potassium deficiency?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eMarginal leaf scorch on older leaves — brown, dry edges that progress inward. Because potassium is mobile in the plant, deficiency always appears on older leaves first as K is remobilised to new growth. Other signs include poor fruit set, small or poorly flavoured fruit, weak stems, and increased susceptibility to disease and frost damage.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-mk-faq3\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-mk-faq3\"\u003eCan I use Micro-K as a foliar spray?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYes. The micronised particle size suspends in water for sprayer application. Stir or shake regularly during use as particles will settle. Foliar potassium is absorbed through the leaf surface and can supplement root uptake during periods of high demand. Spray in early morning or late evening for best absorption.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-mk-faq4\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-mk-faq4\"\u003eIs Micro-K chloride-free?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYes. Micro-K is a natural mineral rock dust containing no chloride. It is safe for chloride-sensitive crops including tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, grapes, and salad crops.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-mk-faq5\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-mk-faq5\"\u003eIs Micro-K suitable for organic growing?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYes. Natural quarry-extracted potassium-rich rock dust with no synthetic processing or chemical additives. Suitable for use in organic growing systems.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-mk-faq6\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-mk-faq6\"\u003eCan I use Micro-K on lawns?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYes. Potassium is essential for turf winter hardiness, drought tolerance, and wear resistance. Apply 50–150g per m² in spring and autumn. The autumn application is particularly important for hardening turf against frost and winter damage.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-mk-faq7\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-mk-faq7\"\u003eDoes it dissolve completely in water?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eNo — like all rock dust products, Micro-K forms a suspension rather than a true solution. The micronised particle size allows it to suspend effectively for spraying and drenching, but it will settle over time. Stir or agitate regularly during application. This is normal and does not reduce effectiveness.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-mk-faq8\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-mk-faq8\"\u003eWill high potassium cause magnesium deficiency?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePotassium and magnesium compete for root uptake sites. Very high potassium levels can suppress magnesium absorption, particularly in containers where the root zone is confined. If you are applying potassium heavily during fruiting, consider supplementing with \u003cstrong\u003eMicro-Mag\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eYorkshire Polyhalite\u003c\/strong\u003e (which contains both K and Mg) to maintain the balance.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-mk-faq9\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-mk-faq9\"\u003eIs the packaging recyclable?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe 1.5 kg, 3 kg, and 9 kg sizes are supplied in recyclable packaging. The 500g size is not currently in recyclable packaging.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dr Forest","offers":[{"title":"500g","offer_id":45753767395515,"sku":"DF-POTASSIUM-500G","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.5kg","offer_id":45753767428283,"sku":"DF-POTASSIUM-1.5","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"3kg","offer_id":45765532221627,"sku":"DF-POTASSIUM-3","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"9kg","offer_id":56320556826998,"sku":"DF-POTASSIUM-9","price":56.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0049\/8194\/8504\/files\/micro-k-micronised-potassium-fertiliser-11-organic-solution-427.webp?v=1785512769"},{"product_id":"organic-tomato-fertiliser","title":"Tomato Feed | Organic 3-4-6 Slow-Release","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .drf-wrap *, .drf-wrap *::before, .drf-wrap *::after { box-sizing: border-box; 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}\n    .drf-tab-labels {\n      display: flex;\n      flex-wrap: nowrap;\n      align-items: stretch;\n      overflow-x: auto;\n      -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\n      overscroll-behavior-x: contain;\n      scrollbar-width: none;\n      gap: 0;\n      margin-bottom: 1em;\n    }\n    .drf-tab-labels::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }\n    .drf-tab-labels label {\n      flex: 0 0 auto;\n      padding: 0.9em 1.05em;\n      font-size: 0.78em;\n      letter-spacing: 0.04em;\n      white-space: nowrap;\n    }\n  }\n  .drf-panel { display: none; }\n  #drf-tm-tab1:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-tm-tab1\"],\n  #drf-tm-tab2:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-tm-tab2\"],\n  #drf-tm-tab3:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-tm-tab3\"],\n  #drf-tm-tab4:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-tm-tab4\"],\n  #drf-tm-tab5:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-tm-tab5\"],\n  #drf-tm-tab6:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-tm-tab6\"] { color: var(--drf-grn); 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font-weight: 400; }\n  .drf-mech p { font-size: 0.92em; color: var(--drf-muted); margin-bottom: 0; }\n\n  \/* ── RATE CARDS ── *\/\n  .drf-rate { border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin: 0.8em 0; background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n  .drf-rate h4 { margin-top: 0; color: var(--drf-grn); text-transform: none; letter-spacing: 0; font-size: 1.05em; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); padding-bottom: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; }\n  .drf-rate-meta { font-size: 0.85em; color: var(--drf-muted); margin-bottom: 0.5em; }\n  .drf-rate-meta strong { color: var(--drf-gold); font-weight: 600; }\n  .drf-rate p { font-size: 0.92em; color: var(--drf-muted); margin-bottom: 0.5em; }\n  .drf-rate p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\n  .drf-rate ul { font-size: 0.92em; color: var(--drf-muted); margin: 0.4em 0 0; }\n  .drf-rate ul li { margin-bottom: 0.25em; }\n\n  \/* ── STEPS (square block numbers) ── *\/\n  .drf-steps { counter-reset: drf-step; list-style: none; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-steps li { counter-increment: drf-step; padding: 0.8em 0 0.8em 3em; position: relative; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; }\n  .drf-steps li::before { content: counter(drf-step); position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0.8em; width: 2em; height: 2em; background: var(--drf-grn); color: #fff; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 0.9em; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; }\n  .drf-steps li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n\n  \/* ── USE-CASE LIST (1px hairline borders, alternating gold \/ green) ── *\/\n  .drf-uses { list-style: none; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-uses li { padding: 0.6em 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-uses li:nth-child(even) { border-bottom-color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-uses li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-uses li strong { color: var(--drf-grn); }\n\n  \/* ── COMPARISON BOXES (stack vertically) ── *\/\n  .drf-compare { margin: 1.2em 0; }\n  .drf-compare-box { border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.8em; background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n  .drf-compare-box h4 { margin-top: 0; color: var(--drf-grn); text-transform: none; letter-spacing: 0; font-size: 1.05em; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; }\n\n  \/* ── FAQ (square +\/- with 1px gold border) ── *\/\n  .drf-faq { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-faq:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-faq input[type=\"checkbox\"] { display: none; }\n  .drf-faq-q { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; padding: 0.8em 0; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 600; color: var(--drf-grn); font-size: 0.95em; }\n  .drf-faq-q::after { content: '+'; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: 300; color: var(--drf-gold); width: 1.5em; height: 1.5em; border: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); background: transparent; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; 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margin: 1em 0; font-size: 0.92em; }\n  .drf-wrap table th { background: var(--drf-grn); color: #fff; font-weight: 600; padding: 0.6em 0.8em; text-align: left; font-size: 0.85em; letter-spacing: 0.04em; }\n  .drf-wrap table td { padding: 0.55em 0.8em; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-wrap table tr:nth-child(even) td { background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n\n  \/* ── FIGURES (optional — inline SVG charts) ── *\/\n  .drf-fig { margin: 1.2em 0 1.4em; border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); border-top: 2px solid var(--drf-gold); background: var(--drf-white); padding: 1em 1em 0.8em; }\n  .drf-fig svg { width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }\n  .drf-fig-cap { font-size: 0.8em; color: var(--drf-muted); line-height: 1.55; margin-top: 0.7em; }\n  .drf-fig-cap strong { color: var(--drf-grn); }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003c!-- ===== 6-TAB BODY (Overview \/ Ingredients \/ How to Use \/ Growing Guide \/ The Science \/ FAQ) ===== --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tabs-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cinput checked id=\"drf-tm-tab1\" name=\"drf-tm-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-tab2\" name=\"drf-tm-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-tab3\" name=\"drf-tm-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-tab4\" name=\"drf-tm-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-tab5\" name=\"drf-tm-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-tab6\" name=\"drf-tm-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tab-labels\"\u003e\n\u003clabel for=\"drf-tm-tab1\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-tm-tab2\"\u003eIngredients\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-tm-tab3\"\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-tm-tab4\"\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-tm-tab5\"\u003eThe Science\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-tm-tab6\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panels\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 1 — OVERVIEW ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-tm-panel1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-eyebrow\"\u003eMade by Growers · Backed by Science\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrganic tomato fertiliser 3-4-6 — 16 organic ingredients, blended for flavour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-badge-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eNPK 3-4-6\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003e16 Organic Ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-gold\"\u003eHigh Potash · K:N 2:1\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eSlow Release\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eFull Ingredient Transparency\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-dark\"\u003eHandcrafted in Stockport\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTomato feed 3-4-6 from Dr Forest is a slow-release bag for flavour and yield — not a weekly liquid tomato feed. Potassium helps move sugars from the leaves into swelling fruit, and holding nitrogen lower discourages the plant from putting that effort into leaf. It is a dry, milled plant food for tomato plants in pots, grow bags, borders and allotment beds, blended by hand in Stockport from 16 organic ingredients including Yorkshire polyhalite, Scottish seaweed, British biochar and dried worm castings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA liquid tomato feed goes on every week; one dressing of this keeps working for two to four weeks. Alongside the NPK it brings calcium, magnesium, sulphur and trace elements, while most liquid feeds are mainly N, P and K. The 1.5 kg size comes as two 750 g compostable kraft bags; larger sacks run up to 120 kg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stats\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e3-4-6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eNPK ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e16\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eOrganic ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e2:1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003ePotassium to nitrogen\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e2–4 wk\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eBetween top-dressings\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat this formula does for your tomatoes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"drf-uses\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePotash-led feeding\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium at twice the nitrogen, mainly as sulphate from polyhalite and sulphate of potash, with no muriate of potash in the mix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour and aroma\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium supports lycopene, the red pigment, which with its close relatives breaks down into part of a tomato's aroma\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium in the base\u003c\/strong\u003e — from polyhalite, phosphorous plant meal, basalt and clay, for a steady background supply to developing fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil life\u003c\/strong\u003e — biochar gives microbes somewhere to live and worm castings bring them in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMagnesium from two main sources\u003c\/strong\u003e — a micronised magnesium mineral and polyhalite, for the chlorophyll in every leaf\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDr Forest tomato fertiliser vs a typical liquid tomato feed\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDr Forest Organic Tomato Fertiliser 3-4-6 — dry, slow release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNPK plus calcium, magnesium, sulphur and trace elements from 16 ingredients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiochar and worm castings add soil biology as well as nutrients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreaks down over weeks: top-dress every 3 weeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTypical liquid tomato feed — soluble, weekly\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMainly N, P and K, sometimes magnesium; calcium is rarely in the bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvailable at once, and just as quickly washed through by heavy watering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdds nothing to soil structure; salts can build up in grow bags over a season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eHandcrafted in Stockport\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr Forest makes premium organic fertilisers in Stockport, Greater Manchester, and this tomato fertiliser is blended by hand in small batches, every ingredient listed individually. The name comes from Joe's grandfather, Dr Forrest, a GP in a Lancashire mining town near Preston who kept a back-garden plot for the runner beans he turned into piccalilli for family and friends. For a straight comparison with the best-known bottles, read \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/tomorite-vs-dr-forest-tomato-feed-compared\"\u003ewhat is actually in Tomorite: five tomato feeds compared\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003cem\u003eMade by Growers. Backed by Science.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 2 — INGREDIENTS ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-tm-panel2\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-eyebrow\"\u003eWhat's Inside\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAll 16 ingredients — what they do and why they are in this tomato feed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a multi-input blend, with every ingredient listed individually. The polyhalite is mined 1,200 m below the North Sea off North Yorkshire, the seaweed is hand-harvested in Scottish waters, and the biochar is British and fermented before blending.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e01\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eK · Ca · Mg · S\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eYorkshire polyhalite — North Yorkshire, slow release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne crystal, four nutrients, all as sulphates: 14% K₂O, 17% CaO and 6% MgO plus sulphur. Unlike conventional potash it releases gradually (Das et al., 2026). More in \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/what-is-polyhalite\"\u003eour polyhalite guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e02\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003e50% K₂O\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSulphate of potash (SOP) — mineral, fast release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe quick potash: 50% K₂O in sulphate form, which covers the start of each feed while the slower ingredients come on stream. No muriate of potash (potassium chloride) is used anywhere in the formula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e03\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003e20.9% Mg\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMicronised magnesium mineral — mineral, sustained release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMagnesium sits at the centre of every chlorophyll molecule, so it is tied directly to photosynthesis. Ground to 5 microns at 20.9% Mg. Short supply shows as yellowing between the veins of older leaves; see \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/magnesium-deficiency-tomato-plants-uk-guide\"\u003emagnesium deficiency in tomato plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e04\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003e12% N\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNitrogen plant extract — plant-derived, controlled release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA plant protein concentrate that soil microbes break down to plant-available nitrogen. Young plants get what they need to establish without a surge of soluble nitrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e05\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eP₂O₅ · CaO\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePhosphorous plant meal — plant-derived, calcined\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA calcined plant meal, not rock phosphate, at around 15% P₂O₅ and 9% CaO: phosphorus for rooting after planting out and for flowering and fruit set, plus a second calcium source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e06\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eSlow N\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRapeseed meal — British, slow release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA high-protein seed meal that releases nitrogen steadily over several weeks as microbes break it down. Nitrogen that arrives gradually is less likely to push soft, leafy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e07\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eTrace elements\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScottish seaweed meal — hand-harvested, slow release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDried, milled seaweed bringing zinc, iron, manganese and boron, plus alginates that help compost hold together and hold water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e08\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eBiostimulant\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSeaweed extract — British coastal, biostimulant\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncluded for its biostimulant compounds: seaweed extracts carry growth-active substances such as cytokinins and betaines (Craigie, 2011).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e09\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eTriacontanol\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAlfalfa meal — plant-derived, slow release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlow nitrogen and organic matter. Alfalfa meal is also where the growth-promoting substance triacontanol was identified (Ries et al., 1977).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e10\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eCarbon scaffold\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBritish biochar — fermented before blending\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable, porous carbon that stays in the soil for years. Its pores give microbes somewhere to live, and microbial biomass generally rises after biochar goes in, though why is still not well understood (Lehmann et al., 2011).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e11\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eChelation\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHumic acid — mineral organic, chelation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHumic substances improve the uptake of some nutrients, nitrate in particular, and help plants acquire iron by holding it in solution (Nardi et al., 2002).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e12\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eBiology\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDried worm castings — living biology, available nutrients\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReadily available nutrients plus the bacteria and fungi that get the plant meals breaking down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e13\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eSilicon\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSilica meal — mineral, structural\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants short of silicon are often structurally weaker (Epstein, 1999), and a cordon carrying five or six heavy trusses needs a strong stem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e14\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eCEC reservoir\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eClay minerals — British, permanent exchange capacity\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMontmorillonite and illite clays hold potassium, calcium and magnesium on their surfaces and let them go between waterings, a capacity that does not wear out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eTrace minerals\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eVolcanic rock dust (basalt) — mineral, trace elements\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA slow trickle of zinc, iron, copper and manganese, which plants need in small amounts to run their enzyme systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-ing-head\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-num\"\u003e16\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-ing-pct\"\u003eBiostimulant\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHerbal mixture — plant-derived, biostimulant\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDried plant material added as a varied food source for the soil microbial community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere each nutrient comes from\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNutrient\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMain sources\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSmaller contributions\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNitrogen (N)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNitrogen plant extract, rapeseed meal, alfalfa meal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeaweed meal, worm castings, herbal mixture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhosphorus (P₂O₅)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhosphorous plant meal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNitrogen plant extract, rapeseed and alfalfa meals, worm castings, biochar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePotassium (K₂O)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYorkshire polyhalite, sulphate of potash\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeaweed, alfalfa meal, nitrogen plant extract, worm castings, illite clay, basalt\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalcium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYorkshire polyhalite, phosphorous plant meal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBasalt, clay minerals, seaweed meal, worm castings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMagnesium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicronised magnesium mineral, Yorkshire polyhalite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeaweed meal, basalt, montmorillonite clay\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSulphur\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYorkshire polyhalite, sulphate of potash\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRapeseed meal, seaweed meal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTrace elements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeaweed meal and extract, basalt rock dust\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClay minerals, polyhalite, worm castings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 3 — HOW TO USE ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-tm-panel3\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-eyebrow\"\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to use this tomato feed: rates, timing and method\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eMeasuring made simple\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis product is a milled powder with a bulk density of 1 g\/ml, so grams and millilitres are interchangeable. You can measure by weight on a kitchen scale or by volume using a measuring jug or spoon. 3 level teaspoons = 1 tablespoon ≈ 15 ml. For best results, mix with an equal volume of compost before applying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStep-by-step: containers and grow bags\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col class=\"drf-steps\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrepare your potting mix.\u003c\/strong\u003e Measure 5–10 g per litre of compost: 5 g\/L for mixes already containing nutrients, 10 g\/L for plain or peat-free compost. Mix thoroughly for at least two minutes to prevent localised hot-spots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFill your container and plant.\u003c\/strong\u003e Leave 5 cm headspace for watering. Set the plant at the correct depth and firm gently. If planting into an existing container, mix the fertiliser into the compost before transplanting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater in thoroughly.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water until it runs freely from the drainage holes; this starts the slow-release process. Do not allow the pot to dry completely, because organic nutrient release depends on moisture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWait 10–14 days before the first top-dress.\u003c\/strong\u003e The initial potting mix dose provides nutrition for the first two to three weeks. Begin top-dressing once plants show new growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop-dress every 3 weeks.\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply 1–3 g per litre of pot volume in a band around the outer rim, 10 cm from the stem. Every 2 weeks is only for peak fruiting, and only if the whole leaf is evenly pale. Lightly scratch into the top 2–3 cm. Water immediately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjust to what the plant tells you.\u003c\/strong\u003e Yellowing between the veins of older leaves is usually magnesium, often from too much potash: ease back, do not add more. Leaves evenly pale all over: move toward 3 g\/L. Excessively dark green foliage with few flowers: stretch to every 4 weeks and reduce toward 1 g\/L.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eApplication rate table\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContainers \u0026amp; pots\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSituation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRate (g = ml)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFrequency\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNotes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePotting mix preparation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5–10 g per litre of compost\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOnce at potting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 g\/L in enriched mixes. 10 g\/L in plain or peat-free compost.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eContainer top-dressing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1–3 g per litre of pot volume\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvery 3 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 g\/L for established plants. 2–3 g\/L for large containers (20 L+) or peak fruiting.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOutdoor beds \u0026amp; raised beds\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSituation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRate (g = ml)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFrequency\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNotes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBed preparation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150–200 g per m² (up to 250 g for depleted soil)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOnce before planting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFork into the top 10–15 cm. Preparing 2–4 weeks in advance allows nutrients to begin releasing.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutdoor top-dressing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75–150 g per m²\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvery 3 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75 g\/m² in fertile soil during vegetative growth. 100–150 g\/m² during peak fruiting.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle plant at transplanting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30–45 g per plant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOnce at planting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMix into the planting hole with an equal volume of soil or compost. 10 cm gap from the stem.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle plant top-dressing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30–45 g per plant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvery 3 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRing around the plant 10–15 cm from the stem. Lightly scratch in. Water in thoroughly.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSeasonal feeding guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTiming\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRate \u0026amp; frequency\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGoal\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBed preparation \/ potting mix\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–4 weeks before planting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeds: 150–200 g\/m². Pots: 5–10 g\/L compost\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuild a nutrient-rich root zone before the plant arrives\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTransplant establishment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAt planting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30–45 g per plant into the planting hole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLocalised nutrient boost for rapid rooting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEarly vegetative growth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–14 days after transplanting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75 g\/m² or 1 g\/L every 3–4 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHealthy structure without excessive nitrogen-driven bulk\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eActive flowering \u0026amp; fruit set\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst flowers through heavy fruit load\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 g\/m² or 2 g\/L every 3 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePotassium and phosphorus support for flower retention and fruit set\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeak fruit fill\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeavy green fruit on all trusses\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 g\/m² or 3 g\/L every 2 weeks, only if leaves are evenly pale. Otherwise stay at every 3 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum demand — sugar loading and lycopene synthesis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRipening \u0026amp; late season\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOnce fruit begins to colour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLower range or skip; every 3–4 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConcentrate sugars and volatiles; ease off nitrogen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-dark\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eKeep the compost moist\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganic nutrient release depends on moisture.\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not allow the pot to dry completely. Water immediately after top-dressing containers, and water single-plant dressings in thoroughly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eWorks well combined with…\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-seaweed-powder-concentrated-100-soluble-fertiliser-dr\"\u003eDr Forest Seaweed Extract Powder\u003c\/a\u003e as a fortnightly foliar — it adds cytokinins and trace minerals without extra nitrogen. Apply \u003ca href=\"\/products\/liquid-gypsum-micronised-calcium-sulphate\"\u003eDr Forest Liquid Gypsum\u003c\/a\u003e as a root drench if blossom end rot appears mid-season. Use \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-all-purpose-fertiliser-4-4-4\"\u003eDr Forest All Purpose Fertiliser 4-4-4\u003c\/a\u003e during early vegetative establishment before switching to this formula at first flower.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 4 — GROWING GUIDE ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-tm-panel4\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-eyebrow\"\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTomato growing guide — varieties, training, watering and feeding by type\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTimings are for a typical English season; add a week or two in the north and in Scotland. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/best-fertiliser-for-tomatoes\"\u003ebest fertiliser for tomatoes\u003c\/a\u003e guide covers what to feed and when.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe two growth habits: cordon and bush\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCordon (indeterminate, vine)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrows on from one stem until frost or until you pinch out the tip; needs a cane or string and regular side-shooting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSets truss after truss, so picking runs for months; most greenhouse varieties are cordons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeeds feeding right through the season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUK favourites: Gardener's Delight, Sungold, Moneymaker, Ailsa Craig, San Marzano, Costoluto Fiorentino\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBush (determinate)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrows to a set size and crops over three to five weeks; leave the side-shoots on, as each carries a truss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuits outdoor beds, patio pots and hanging baskets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWants a good feed at planting, then lighter feeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUK favourites: Roma, Tumbling Tom, Totem, Red Alert, The Amateur, Maskotka\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eSemi-determinate varieties\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome paste types reach 90–120 cm, set most of their fruit, then slow right down. Train them as cordons, but feed on the lighter bush schedule once most trusses have set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding adjustments by variety type\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCherry and cocktail — Sungold, Gardener's Delight, Sweet Million, Tumbling Tom\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lower end of range  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 3–4 weeks\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNaturally sweet. Overfeed a cherry tomato and you get leaf, not fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eStandard and medium — Moneymaker, Ailsa Craig, Alicante, Shirley\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-range  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 2–3 weeks\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe classic British greenhouse tomato. Follow the How to Use tab as written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBeefsteak and large-fruited — Brandywine, Costoluto Fiorentino, Marmande, Coeur de Boeuf\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upper end of range  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 2 weeks at peak\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe highest blossom end rot risk, because the blossom end expands fastest. Water evenly, and consider a foliar calcium such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-amino-chelated-calcium\"\u003eAmino Chelated Calcium\u003c\/a\u003e while fruit swells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlum and paste — San Marzano, Roma, Amish Paste, Giulietta\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-range  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 3 weeks\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDense fruit with a high dry-matter content, which suits a potash-led feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBush — Totem, Red Alert, The Amateur, Maskotka, Tumbling Tom\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong initial charge, lighter top-dressing  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 3–4 weeks\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA strong initial potting mix charge (8–10 g\/L), then lighter top-dressing (1–2 g\/L). Reduce or stop once most of the fruit has set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHeritage and heirloom — Brandywine, Black Krim, Green Zebra, Tigerella, Costoluto\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid to upper range  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 2–3 weeks\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOlder varieties keep flavour chemistry that modern breeding lost (Tieman et al., 2017).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGreenhouse and polytunnel vs outdoor — what changes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGreenhouse and polytunnel\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanting from late April, picking into October; 8–12 trusses on a cordon against 4–6 outdoors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed at the upper end of the range and the shorter interval (every 2 weeks at peak)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVentilate well and water in the morning; warm, still, humid air suits grey mould\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore blossom end rot risk, because heat drives fast growth and heavy water loss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOutdoors\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant out after the last frost: late May in most of England, early June further north\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose early or bush varieties: Sungold, Gardener's Delight, Red Alert, Tumbling Tom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed mid-range at the standard interval (every 3–4 weeks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStop cordons at 4–5 trusses and give them the sunniest, most sheltered spot you have\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWatering — the make-or-break factor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore tomato problems come from erratic watering than from any shortage of fertiliser. Drought followed by a soaking brings blossom end rot, split fruit and patchy ripening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e01\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContainers and grow bags\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater daily in warm weather, twice in a heatwave, until it runs from the base; dry peat-free compost is hard to re-wet. If pots stop taking water, \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/wetting-agent-for-pots-and-baskets\"\u003ehere is why\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e02\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRaised beds and open ground\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater deeply two or three times a week rather than a little daily, and mulch 5–8 cm deep with compost or straw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e03\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGreenhouses and polytunnels\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater at the base in the morning and ventilate afterwards. Drip irrigation on a timer is the most reliable method under cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eThe calcium connection\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalcium travels with water. Ho \u0026amp; White (2005) put blossom end rot down to calcium delivery falling behind demand in the fast-expanding cells at the blossom end, so the calcium in this blend reaches the fruit only if the water does.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTraining cordon tomatoes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col class=\"drf-steps\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStake or string at planting,\u003c\/strong\u003e before the plant needs it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRemove side-shoots weekly,\u003c\/strong\u003e pinching them out at 5–8 cm; check every three or four days in fast growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStop the plant.\u003c\/strong\u003e Under glass, pinch out the tip after 6–8 trusses, usually late July or early August. Outdoors, stop at 4–5 trusses by early July.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRemove lower leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e below each picked truss, no more than three at a time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTie in loosely\u003c\/strong\u003e every 20–30 cm with soft twine or clips, never wire.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUK seasonal timeline\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMonth\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTask\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFeeding\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFebruary–March\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSow on a warm windowsill or in a heated propagator at 18–21°C. Do not sow too early.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e—\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApril\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePot on into 9 cm pots at the first true leaves; harden off plants going outside; prepare beds and grow bags.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBase charge: 150–200 g\/m² or 5–10 g\/L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMay\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant out: greenhouse late April to early May; outdoors after the last frost, typically late May in most of England.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30–45 g per planting hole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJune\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst flowers and first truss set, when potassium demand starts to climb.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBegin fortnightly or three-weekly top-dressing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJuly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeak period. Stop outdoor cordons at 4–5 trusses; greenhouse cordons can go to 6–8.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvery 3 weeks. Every 2 weeks at the upper end only if leaves are evenly pale\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAugust\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst ripe fruit. Ease off watering slightly as fruit colours to concentrate sugars.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReduce to every 3–4 weeks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeptember–October\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePick the rest; green fruit ripens in a drawer with a banana. The biochar stays in the soil for next year.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLower range or skip; every 3–4 weeks while fruit is still colouring\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon problems and what to do\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBlossom end rot\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e Erratic watering interrupting calcium delivery  |  \u003cstrong\u003eNot usually caused by:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low soil calcium\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater evenly and mulch; in severe cases a root drench of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/liquid-gypsum-micronised-calcium-sulphate\"\u003eDr Forest Liquid Gypsum\u003c\/a\u003e can help. Later trusses usually come good. More in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/blossom-end-rot-tomatoes\"\u003eblossom end rot guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSplit fruit\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e A sudden soaking after a dry spell\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe skin cannot stretch fast enough when water floods back in. Water evenly and mulch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eYellow lower leaves\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nitrogen or magnesium shortage, or the oldest leaves ageing\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterveinal yellowing points to magnesium; this formula has two main magnesium sources, but a foliar spray of Epsom salt (10 g per litre) gives a quick correction. See \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/why-are-my-tomato-leaves-turning-yellow\"\u003ewhy tomato leaves turn yellow\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLots of leaf, few flowers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e Too much nitrogen, too much shade, or temperatures persistently above 35°C\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed less often, give six or more hours of sun, and ventilate a greenhouse to keep it under 30°C, above which pollen viability drops sharply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBlight (Phytophthora infestans)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e A water mould spread by airborne spores in warm, wet weather\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants under glass largely escape it. Outdoors, grow resistant varieties such as Crimson Crush or Mountain Magic, and bin affected foliage. No fertiliser, this one included, protects a plant from blight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGreenback\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e Potassium shortage, strong direct sun on the fruit, or high temperatures\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHard green shoulders that never ripen. A potash-led feed covers the potassium side; under glass, leave enough foliage to shade the trusses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 5 — THE SCIENCE ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-tm-panel5\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-eyebrow\"\u003eThe Science\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe science of tomato flavour, and where feeding fits in\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tomato's flavour is the sum of sugars, acids and a large set of volatile compounds you smell rather than taste (Mathieu et al., 2009). Variety matters a great deal: modern commercial varieties carry significantly less of many key flavour chemicals than older heirloom varieties (Tieman et al., 2017), partly because flavour is too genetically complex to breed for easily (Klee \u0026amp; Tieman, 2018).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy the 3-4-6 ratio works\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium's role in moving photoassimilates, the sugars made in the leaves, is one reason it matters for crop quality (Römheld \u0026amp; Kirkby, 2010). In a trial of three potassium levels, tomato lycopene rose in step with potassium supply while yield did not change (Serio et al., 2007). Nitrogen is held back because a tomato given plenty of it grows leaf. The exact 2:1 figure is our formulation choice; the research points that way without fixing a number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stats\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e3-4-6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eNPK ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e2:1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eK:N ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e−13%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eFruit nitrate vs chemical feed\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e+10.8%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eLycopene vs chemical feed\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOrdinary organic fertilisers vs 100% chemical fertiliser, meta-analysis of 124 studies (Fan et al., 2023): literature figures, not a trial of this product.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-pullquote\"\u003eVariety sets the ceiling on flavour. Feeding and watering decide how close you get to it.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat makes a tomato taste like a tomato\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompound\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMade from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHow\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSugars (fructose, glucose)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhotosynthesis in the leaves\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarried to the fruit in the phloem, a job potassium supports\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6-Methyl-5-hepten-2-one\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLycopene\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOxidative cleavage of lycopene\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGeranylacetone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLinear carotenoids\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarotenoid cleavage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eβ-Ionone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eβ-carotene\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarotenoid cleavage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHexanal, (Z)-3-hexenal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLinoleic and linolenic acids\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe 13-lipoxygenase pathway\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-Methylbutanal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLeucine, an amino acid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmino acid breakdown\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSources: Mathieu et al. (2009); Römheld \u0026amp; Kirkby (2010). The carotenoid-derived compounds are why colour and aroma travel together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow organic feeding differs from soluble feed — the mechanisms\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e01\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNitrogen arrives gradually\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic nitrogen must be broken down by microbes before roots can use it. Across 124 studies, ordinary organic fertilisers cut fruit nitrate by 13.0% and raised fruit sugar by 10.7% against chemical fertiliser alone (Fan et al., 2023).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e02\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eColour and aroma come from the same place\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLycopene and related carotenoids are broken down in ripening fruit into aroma compounds such as 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and geranylacetone (Mathieu et al., 2009). Ordinary organic fertilisers raised lycopene 10.8% against chemical fertiliser (Fan et al., 2023), and in a separate trial lycopene rose with potassium supply (Serio et al., 2007).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e03\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCalcium depends on water as much as supply\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn tomato trials, humid air sent less calcium to the leaves and more to the fruit, a salty root zone cut uptake, and the lowest calcium sat in the tissue where blossom end rot starts (Adams \u0026amp; Ho, 1993). The likely trigger is delivery to fast-expanding cells falling behind demand (Ho \u0026amp; White, 2005).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e04\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrganic matter builds the soil\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic fertilisers raised soil organic matter by 24.4% against chemical fertiliser alone, with higher soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (Fan et al., 2023).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e05\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBiochar gives microbes a home\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts pores give soil microbes somewhere to live, and microbial biomass generally rises after it goes in, though why is still not well understood (Lehmann et al., 2011).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e06\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBiostimulants act on the plant directly\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHumic substances improve nutrient uptake and help plants acquire iron (Nardi et al., 2002). Seaweed extracts carry cytokinins and betaines, and the old view that seaweed works mainly through its nutrients is no longer tenable (Craigie, 2011).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStudy data: organic feeding and tomato quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStudy\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eScope\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFinding\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFan et al. (2023)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e124 studies, 2,041 data sets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrdinary organic fertiliser vs 100% chemical fertiliser: nitrate −13.0%, sugar +10.7%, lycopene +10.8%. All organic types: soil organic matter +24.4%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGao et al. (2023)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e107 papers, 769 data sets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrganic fertiliser vs none: yield +42.2%, lycopene +24.0%, vitamin C +19.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSerio et al. (2007)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThree potassium levels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLycopene rose linearly with potassium; yield unchanged\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-refs\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific references\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdams, P. \u0026amp; Ho, L.C. (1993). Effects of environment on the uptake and distribution of calcium in tomato and on the incidence of blossom-end rot. \u003cem\u003ePlant and Soil\u003c\/em\u003e, 154, 127–132.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalzergue, C. et al. (2013). High phosphate reduces host ability to develop arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis without affecting root calcium spiking responses to the fungus. \u003cem\u003eFrontiers in Plant Science\u003c\/em\u003e, 4, 426.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCraigie, J.S. (2011). Seaweed extract stimuli in plant science and agriculture. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Applied Phycology\u003c\/em\u003e, 23(3), 371–393.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDas, S. et al. (2026). Polyhalite nutrients driving balanced crop nutrition and sustainable agricultural productivity. \u003cem\u003eDiscover Soil\u003c\/em\u003e, 3, 21.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEpstein, E. (1999). Silicon. \u003cem\u003eAnnual Review of Plant Physiology and Plant Molecular Biology\u003c\/em\u003e, 50, 641–664.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFan, H. et al. (2023). Effects of organic fertilizer supply on soil properties, tomato yield, and fruit quality: a global meta-analysis. \u003cem\u003eSustainability\u003c\/em\u003e, 15(3), 2556.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGao, F. et al. (2023). Effects of organic fertilizer application on tomato yield and quality: a meta-analysis. \u003cem\u003eApplied Sciences\u003c\/em\u003e, 13(4), 2184.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigo, M. et al. (2020). Impact of phosphorus fertilization on tomato growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities. \u003cem\u003eMicroorganisms\u003c\/em\u003e, 8(2), 178.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHo, L.C. \u0026amp; White, P.J. (2005). A cellular hypothesis for the induction of blossom-end rot in tomato fruit. \u003cem\u003eAnnals of Botany\u003c\/em\u003e, 95(4), 571–581.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKlee, H.J. \u0026amp; Tieman, D.M. (2018). The genetics of fruit flavour preferences. \u003cem\u003eNature Reviews Genetics\u003c\/em\u003e, 19(6), 347–356.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLehmann, J. et al. (2011). Biochar effects on soil biota – a review. \u003cem\u003eSoil Biology and Biochemistry\u003c\/em\u003e, 43(9), 1812–1836.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMathieu, S. et al. (2009). Flavour compounds in tomato fruits: identification of loci and potential pathways affecting volatile composition. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Experimental Botany\u003c\/em\u003e, 60(1), 325–337.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNardi, S. et al. (2002). Physiological effects of humic substances on higher plants. \u003cem\u003eSoil Biology and Biochemistry\u003c\/em\u003e, 34(11), 1527–1536.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRies, S.K. et al. (1977). Triacontanol: a new naturally occurring plant growth regulator. \u003cem\u003eScience\u003c\/em\u003e, 195(4284), 1339–1341.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRömheld, V. \u0026amp; Kirkby, E.A. (2010). Research on potassium in agriculture: needs and prospects. \u003cem\u003ePlant and Soil\u003c\/em\u003e, 335(1), 155–180.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSerio, F. et al. (2007). Potassium nutrition increases the lycopene content of tomato fruit. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Horticultural Science \u0026amp; Biotechnology\u003c\/em\u003e, 82(6), 941–945.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTieman, D. et al. (2017). A chemical genetic roadmap to improved tomato flavor. \u003cem\u003eScience\u003c\/em\u003e, 355(6323), 391–394.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 0.6em;\"\u003eFigures describe the published literature on these ingredient classes and are not product-specific yield guarantees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 6 — FAQ ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-tm-panel6\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-eyebrow\"\u003eQuestions \u0026amp; Answers\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"drf-h2\"\u003eGrow bags vs high-K liquid tomato feeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-answer\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost UK grow-bag advice still points at a weekly high-potassium liquid (Tomorite-class bottles). Those feeds push fruiting with K, but the bottle usually carries little or no calcium. In a peat-free bag that is watered hard every day, calcium stays the scarce nutrient — blossom end rot is a transport-and-supply problem, not a potassium shortage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHigh-K liquid (Tomorite-class)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeekly dilute feed — NPK on the label, seaweed sometimes added\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalcium usually absent from the bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalts wash through fast; easy to overdo K and tip magnesium out of balance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eThis 3-4-6 slow-release bag\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBase-charge the compost once, then top-dress every few weeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalcium and magnesium sit in the blend with the potash\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant-based organic ingredients, blended in Stockport — not a vegan claim on AP\/Bloom lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you already use a high-K liquid on grow bags, keep watering steady and add a separate calcium source when the bag is unbuffered coir or fruit marks appear. Do not expect the liquid alone to fix blossom end rot. For a bottle-by-bottle read, see \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/tomorite-vs-dr-forest-tomato-feed-compared\"\u003eTomorite vs Dr Forest tomato feed compared\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions about this tomato fertiliser\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq1\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq1\"\u003eWhen should I start feeding tomato plants?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eBefore they go in. Mix 5–10 g per litre into the compost for pots and grow bags, or fork 150–200 g per m² into beds 2–4 weeks before planting (up to 250 g for depleted soil). At planting, put 30–45 g into each planting hole, mixed with an equal volume of soil or compost. The first top-dressing goes on 10–14 days after transplanting, once the plant shows new growth.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq2\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq2\"\u003eHow often should I feed tomatoes?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eEvery 3 weeks, not weekly. Every 2 weeks only at peak fruiting, and only if the whole leaf is evenly pale. Ease to every 3–4 weeks, or skip, once fruit begins to colour. Yellowing between the veins is magnesium: ease back rather than feeding more often.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq3\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq3\"\u003eCan I use this in peat-free compost?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes, and it is particularly useful there, because peat-free compost usually starts with lower nutrient levels. Use the higher potting mix rate (8–10 g\/L) and begin top-dressing after 7–10 days rather than 14. Combining it with a liquid seaweed foliar spray every 2 weeks gives strong results.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq4\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq4\"\u003eWhy does this tomato feed have less nitrogen than others?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eBecause a tomato given plenty of nitrogen puts it into leaf, often at the expense of flowers and fruit. The 3% N is enough for healthy foliage without that excess. If plants show nitrogen shortage, apply more frequently within the recommended rates rather than adding a high-nitrogen feed on top.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq5\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq5\"\u003eWhat is polyhalite and why is it in a tomato fertiliser?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eA North Yorkshire mineral supplying potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur in one crystal, as sulphates and without chloride. It releases gradually compared with conventional potash (Das et al., 2026). Our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/the-dr-forest-blog\/polyhalite-vs-sulphate-of-potash-which-to-use\"\u003epolyhalite vs sulphate of potash\u003c\/a\u003e compares the two potash sources in this blend.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq6\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq6\"\u003eDoes it help with blossom end rot?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIt covers the supply side, with calcium included to keep a background supply in the root zone. But blossom end rot is mainly a water-supply disorder: calcium reaches the fruit with water, and the rot is thought to start when delivery falls behind (Ho \u0026amp; White, 2005). For severe or recurring cases, supplement with Dr Forest Liquid Gypsum as a root drench every 2–3 weeks once fruit is setting. Remove affected fruit; later trusses usually recover once watering is stabilised.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq7\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq7\"\u003eHow does it work with mycorrhizal fungi?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIt works well with them. Use the lower potting rate (5 g\/L) initially, apply the inoculant directly to the roots or into the planting hole, and resume normal rates after 3–4 weeks once the fungal networks have formed. The low start is a precaution: high phosphate stopped the partnership forming in laboratory work (Balzergue et al., 2013), though a tomato field trial found no significant effect (Higo et al., 2020). If you need an inoculant, see our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mycorrhizal-fungi-powder-premium-endo-ecto-mycorrhizae-inoculant\"\u003eMycorrhizal Fungi Powder\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq8\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq8\"\u003eCan I use this tomato plant food on peppers, chillies and other fruiting veg?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes. Peppers, aubergines and chillies respond well to the same 3-4-6 ratio, and there is a dedicated \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-chilli-pepper-fertiliser\"\u003eChilli \u0026amp; Pepper Fertiliser\u003c\/a\u003e too. For root veg, brassicas and soft fruit, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-fruit-vegetable-fertiliser\"\u003eDr Forest Fruit \u0026amp; Vegetable Fertiliser 4-5-6\u003c\/a\u003e offers a more versatile NPK balance.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq9\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq9\"\u003eCan I use it alongside a liquid tomato feed?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes. This blend is the slow-release foundation; a liquid seaweed or calcium feed can top up nutrients during peak demand. Avoid replacing the dry base programme with liquid alone.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq10\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq10\"\u003eDo cherry tomatoes need different feeding to beefsteaks?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes. Cherry varieties need lighter, less frequent feeding; overfed, they run to leaf. Beefsteaks need the upper end of the range, with extra attention to calcium and even watering, because their large fruit is the most prone to blossom end rot. The Growing Guide tab covers every type.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq11\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq11\"\u003eWhat do the biochar and worm castings do?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe biochar gives soil microbes somewhere to live (Lehmann et al., 2011) and the worm castings bring them in. Between them they keep the compost alive enough to break the plant meals down.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq12\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq12\"\u003eIs it safe for edible crops, pets and children?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes. It contains no synthetic chemicals and no toxins that persist in the soil, and there is no withholding period for edible crops. It is safe for pets and children once applied and watered in; keep the bag itself out of their reach.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq13\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq13\"\u003eIs it organic?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIt is made with organic and natural ingredients: plant meals, mined minerals, seaweed, biochar and worm castings, with no synthetic chemicals and no GMO inputs. We do not hold an organic certification for the blend, so \"made with organic ingredients\" is the claim we make, and no more.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-tm-faq14\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-tm-faq14\"\u003eHow should I store it?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eCool, dry, out of direct sunlight and sealed between uses; damp wakes the microbes early. It stays effective for at least 18 months. If it clumps, break it up before measuring.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ===== END 6-TAB BODY ===== --\u003e\n","brand":"Dr Forest","offers":[{"title":"1.5kg (750gx2)","offer_id":56705813741942,"sku":"DF-TOMATO-1.5","price":11.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4kg","offer_id":56705813774710,"sku":"DF-TOMATO-4","price":23.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"9kg","offer_id":56705813807478,"sku":"DF-TOMATO-9","price":44.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"15kg","offer_id":56967929889142,"sku":"DF-TOMATO-15","price":60.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30kg","offer_id":56967931462006,"sku":"DF-TOMATO-30","price":120.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60kg","offer_id":56967932739958,"sku":"DF-TOMATO-60","price":225.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"120kg","offer_id":56967933559158,"sku":"DF-TOMATO-120","price":420.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0049\/8194\/8504\/files\/premium-tomato-fertiliser-two-brown-compostable-paper-bags-193.webp?v=1785512767"},{"product_id":"organic-strawberry-fertiliser","title":"Strawberry Feed | Organic 3-2-7 High Potash","description":"\u003c!-- Dr Forest — Strawberry Fertiliser 3-2-7 eBay Listing --\u003e\n\u003c!-- Prefix: sb — 6-tab layout --\u003e\n\u003c!-- Pure CSS radio-input tabs. 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justify-content: center; }\n  .drf-steps li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-uses { list-style: none; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-uses li { padding: 0.6em 0; border-bottom: 2px solid #C5A55A; }\n  .drf-uses li:nth-child(even) { border-bottom-color: #1B3D2F; }\n  .drf-uses li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-uses li strong { color: #1B3D2F; }\n  .drf-compare { margin: 1.2em 0; }\n  .drf-compare-box { border: 1px solid #d4cfc5; padding: 1em 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.8em; border-radius: 3px; background: #E8F0EB; }\n  .drf-compare-box h4 { margin-top: 0; color: #1B3D2F; text-transform: none; letter-spacing: 0; font-size: 1.05em; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', Georgia, serif; border-bottom: 2px solid #C5A55A; padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; }\n  .drf-faq { border-bottom: 1px solid #d4cfc5; }\n  .drf-faq:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-faq input[type=\"checkbox\"] { display: none; }\n  .drf-faq-q { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; padding: 0.8em 0; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 600; color: #1B3D2F; font-size: 0.95em; }\n  .drf-faq-q::after { content: '+'; font-size: 1.3em; font-weight: 300; color: #C5A55A; width: 1.5em; height: 1.5em; border-radius: 50%; background: #E8F0EB; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-left: 0.6em; }\n  .drf-faq-a { max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s ease; font-size: 0.92em; color: #555; line-height: 1.7; }\n  .drf-faq-a \u003e div { padding: 0 0 1em; }\n  .drf-faq input:checked ~ .drf-faq-q::after { content: '\u0026#x2212;'; background: #1B3D2F; color: #fff; }\n  .drf-faq input:checked ~ .drf-faq-a { max-height: 600px; }\n  .drf-refs { font-size: 0.78em; color: #888; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 1.5em; padding-top: 0.8em; border-top: 1px solid #d4cfc5; }\n  .drf-refs ol { padding-left: 1.4em; margin: 0; }\n  .drf-refs li { margin-bottom: 0.3em; }\n  .drf-wrap table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 1em 0; font-size: 0.92em; }\n  .drf-wrap table th { background: #1B3D2F; color: #fff; padding: 0.6em 0.8em; text-align: left; font-weight: 600; font-size: 0.85em; letter-spacing: 0.04em; text-transform: uppercase; }\n  .drf-wrap table td { padding: 0.5em 0.8em; border-bottom: 1px solid #d4cfc5; }\n  .drf-wrap table tr:nth-child(even) td { background: #f2f7f3; }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tabs-wrap\"\u003e\n  \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"drf-sb-tabset\" id=\"drf-sb-tab1\" checked\u003e\n  \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"drf-sb-tabset\" id=\"drf-sb-tab2\"\u003e\n  \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"drf-sb-tabset\" id=\"drf-sb-tab3\"\u003e\n  \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"drf-sb-tabset\" id=\"drf-sb-tab4\"\u003e\n  \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"drf-sb-tabset\" id=\"drf-sb-tab5\"\u003e\n  \u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"drf-sb-tabset\" id=\"drf-sb-tab6\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"drf-tab-labels\"\u003e\n    \u003clabel for=\"drf-sb-tab1\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/label\u003e\n    \u003clabel for=\"drf-sb-tab2\"\u003eIngredients\u003c\/label\u003e\n    \u003clabel for=\"drf-sb-tab3\"\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/label\u003e\n    \u003clabel for=\"drf-sb-tab4\"\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/label\u003e\n    \u003clabel for=\"drf-sb-tab5\"\u003eThe Science\u003c\/label\u003e\n    \u003clabel for=\"drf-sb-tab6\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/label\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"drf-panels\"\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 1 — OVERVIEW ═══════════ --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-sb-panel1\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eStrawberry Fertiliser 3-2-7 — designed for sweetness, aroma and berry quality\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-badge-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003e3-2-7 NPK\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003e19 Ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eSweetness \u0026amp; Aroma Led\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eSlow Release\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eFull Ingredient Transparency\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eHandmade in the UK\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eMost strawberry fertilisers push foliage. This one is designed around \u003cstrong\u003eflavour\u003c\/strong\u003e. The 3-2-7 NPK ratio — with potassium at more than twice the nitrogen level — drives sugar accumulation, ester biosynthesis and anthocyanin production in developing berries. \u003cstrong\u003eNineteen ingredients\u003c\/strong\u003e including Yorkshire Polyhalite at 21% of the blend, Scottish Seaweed, Gypsum, Alfalfa Meal and EM-1 Microorganisms deliver a complete slow-release feed with \u003cstrong\u003e7.2% calcium\u003c\/strong\u003e from four sources for firmer, longer-lasting fruit. Handcrafted in Stockport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNitrogen is deliberately moderate at 3% — sufficient for healthy crown and runner development without the excess that dilutes Brix, suppresses volatile production and produces soft, watery berries. The K:N ratio of 2.4:1 sits firmly in the range the literature identifies as optimal for strawberry flavour and sensory quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-stats\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e3-2-7\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eNPK Ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e7.2%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eCalcium (4 sources)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e2.5%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eMagnesium (2 sources)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e2.4:1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eK:N Ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eWhat this formula does for your strawberries\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cul class=\"drf-uses\"\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSweeter, more aromatic berries\u003c\/strong\u003e — chloride-free potassium from Yorkshire Polyhalite and SOP drives phloem loading of sucrose into developing fruit, the primary mechanism of Brix, sweetness and ester production\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeeper colour, higher anthocyanins\u003c\/strong\u003e — high K and sulphur from Polyhalite stimulate the phenylpropanoid pathway responsible for the red pigments and antioxidants that define a ripe strawberry\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFirmer berries, longer shelf life\u003c\/strong\u003e — 7.2% calcium from four sources strengthens cell walls in developing fruit, reducing softening, bruising and post-harvest deterioration by 15–25%\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStronger crowns, better fruit set\u003c\/strong\u003e — phosphorus from Phosphorous Meal and Micronised Rock Phosphate supports root development and flower initiation for uniform, well-set berries\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLiving soil biology\u003c\/strong\u003e — EM-1 Microorganisms, Fermented Biochar and Mealworm Frass chitin build the competitive microbial community that suppresses Botrytis and crown rot while producing secondary metabolites linked to improved flavour\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrace mineral depth\u003c\/strong\u003e — Scottish Seaweed, Volcanic Rock Dust and Clay Minerals supply the enzyme cofactors for volatile ester biosynthesis — the fruity, floral compounds that make a properly grown strawberry smell and taste complex\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eDr Forest Strawberry vs general-purpose feed\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n        \u003ch4\u003eDr Forest Strawberry Fertiliser 3-2-7\u003c\/h4\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e19 ingredients — 7.2% Ca, 2.5% Mg and broad trace minerals\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eK:N ratio of 2.4:1 — optimised for sugar and volatile production\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eSlow-release organic fractions feed for weeks per application\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003e7.2% calcium for firm berries and longer shelf life\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eLiving biology from EM-1, biochar and mealworm frass\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eTwo or three feeds a season in the ground — not weekly\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n        \u003ch4\u003eGeneral-Purpose or High-N Feed\u003c\/h4\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eExcess nitrogen produces large, watery berries with diluted flavour\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eLow or no calcium — soft fruit, rapid post-harvest deterioration\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eNo trace minerals — the enzyme cofactors for aroma volatiles are absent\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eNo soil biology — soluble salts suppress beneficial organisms\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eFeast-and-famine nutrient cycle with weekly dosing\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eSalt and EC build-up in containers and raised beds\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eHandcrafted in Stockport\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003eDr Forest fertilisers are blended in small batches from traceable British ingredients. Named after Joe's grandfather — an NHS GP who believed in doing things properly. No shortcuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 2 — INGREDIENTS ═══════════ --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-sb-panel2\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eAll 19 ingredients — what they do and why they are in the formula\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eEvery ingredient is here for a specific, research-backed reason. Nothing is filler. Yorkshire Polyhalite is the largest single ingredient at 21% of the blend — this is a potassium-led formula designed around flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e01\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eYorkshire Polyhalite — North Yorkshire, slow release 50–60 days\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe largest ingredient at 21% of the blend. Supplies K, Ca, Mg and S from a single crystal mined 1,200m below the North Sea. The sulphur fraction drives anthocyanin biosynthesis and flavour volatile production. Extends K supply for 50–60 days — the sustained background that keeps sugar loading active through the entire fruiting season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e02\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eNitrogen Plant Extract — Plant-derived, controlled release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary nitrogen carrier at 12% N. Mineralises over 6–8 weeks without nitrate spikes. For strawberries, controlled nitrogen is critical — excess N produces lush foliage, soft watery fruit, diluted Brix and suppressed volatile ester production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e03\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eAlfalfa Meal — Plant-based, slow release, biostimulant\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContains triacontanol — a natural growth regulator that increases chlorophyll content by 15–20%. More photosynthate means more sucrose available for transport into developing berries. Also supplies 2.5% N and trace minerals. At 10% of the blend, one of the largest ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e04\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eGypsum (Calcium Sulphate) — Mineral, immediate release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e23.3% calcium and 18.6% sulphur in immediately plant-available sulphate form. Calcium is immobile in the phloem — it must be continuously supplied to developing fruit. Strengthens cell walls for firmer berries with longer shelf life. Delivers Ca without raising soil pH — important for strawberries which prefer pH 5.5–6.5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e05\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eSulphate of Potash (SOP) — Mineral, immediate release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFast-acting potassium at 50% K₂O — chloride-free. Activates sugar transport, anthocyanin production and volatile ester biosynthesis immediately. Bridges the gap from day one while Polyhalite's slower K release builds through the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e06\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eEpsom Salt (Magnesium Sulphate) — Mineral, immediate release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fastest-acting magnesium source at 17.7% Mg in immediately plant-available sulphate form. Magnesium is the central atom of every chlorophyll molecule. Addresses interveinal chlorosis within days — critical during rapid spring growth when Mg demand peaks. Sulphur fraction supports flavour volatile production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e07\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003ePhosphorous Meal — Plant-derived, fast-moderate release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic phosphorus at 15% P and 9% Ca for root development, crown establishment and flower initiation. Undergoes rapid microbial breakdown, releasing P within weeks at the two most critical moments: root establishment after planting and bud initiation before flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e08\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eScottish Seaweed Meal — Hand-harvested\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver 60 trace elements including zinc, iron, manganese and boron. Natural cytokinins delay leaf senescence — extending the productive season. Betaines improve osmotic adjustment under drought and heat stress. Alginates improve soil structure around the shallow root zone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e09\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eFermented Biochar — British, activated\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 2% of the blend, creates permanent porous carbon scaffold housing beneficial microorganisms. Increases plant-available K retention by 18–35% under leaching conditions — particularly valuable in containers and raised beds where strawberries are commonly grown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e10\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eMicronised Rock Phosphate — Mineral, slow reserve\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most concentrated P and Ca source at 31% P and 46% Ca. Dissolves slowly as a long-term reserve. Handles the late-season P demand when everbearing varieties are still setting fruit in August and September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e11\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHumic Acid \u0026amp; Fulvic Acid — Mineral organic, chelation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChelates micronutrients, increases soil bacterial biomass by 30–60%, stimulates mycorrhizal colonisation by 25–40%. Fulvic acid increases nutrient uptake during the rapid fruiting phase. Research shows 15–30% higher Brix in humic acid-treated strawberry trials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e12\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eRapeseed Meal — British, slow release\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteady nitrogen over 6–8 weeks through microbial breakdown. Acts as a prebiotic carbon source. The gradual mineralisation avoids the nitrate spikes that suppress volatile ester production and dilute berry flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e13\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eMealworm Frass — Sustainably reared, SAR activator\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContains chitin. Plants detect it as a pest signal and upregulate Systemic Acquired Resistance, priming defences against Botrytis (grey mould), powdery mildew and crown rot — the three most common strawberry diseases in the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e14\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eClay Minerals — British, permanent CEC reservoir\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMontmorillonite and illite clays. Ionic reservoirs that bind and slowly release K, Ca and Mg between waterings. Valuable in the light, well-drained soils and container mixes where strawberries perform best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eSeaweed Extracts — British coastal, biostimulant\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConcentrated cytokinins, betaines and mannitol. Enhances nutrient uptake, flower set and fruit development under stress. Research shows foliar seaweed extract can boost strawberry yield by up to 65% under stress conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e16\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eVolcanic Rock Dust (Basalt) — Mineral, trace elements\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZinc, iron, copper, manganese — the enzyme cofactors for volatile ester biosynthesis. The fruity, floral compounds (methyl butyrate, hexyl acetate, furaneol) that define a properly grown strawberry require these trace minerals as catalysts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e17\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eEM-1 Microorganisms — Living culture\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBacteria, yeasts, actinomycetes and lactic acid bacteria. Suppresses Botrytis and crown rot through competitive exclusion. Produces bioactive compounds that enhance secondary metabolite production — the flavour and aroma compounds in developing berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e18\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eSilica Meal — Mineral, structural\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilicon strengthens epidermal cell walls — a physical barrier against powdery mildew spore germination and aphid stylet penetration. Improves leaf rigidity and fruit firmness. Silicon is not present in most UK garden soils at sufficient concentrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e19\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHerbal Mixture — Plant-derived, biostimulant\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComfrey (K-rich, rapid breakdown), nettle (iron, silica), yarrow (phosphorus-solubilising bacteria), chamomile (rhizobacteria support). Broad-spectrum biological stimulus for the shallow strawberry root zone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 3 — HOW TO USE ═══════════ --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-sb-panel3\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eHow to use: rates, timing \u0026amp; method\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eStrawberries are shallow-rooted\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003eApply to the soil surface and incorporate lightly into the top 5–10cm only. Deep incorporation is unnecessary and can damage the shallow fibrous root system. Always leave a \u003cstrong\u003e10cm gap from the crown\u003c\/strong\u003e to prevent burn. Water thoroughly after every application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eSoil preparation — before planting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBeds and raised beds\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100–170g per m²  |  \u003cstrong\u003eMethod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Work into top 10–15cm before planting\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100g\/m² in fertile soil or for light-feeding alpine types. 130g\/m² for average garden soil. 170g\/m² for maximum flavour in new beds or when pushing sweetness and aroma to the peak — this rate delivers a strong potassium foundation for the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSingle plants at planting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–40g per plant (1–3 tablespoons)  |  \u003cstrong\u003eMethod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mix into soil around each crown\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeave a 10cm gap from the crown. 15g for small transplants or alpine types. 25–30g for established crowns. 40g for maximum flavour — concentrates potassium in the root zone for peak sugar and ester production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContainers, pots and hanging baskets\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10g per litre of compost  |  \u003cstrong\u003eMethod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mix through full volume before planting\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5g\/L if using mycorrhizal fungi inoculant (lower P avoids suppressing colonisation). 10g\/L in plain compost without mycorrhizal fungi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eFeeding — ongoing through the season\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eWhen to start feeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003eEarly spring as growth resumes, or 4–6 weeks after planting once established. June-bearers in the ground: once in early spring, once just before flowering, and once straight after harvest. Stop by late August. Do not top-dress every few weeks all season. Pots, and everbearing plants, can stay on every 4 weeks at the lower rate, because rain washes feed out of a pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRows and beds — top-dressing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80–160g per metre of row | \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two or three times a season\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e80g\/m for maintenance and light-feeding varieties. 120g\/m for standard feeding. 160g\/m during peak fruiting for maximum sweetness and aroma. Spread evenly along the row. Lightly scratch in. Water well. Avoid direct contact with crowns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSingle plants — top-dressing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–40g per plant (1–3 tablespoons) | \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two or three times a season\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15g for light feeders. 25–30g for standard feeding. 40g during peak fruiting for maximum flavour. Apply in a ring 10–15cm from the crown. Incorporate lightly. Water in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContainers and pots — top-dressing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1–3g per litre of pot volume | \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 4 weeks, lower end\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1g\/L for light feeders and alpine types. 2g\/L for standard feeding. 3g\/L during peak fruiting for maximum sweetness and aroma — this is the rate that pushes K delivery into the peak volatile and sugar production zone. Apply to compost surface. Scratch in lightly. Water thoroughly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eMeasuring tip\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 level teaspoons = 1 tablespoon ≈ 15g. We recommend mixing the fertiliser with an equal volume of compost before application — this reduces dust, coats the granules in microbe-rich compost, and supports the living biology for enhanced flavour compounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eWorks well combined with…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-seaweed-powder-concentrated-100-soluble-fertiliser-dr\"\u003eSeaweed Extract Powder\u003c\/a\u003e as a fortnightly foliar spray — boosts volatile production and stress tolerance without extra nitrogen. Apply \u003cstrong\u003eDr Forest Liquid Gypsum\u003c\/strong\u003e as a root drench every 2–4 weeks for additional calcium and firmer berries. Apply mycorrhizal fungi inoculant at planting for improved nutrient uptake and yield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eStorage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003eCool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Keep sealed between uses. Effective for at least 18 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 4 — GROWING GUIDE ═══════════ --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-sb-panel4\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eStrawberry growing guide — varieties, planting, runners \u0026amp; feeding by type\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNot all strawberries grow the same way. The distinction between June-bearing, everbearing and day-neutral varieties is the most important factor in how you feed, manage and harvest your plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eFeeding adjustments by variety type\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eJune-bearing — Elsanta, Cambridge Favourite, Honeoye, Hapil, Florence, Sonata\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard range  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Three times a season | \u003cstrong\u003eKey timing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early spring, just before flowering, and straight after harvest\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne concentrated flush over 2–4 weeks in June–July. Feed in early spring as growth resumes, again just before flowering, and once more immediately after harvest to build reserves for next year's crowns. Stop feeding by late August. The post-harvest feed is as important as the pre-flowering feed — it funds next year's flower buds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eEverbearing — Flamenco, Buddy, Finesse, Malling Allure\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lower end of range  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 4 weeks  |  \u003cstrong\u003eKey timing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Continuous through season\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple flushes from June through to October. Lighter, more frequent feeding keeps potassium supply steady without nitrogen spikes between flushes. The 3-2-7 formula's sustained K from Polyhalite is particularly well-suited to everbearing varieties — it maintains sugar loading across the extended season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDay-neutral — Albion, Seascape, San Andreas, Sweet Ann\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lower end of range  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 4 weeks  |  \u003cstrong\u003eKey timing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Continuous, lighter feeds\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit continuously regardless of day length. Similar management to everbearing but with even lighter individual applications. Monitor for lush foliage and adjust downward — these varieties are sensitive to excess nitrogen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAlpine — Alexandria, Mignonette, Baron Solemacher, Mara des Bois\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lowest range  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every 6–8 weeks  |  \u003cstrong\u003eKey timing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring and midsummer only\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall, intensely flavoured berries with naturally high Brix. Alpine strawberries need minimal feeding — the concentrated flavour is partly a result of low nutrient availability. Overfeed and you lose the intensity. Mara des Bois is technically a day-neutral but grows like an alpine — treat as alpine for feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eContainers vs beds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n        \u003ch4\u003eContainers, hanging baskets \u0026amp; strawberry planters\u003c\/h4\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eExcellent for strawberries — keeps fruit clean, off the ground, away from slugs\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eLimited volume means nutrients leach faster — biochar and clay minerals help\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eWater daily in warm weather, twice in heatwaves — consistent moisture is critical\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eFeed every 4 weeks at the lower end of the range\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eReplace compost annually — strawberries deplete container mixes rapidly\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eHanging baskets are ideal for trailing varieties and small spaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n        \u003ch4\u003eBeds, raised beds \u0026amp; allotments\u003c\/h4\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eLarger soil volume buffers nutrients and moisture better\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003ePlant through weed-suppressing membrane or mulch heavily with straw\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eWater deeply 2–3 times per week rather than little and often\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eRunners root naturally — manage or remove depending on your system\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eRotate every 3–4 years to prevent soil-borne disease build-up\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eNet against birds as fruit colours — or lose 50% of your crop\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eRunner management\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eRemove or propagate — never ignore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003eRunner production diverts energy from fruit. For maximum berry quality, remove runners as they appear throughout the fruiting season. To propagate new plants, allow 3–4 runners per mother plant after harvest, peg into small pots of compost, sever once rooted (4–6 weeks), and plant out in autumn. Replace strawberry plants every 3–4 years — cropping quality declines after the third season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eIdeal soil pH\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eStrawberries prefer slightly acidic soil at \u003cstrong\u003epH 5.5–6.5\u003c\/strong\u003e (ideally around 6.2). Test annually. To lower pH: elemental sulphur at 100–200g\/m² (takes 3–6 months). To raise pH: agricultural lime at 100–300g\/m² (takes 3–12 months). Incorporate 3–12 months before planting. The calcium from Gypsum in this formula does not raise pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eUK seasonal timeline\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003ctable\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMonth\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to Do\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeb–Mar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClean up dead foliage from overwinter. First feed as new growth appears (100–170g\/m² or 15–40g per plant). Mulch with straw once soil warms. Net against birds.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApril\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlowering begins. Protect from late frosts with fleece overnight. Keep soil moist. Remove runners on established plants.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMay\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecond feed for June-bearers (80–160g\/m of row). Fruit setting. Tuck straw under developing fruit to keep clean. Continue removing runners.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJune\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMain harvest for June-bearers. Pick daily. Feed everbearing and day-neutral varieties every 4 weeks at the lower end.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJuly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePost-harvest feed for June-bearers — critical for next year. Second and third flushes for everbearing types. Allow selected runners to root for propagation.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAugust\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinal feed for everbearing varieties. Sever rooted runners and pot up or plant out. Stop feeding June-bearers by late August.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSep–Oct\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant new bare-root runners. Last fruits from everbearing types. Remove old straw mulch. Tidy beds.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNov–Jan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlants dormant. No feeding. Protect containers from hard frost. Plan next season's replacements (replace after 3–4 years).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/table\u003e\n\n    \u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eCommon problems\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBotrytis (grey mould)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBotrytis cinerea\u003c\/em\u003e — fungal spores spread in cool, humid, still conditions\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most common strawberry disease in the UK. Good air circulation, straw mulch to keep fruit off soil, and prompt removal of infected berries are the primary controls. EM-1 and chitin from Mealworm Frass in this formula build the competitive microbial community that suppresses Botrytis. Avoid overhead watering during fruiting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePowdery mildew\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fungal infection in warm, dry conditions with poor air circulation\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite powdery coating on leaves, curling and purpling. Silica Meal in this formula strengthens leaf cell walls — a physical barrier against spore germination. Ensure adequate spacing and air flow. Foliar seaweed extract improves plant resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eVine weevil\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vine weevil larvae feed on roots — particularly in containers\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo fertiliser controls vine weevil directly. Biological control: apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in spring and autumn. Check compost for C-shaped white grubs when repotting. Container-grown strawberries are most at risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSlugs\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slugs feeding on ripening berries in contact with moist soil\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStraw mulch lifts fruit off the soil surface. Organic slug pellets around the bed perimeter. Containers and raised beds reduce slug access. Pick fruit daily as it ripens — slugs target overripe berries first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBird damage\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e Birds — particularly blackbirds — eating ripe fruit\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNet the entire bed or row as soon as fruit begins to colour. Use fine mesh (2cm or less). Support netting above the plants — not draped directly on foliage. Without netting, expect to lose 30–50% of your crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRed stele (red core)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCause:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePhytophthora fragariae\u003c\/em\u003e — soil-borne pathogen in waterlogged soil\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilting despite moist soil, red-stained root cores when cut open. No cure — remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage. Do not replant strawberries in the same soil. Choose resistant varieties (Hapil, Florence, Rhapsody). Good drainage is the single most important preventive measure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 5 — THE SCIENCE ═══════════ --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-sb-panel5\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eThe science of strawberry flavour and why nutrition is decisive\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eStrawberry flavour is the result of three interacting systems: \u003cstrong\u003esugars\u003c\/strong\u003e (primarily fructose and glucose for sweetness), \u003cstrong\u003eorganic acids\u003c\/strong\u003e (citric acid for the characteristic tang), and \u003cstrong\u003evolatile organic compounds\u003c\/strong\u003e — over 360 identified VOCs, of which approximately 15–25 are sensorially important. The balance between these three determines whether a strawberry tastes flat or complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-stats\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003eN 3%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003ePrevents flavour dilution\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003eP 2%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eCrown \u0026amp; fruit set\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003eK 7%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eSugars \u0026amp; aroma esters\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003eCa 7.2%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eFirmness \u0026amp; shelf life\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eWhy K-led nutrition for strawberries\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003ePotassium is the primary driver of phloem loading — the transport of sucrose from leaves into developing fruit. Under K deficiency, berries are lower in Brix, lower in volatile esters, and measurably less sweet. The 3-2-7 ratio delivers a K:N of 2.4:1 — high enough for K to dominate sugar transport and ester biosynthesis while N remains sufficient for healthy foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eKey aroma compounds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003ctable\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompound\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSensory Character\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNutritional Link\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFuraneol (DMHF)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCaramel, sweet, \"strawberry\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe defining strawberry aroma; production increases under K-rich organic nutrition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMethyl butyrate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFruity, apple, pineapple\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEster biosynthesis depends on K supply and enzyme cofactors (Zn, Fe)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHexyl acetate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePear, fruity, floral\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne of the most abundant esters; enhanced by organic management\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLinalool\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFloral, citrus, sweet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTerpene produced more abundantly in biologically active soil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eγ-Decalactone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeach, creamy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLactone from lipid precursors; requires adequate lipid metabolism cofactors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/table\u003e\n\n    \u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eMechanisms of action\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e01\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003ePotassium drives sugar and ester production\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eK activates sucrose synthase and drives phloem loading into developing fruit. Higher Brix, higher fructose, and increased substrate availability for ester biosynthesis — the volatile fruity compounds that define strawberry aroma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e02\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eLow nitrogen preserves flavour intensity\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcess N produces large, watery berries with diluted sugars, suppressed volatile production and higher nitrate. The moderate 3% N through slow organic mineralisation prevents this — plants receive what they need without the excess that degrades quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e03\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCalcium for firmness and shelf life\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalcium cross-links pectin in cell walls. Adequate Ca supply produces firmer berries that resist bruising and deterioration 15–25% longer than Ca-deficient fruit. 7.2% from four sources at different speeds ensures continuous supply to developing berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e04\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eAnthocyanin biosynthesis\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh K and sulphur from Yorkshire Polyhalite stimulate the phenylpropanoid pathway — the biosynthetic route to anthocyanins, the red pigments that are also potent antioxidants. Deeper red colour correlates directly with higher antioxidant content and consumer preference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e05\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eMicrobial metabolites and flavour\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecomposing organic ingredients generate secondary metabolites that enter the plant and directly influence volatile biosynthesis. Organic management consistently produces strawberries with higher total VOC content and more complex aroma profiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e06\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDisease suppression through biology\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotrytis is the primary quality-limiting disease. EM-1 Microorganisms and chitin from Mealworm Frass build competitive microbial communities that suppress Botrytis through competitive exclusion — reducing grey mould incidence without fungicide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eStudy data\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003ctable\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStudy\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFinding\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrganic fertilisation trials (2020–2025)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow-N, high-K organic systems: sugars\/Brix +15–45%, aroma volatiles (esters) significantly enhanced vs high-N alternatives.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBiofertiliser combination trials (2023–2024)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrganic NPK + biologicals: higher sugars, phenols, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity. High-K systems outperformed balanced or high-N for sweetness and aroma.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGlobal meta-analysis (2023)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCombined NPK + organic: nutritional quality +12–30%. Strawberries identified as highly responsive to organic nutrition quality benefits.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalcium and strawberry firmness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdequate Ca supply improved berry firmness by 15–25% and extended shelf life. Multiple sources at different speeds outperformed single-source application.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHumic acid and strawberry Brix\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–30% higher Brix and sugar content in humic acid-treated trials. Enhanced antioxidant and flavour compound production.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/table\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-refs\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eReferences\u003c\/h4\u003e\n      \u003col\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eMarschner, P. ed. (2012). \u003cem\u003eMarschner's Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants\u003c\/em\u003e, 3rd ed. Academic Press.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eWang, Y. et al. (2023). Combined organic–mineral fertilisation meta-analysis. \u003cem\u003eScience of the Total Environment\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eNardi, S. et al. (2009). Physiological effects of humic substances. \u003cem\u003eSoil Biology and Biochemistry\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eKhan, A.A. et al. (2009). Triacontanol. \u003cem\u003ePlant Growth Regulation\u003c\/em\u003e, 53(3), 203–218.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eCraigie, J.S. (2011). Seaweed extract stimuli. \u003cem\u003eJ. Applied Phycology\u003c\/em\u003e, 23(3), 371–393.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eLehmann, J. et al. (2011). Biochar effects on soil biota. \u003cem\u003eSoil Biology and Biochemistry\u003c\/em\u003e, 43(9), 1812–1836.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eJohnston, A.E. \u0026amp; Dawson, C.J. (2018). Polyhalite as a fertiliser. \u003cem\u003eProc. 826, Int. Fertiliser Society\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eEpstein, E. (1999). Silicon. \u003cem\u003eAnnual Review of Plant Physiology\u003c\/em\u003e, 50, 641–664.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003c\/ol\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ═══════════ TAB 6 — FAQ ═══════════ --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"drf-panel\" id=\"drf-sb-panel6\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-sb-faq1\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sb-faq1\"\u003eHow soon will I notice a difference in flavour?\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe difference is most noticeable from the second flush onward — richer colour, stronger aroma when picked, and measurably sweeter fruit. The volatile ester and anthocyanin pathways take several weeks of sustained K supply to reach full activity.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-sb-faq2\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sb-faq2\"\u003eDo everbearing varieties need different feeding to June-bearers?\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes — see the Growing Guide tab. Everbearing and day-neutral types need lighter, more frequent feeds (every 4 weeks at the lower rate) to maintain steady K supply across the extended season. June-bearers need stronger feeds at key moments: pre-flowering, and immediately post-harvest to build next year's flower buds.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-sb-faq3\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sb-faq3\"\u003eCan I use this in hanging baskets?\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes — charge compost at 5–10g per litre before planting, then top-dress every 4 weeks at the lower end of the range. The biochar and clay minerals are particularly valuable in hanging baskets where limited volume and frequent watering cause rapid nutrient leaching.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-sb-faq4\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sb-faq4\"\u003eWhy does this have less nitrogen than other strawberry feeds?\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eExcess nitrogen produces lush foliage, soft watery berries, diluted Brix and suppressed volatile ester production. The 3% N is sufficient for healthy crown and runner development. It is the high potassium that drives sweetness and aroma — the compounds that actually matter.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-sb-faq5\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sb-faq5\"\u003eShould I feed after the main harvest?\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eFor June-bearers: yes — the post-harvest feed is critical. This is when the plant forms next year's flower buds. One application immediately after harvest, then stop by late August. For everbearing types: continue feeding through to the final flush, then stop.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-sb-faq6\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sb-faq6\"\u003eWill the calcium prevent soft berries?\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes — 7.2% calcium from four sources at different release speeds provides continuous Ca supply to developing fruit. Calcium cross-links pectin in cell walls, producing firmer berries that resist bruising and last 15–25% longer after picking.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-sb-faq7\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sb-faq7\"\u003eCan I combine this with mycorrhizal fungi?\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes — use the lower compost rate (5g\/L) initially to avoid high P inhibiting colonisation. Apply mycorrhizal inoculant directly to roots at planting. Resume normal rates after 4–6 weeks once networks have established.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-sb-faq8\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sb-faq8\"\u003eWhat pH do strawberries prefer?\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003epH 5.5–6.5, ideally around 6.2. Test annually. The Gypsum in this formula supplies calcium without raising pH — unlike lime, which would push pH above the optimum range for strawberries.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-sb-faq9\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sb-faq9\"\u003eIs it safe for edible crops, pets and children?\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes. All ingredients are organic and mineral in origin with no synthetic chemicals and no persistent toxins. No withholding period.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"drf-sb-faq10\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-sb-faq10\"\u003eIs it organic?\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eMade from organic and natural ingredients. Not certified organic. No synthetic chemicals, no GMO inputs.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dr Forest","offers":[{"title":"1.5kg (750gx2)","offer_id":57056707182966,"sku":"DF-STRAWBERRY-1.5","price":11.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4kg","offer_id":57056707215734,"sku":"DF-STRAWBERRY-4","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"9kg","offer_id":57056707248502,"sku":"DF-STRAWBERRY-9","price":44.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"15kg","offer_id":57056707281270,"sku":"DF-STRAWBERRY-15","price":60.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30kg","offer_id":57056707314038,"sku":"DF-STRAWBERRY-30","price":120.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60kg","offer_id":57056707346806,"sku":"DF-STRAWBERRY-60","price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"120kg","offer_id":57056707379574,"sku":"DF-STRAWBERRY-120","price":420.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0049\/8194\/8504\/files\/premium-strawberry-fertiliser-slow-release-plant-food-high-flavour-754.webp?v=1785512768"},{"product_id":"organic-liquid-potassium-fertiliser","title":"Organic Liquid Potassium | 15% K2O Chloride-Free | Dr Forest","description":"\u003c!-- Dr Forest — Organic Liquid Potassium Fertiliser 15% K2O --\u003e\u003c!-- Prefix: drf-lk- | Design System v1.0 | 4-tab --\u003e\u003c!-- Pure CSS radio tabs. No JavaScript. Shopify-safe. --\u003e\u003c!-- REV 2026-08-01: chloride-free claims REMOVED pending supplier substantiation. --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- Cardarelli \/ Xu 2024 \/ Wang 2023 paragraph removed. Compliance sweep applied. --\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .drf-wrap *, .drf-wrap *::before, .drf-wrap *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-wrap { font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif; font-weight: 400; color: #3A4A40; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.65; width: 100%; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; }\n  :root {\n    --drf-grn:        #1B3D2F;\n    --drf-grn-light:  #E8F0EB;\n    --drf-grn-mid:    #4a7a5e;\n    --drf-grn-dark:   #0F2A1F;\n    --drf-gold:       #C5A55A;\n    --drf-gold-light: #FAF7F0;\n    --drf-cream:      #F5F2EC;\n    --drf-border:     #d4cfc5;\n    --drf-muted:      #3A4A40;\n    --drf-white:      #FFFFFF;\n  }\n  .drf-wrap h2 { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.9em; color: var(--drf-grn); line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 0.5em; letter-spacing: -0.3px; }\n  .drf-wrap h3 { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.35em; color: var(--drf-grn); margin: 1.4em 0 0.4em; }\n  .drf-wrap h4 { font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif; font-weight: 500; font-size: 0.85em; letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--drf-muted); margin: 1.2em 0 0.3em; }\n  .drf-wrap p { margin-bottom: 0.9em; }\n  .drf-wrap ul { padding-left: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.9em; }\n  .drf-wrap ul li { margin-bottom: 0.35em; }\n  .drf-wrap strong { font-weight: 500; color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-wrap em { font-style: italic; color: var(--drf-muted); }\n  .drf-wrap a { color: var(--drf-grn); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); text-decoration: none; }\n\n  \/* BADGES *\/\n  .drf-badge-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 7px; margin: 0 0 12px; }\n  .drf-badge { padding: 9px 12px; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: 0.08em; text-transform: uppercase; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; text-align: center; min-height: 36px; line-height: 1.3; }\n  .drf-badge-green { background: #eaf4ea; color: #2d6a2d; border: 1px solid #c0d8b0; }\n  .drf-badge-gold  { background: #fdf6e3; color: #8b6914; border: 1px solid #e0cc80; }\n  .drf-badge-dark  { background: var(--drf-grn-dark); color: #d4e4c8; border: 1px solid #2d6a2d; }\n\n  \/* STAT CARDS *\/\n  .drf-stats { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 1px; background: var(--drf-border); border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); border-top: 2px solid var(--drf-gold); margin: 1.2em 0; max-width: 100%; }\n  .drf-stat { background: var(--drf-white); padding: 0.7em 0.5em; text-align: center; }\n  .drf-stat-number { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-size: 1.45em; font-weight: 400; color: var(--drf-grn); line-height: 1.1; display: block; }\n  .drf-stat-label { font-size: 0.6em; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: 0.14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--drf-gold); display: block; margin-top: 0.25em; }\n\n  \/* TABS *\/\n  .drf-tabs-wrap { max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; }\n  .drf-tabs-wrap input[type=\"radio\"] { display: none; }\n  .drf-tab-labels { display: flex; align-items: stretch; border-bottom: 2px solid var(--drf-border); margin-bottom: 1.2em; }\n  .drf-tab-labels label { flex: 1 1 0; padding: 0.75em 0.4em; font-size: 0.82em; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: 0.04em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #8b6914; background: var(--drf-gold-light); cursor: pointer; text-align: center; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; border-bottom: 3px solid var(--drf-gold); margin-bottom: -2px; transition: all 0.15s; }\n  .drf-tab-labels label:hover { color: var(--drf-grn); background: var(--drf-grn-light); border-bottom-color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-panel { display: none; }\n  #drf-lk-tab1:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-lk-tab1\"],\n  #drf-lk-tab2:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-lk-tab2\"],\n  #drf-lk-tab3:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-lk-tab3\"],\n  #drf-lk-tab4:checked ~ .drf-tab-labels label[for=\"drf-lk-tab4\"] { color: var(--drf-grn); background: var(--drf-grn-light); border-bottom-color: var(--drf-grn); font-weight: 600; }\n  #drf-lk-tab1:checked ~ .drf-panels #drf-lk-panel1,\n  #drf-lk-tab2:checked ~ .drf-panels #drf-lk-panel2,\n  #drf-lk-tab3:checked ~ .drf-panels #drf-lk-panel3,\n  #drf-lk-tab4:checked ~ .drf-panels #drf-lk-panel4 { display: block; }\n\n  \/* CALLOUTS *\/\n  .drf-callout { background: var(--drf-grn-light); border-left: 3px solid var(--drf-grn); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin: 1.2em 0; }\n  .drf-callout-gold { background: var(--drf-gold-light); border-left-color: var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-callout p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\n  .drf-callout-title { font-size: 0.72em; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: 0.18em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--drf-grn); margin-bottom: 0.4em; display: block; }\n  .drf-callout-gold .drf-callout-title { color: var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-callout-dark { background: var(--drf-grn-dark); border-left-color: var(--drf-gold); color: var(--drf-cream); }\n  .drf-callout-dark p { color: var(--drf-cream); }\n  .drf-callout-dark strong { color: var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-callout-dark .drf-callout-title { color: var(--drf-gold); }\n\n  \/* PULL QUOTE *\/\n  .drf-pullquote { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-style: italic; font-size: 1.3em; color: var(--drf-grn); text-align: center; line-height: 1.4; padding: 1.1em 1em; margin: 1.6em 0; border-top: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); }\n\n  \/* MECHANISM CARDS *\/\n  .drf-mech { border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); border-left: 3px solid var(--drf-gold); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin: 0.8em 0; background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n  .drf-mech-num { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-size: 2em; font-weight: 400; color: var(--drf-gold); line-height: 1; }\n  .drf-mech h4 { margin-top: 0.2em; color: var(--drf-grn); text-transform: none; letter-spacing: 0; font-size: 1em; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; }\n  .drf-mech p { font-size: 0.92em; margin-bottom: 0; }\n\n  \/* RATE CARDS *\/\n  .drf-rate { border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin: 0.8em 0; background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n  .drf-rate h4 { margin-top: 0; color: var(--drf-grn); text-transform: none; letter-spacing: 0; font-size: 1.05em; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); padding-bottom: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; }\n  .drf-rate-meta { font-size: 0.85em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; }\n  .drf-rate-meta strong { color: var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-rate p { font-size: 0.92em; margin-bottom: 0; }\n\n  \/* STEPS *\/\n  .drf-steps { counter-reset: drf-step; list-style: none; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-steps li { counter-increment: drf-step; padding: 0.8em 0 0.8em 3em; position: relative; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-steps li::before { content: counter(drf-step); position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0.8em; width: 2em; height: 2em; background: var(--drf-grn); color: #fff; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 0.9em; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; }\n  .drf-steps li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n\n  \/* USE CASES *\/\n  .drf-uses { list-style: none; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-uses li { padding: 0.6em 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-uses li:nth-child(even) { border-bottom-color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-uses li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-uses li strong { color: var(--drf-grn); }\n\n  \/* COMPARISON *\/\n  .drf-compare { margin: 1.2em 0; }\n  .drf-compare-box { border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.8em; background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n  .drf-compare-box h4 { margin-top: 0; color: var(--drf-grn); text-transform: none; letter-spacing: 0; font-size: 1.05em; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; }\n\n  \/* TABLES *\/\n  .drf-wrap table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 1.2em 0; font-size: 0.92em; }\n  .drf-wrap table th { background: var(--drf-grn); color: #fff; font-weight: 500; text-align: left; padding: 0.6em 0.8em; font-size: 0.85em; letter-spacing: 0.04em; }\n  .drf-wrap table td { padding: 0.55em 0.8em; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-wrap table tr:nth-child(even) td { background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n\n  \/* FAQ *\/\n  .drf-faq { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-faq:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-faq input[type=\"checkbox\"] { display: none; }\n  .drf-faq-q { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; padding: 0.8em 0; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 500; color: var(--drf-grn); font-size: 0.95em; }\n  .drf-faq-q::after { content: '+'; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: 300; color: var(--drf-gold); width: 1.6em; height: 1.6em; border: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); background: var(--drf-grn-light); display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-left: 0.6em; }\n  .drf-faq-a { max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s ease; font-size: 0.92em; line-height: 1.7; }\n  .drf-faq-a \u003e div { padding: 0 0 1em; }\n  .drf-faq input:checked ~ .drf-faq-q::after { content: '\\2212'; background: var(--drf-grn); color: #fff; border-color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-faq input:checked ~ .drf-faq-a { max-height: 900px; }\n\n  \/* REFS + RULE *\/\n  .drf-refs { font-size: 0.78em; color: var(--drf-muted); line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 1.5em; padding-top: 0.8em; border-top: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-refs ol { padding-left: 1.4em; margin: 0; }\n  .drf-refs li { margin-bottom: 0.3em; }\n  .drf-sep { border: none; border-top: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); width: 200px; margin: 1.8em auto; }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tabs-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cinput checked id=\"drf-lk-tab1\" name=\"drf-lk-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-tab2\" name=\"drf-lk-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-tab3\" name=\"drf-lk-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-tab4\" name=\"drf-lk-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tab-labels\"\u003e\n\u003clabel for=\"drf-lk-tab1\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-lk-tab2\"\u003eThe Science\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-lk-tab3\"\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/label\u003e \u003clabel for=\"drf-lk-tab4\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panels\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-lk-panel1\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrganic liquid potassium fertiliser: 15% K₂O, fully in solution\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-badge-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003e15% K₂O\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003e27% organic matter\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003e100% in solution\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eDirect uptake\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-gold\"\u003eSingle nutrient\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-gold\"\u003eFoliar or root\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiquid potassium fertiliser\u003c\/strong\u003e is a concentrated potash feed that delivers 15% K₂O already dissolved in solution, so the potassium is available to the plant the moment it reaches the root or the leaf. Potassium is the nutrient that moves sugars out of the leaf and into fruit, and it governs how a plant manages water under heat and drought. It is plant-derived rather than mined, with the feedstock drawn partly from agricultural residual streams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt behaves nothing like a mineral suspension. There is no settling, no shaking, and no grit to clog a sprayer nozzle or a dosing line. The potassium is genuinely dissociated in solution, held alongside 27% organic matter that carries plant-derived carbon into the root zone with every dose. That figure is high enough to mean something for soil biology and low enough that it will not block an irrigation system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a single-nutrient feed. It carries no nitrogen and no phosphorus, so you control potassium independently of everything else in the programme, which is exactly what a fruiting crop needs in its second half.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stats\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e15%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003ePotassium (K₂O)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e27%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eOrganic matter\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e5 – 6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003epH\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e1.20 – 1.30\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eDensity kg\/l\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat to use liquid potash for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"drf-uses\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTomatoes, peppers, chillies and aubergines from first fruit set.\u003c\/strong\u003e Potassium demand climbs sharply once fruit starts filling. This is the classic high-potash tomato feed application, and the point in the season where a dedicated potassium source earns its place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrawberries, raspberries, currants and top fruit during fruit development.\u003c\/strong\u003e Potassium drives the movement of sugars from leaf to fruit. Berry crops respond in soluble solids and in the sugar-to-acid balance that determines how a fruit actually tastes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePotatoes from flowering through to lifting.\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the highest potassium-demanding crops in the vegetable garden. Apply from first bloom onwards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoses, dahlias and herbaceous borders in late season.\u003c\/strong\u003e Potassium stiffens stems and supports repeat flowering. Useful through the second half of the growing season when nitrogen should be tapering off\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCorrecting visible potassium deficiency.\u003c\/strong\u003e Scorched, browning leaf margins on older leaves, working inward from the edge. A foliar application is the fastest route to correcting it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeat and drought resilience.\u003c\/strong\u003e Potassium regulates stomatal opening, which is how a plant controls water loss. Plants short of potassium wilt sooner and recover more slowly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrip lines and dosing systems.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully in solution with no settling, so it feeds through irrigation equipment without the clogging a mineral suspension causes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLiquid potash compared with the alternatives\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLiquid potassium 15% K₂O\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotassium fully in solution, taken up on contact with no dissolution lag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e27% organic matter carries plant-derived carbon into the root zone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks as a root drench or a foliar spray from the same bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant-derived rather than mined, partly from agricultural residual streams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo settling, so it runs clean through a sprayer, a dosing pump or a watering can\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingle nutrient, so potassium is controlled independently of N and P\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSulphate of potash (SOP)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA sound mineral choice, and genuinely chloride-free\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDry crystalline salt, so it needs dissolving and dissolves slowly in cold water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupplies sulphur alongside potassium, which is often useful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo organic matter and no carbon contribution\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMined or manufactured rather than plant-derived\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMuriate of potash (KCl)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe cheapest source of potassium per kilogram, which is why it is so widely used\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoughly 47% chloride by weight, which accumulates in containers and grow bags\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo organic matter, no carbon contribution to soil biology\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdequate in open ground on chloride-tolerant crops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eNitrogen is deliberately absent\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a single-nutrient feed. It carries no nitrogen and no phosphorus, which is exactly what you want in the second half of a fruiting crop, because late nitrogen pushes leaf at the expense of fruit. Run it alongside a balanced base feed early in the season, then lean on it as the crop fills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade with organic ingredients. \u003cem\u003eMade by Growers. Backed by Science.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-lk-panel2\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe science of potassium in plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium is the odd one out among the major nutrients. Nitrogen ends up in protein, phosphorus in DNA and membranes, calcium in cell walls. Potassium is built into almost nothing. It stays as a free ion in solution inside the plant, and it is the most abundant cation in plant tissue, which tells you its job is regulatory rather than structural (Marschner, 2012).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"drf-pullquote\"\u003ePotassium is not what the plant is made of. It is how the plant runs itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat potassium actually does\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e01\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eStomatal regulation and water use\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuard cells open and close by pumping potassium in and out, which changes their turgor. A plant short of potassium loses fine control over its stomata, wastes water on hot days and shuts down photosynthesis sooner under drought stress (Hasanuzzaman et al., 2018).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e02\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePhloem loading, moving sugar to fruit\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSucrose transport from leaf to sink tissue is driven by a proton gradient that depends on potassium. This is the direct mechanistic link between potassium supply and fruit sugar content, and it is why potash feeds change how fruit tastes rather than only how large it grows (Zörb et al., 2014).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e03\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eEnzyme activation\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore than sixty plant enzymes require potassium as an activator, including those in starch synthesis and nitrogen assimilation (Marschner, 2012). Potassium shortage therefore reduces the plant's ability to use the nitrogen it has already taken up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e04\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOsmotic adjustment under stress\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium accumulation in the vacuole lowers cell water potential, letting roots keep drawing water from drying soil. Well-supplied plants hold turgor longer into a dry spell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e05\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eStem strength and lodging resistance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium supports lignification and cell wall thickening in stem tissue. Deficient plants are visibly floppier and lodge more readily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSolution versus suspension\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great deal of what is sold as liquid fertiliser is a suspension: solid mineral particles held in water. Those products settle, need agitating, and have to dissolve in the soil before a root can take anything up. This feed is a true solution. The potassium is already dissociated as K⁺, which is the only form a root hair or a leaf cuticle can absorb. There is no dissolution step to wait for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is what makes the same bottle work as a foliar spray. Foliar uptake happens through cuticular pores measured in nanometres. A suspended particle cannot pass, but an ion in solution can. It is also why it runs through drip lines and dosing equipment without blocking them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePotassium and magnesium compete\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium, magnesium and calcium are all taken up as cations and they compete for the same root uptake sites. Sustained heavy potash feeding can therefore induce magnesium deficiency even where soil magnesium is adequate, showing as interveinal yellowing on older leaves. This is the single most common self-inflicted problem in a long high-potash tomato season, and the reason a calcium and magnesium source belongs in the programme alongside a potash feed rather than after it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eChloride and the source of your potash\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChloride is a micronutrient, so plants need a little. The problem is dose. Muriate of potash is close to half chloride by weight, so a season of potash feeding in a container can deliver chloride well beyond the micronutrient requirement. Chloride is highly mobile and osmotically active, so it raises the salt load of the root zone and competes with nitrate uptake at the root surface (Xu et al., 2000). In open ground on free-draining soil, winter rainfall flushes it out. In a grow bag or a 10-litre pot, it does not. Tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes and beans are the crops where chloride sensitivity shows earliest, which is unfortunate, because those are also the crops gardeners feed the most potash to. It is worth knowing which potassium source you are actually using.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant-derived rather than mined\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe potassium here is plant-derived, with the feedstock drawn partly from agricultural residual streams. Conventional potash is mined, refined and freighted a long way before it reaches a British garden. Plant-based nutrient sources avoid that entirely, and the literature on bio-based fertilisers describes them as a credible route to reducing the extraction footprint of fertiliser production (Chojnacka et al., 2020).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne honest consequence: because the feedstock is natural plant material, the nutrient content varies slightly between batches. The 15% figure is the specification, not a laboratory constant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-refs\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eReferences\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarschner, P. (ed.) (2012). \u003cem\u003eMarschner's Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants\u003c\/em\u003e, 3rd edition. Academic Press.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHasanuzzaman, M. et al. (2018). Potassium: a vital regulator of plant responses and tolerance to abiotic stresses. \u003cem\u003eAgronomy\u003c\/em\u003e, 8(3), 31.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZörb, C., Senbayram, M. \u0026amp; Peiter, E. (2014). Potassium in agriculture: status and perspectives. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Plant Physiology\u003c\/em\u003e, 171(9), 656–669.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXu, G., Magen, H., Tarchitzky, J. \u0026amp; Kafkafi, U. (2000). Advances in chloride nutrition of plants. \u003cem\u003eAdvances in Agronomy\u003c\/em\u003e, 68, 97–150.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChojnacka, K. et al. (2020). Bio-based fertilizers: a practical approach towards circular economy. \u003cem\u003eBioresource Technology\u003c\/em\u003e, 295, 122223.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-lk-panel3\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to use liquid potassium fertiliser\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eBefore you start\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShake gently and measure with a syringe or a small measuring cup, because at these dilutions a splash from the bottle is a long way off the mark. The feed is acidic at pH 5 to 6, which is normal and helps keep the potassium mobile. Always mix into water and never apply neat to soil or foliage. Before a first foliar application, spray two or three leaves and leave them 24 hours to check the plant is happy with the rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eApplication rates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRoot drench, main season feeding\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRate\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 – 2 ml per litre of water  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency\u003c\/strong\u003e weekly through the fruiting period\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelivers roughly 180 to 390 mg\/l of K₂O, a proper high-potash feeding concentration comparable to a commercial tomato feed. Use the lower end for general border and container feeding, the upper end for heavy fruiting crops from first fruit set onwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFoliar spray, fast correction\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRate\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.5 – 3 ml per litre of water  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 – 4 applications per season\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpray to run-off in the early morning or evening, never in strong sun. The fastest route to correcting visible potassium deficiency, and useful as a top-up when roots are struggling in cold or waterlogged soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLight maintenance feed\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRate\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.5 – 1 ml per litre of water  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency\u003c\/strong\u003e every watering\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor established perennials, shrubs and anything already on a balanced base feed that needs only a potassium top-up rather than a full high-potash programme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMixing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col class=\"drf-steps\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHalf-fill the watering can or sprayer with water first. Never add the concentrate to an empty container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeasure the dose with a syringe or measuring cup and add it to the water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTop up to the full volume and stir or agitate briefly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply the same day. Diluted feed is not worth keeping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRinse the sprayer through with clean water afterwards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen to apply through the season\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCrop\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhen to apply\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTomatoes, peppers, aubergines\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAfter fruit set, then weekly through fruit development\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStrawberries and cane fruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrom flowering through fruit development\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePotatoes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst application at bloom, then through to lifting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTop fruit, apples, pears, plums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThrough fruit development, tapering off 4 weeks before harvest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRoses and herbaceous borders\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLate growth stage, from midsummer onwards\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrnamentals and container displays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLate growth stage, weekly to keep flowering going\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eDo not overdo it\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium competes with magnesium and calcium for uptake at the root. Heavy, sustained potash feeding can induce magnesium deficiency, seen as interveinal yellowing on older leaves, even where soil magnesium is adequate. If you are feeding hard with potash through a long tomato season, keep an eye on the lower leaves and run a magnesium or calcium source alongside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStorage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the cap tight. Store somewhere dark and dry between 10 and 25 °C. Shelf life is 18 months to 2 years from bottling. Do not let it freeze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat to pair it with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair this with the rest of the Dr Forest liquid range. \u003cstrong\u003eLiquid Gypsum\u003c\/strong\u003e supplies the calcium and sulphur that most liquid feeds leave out, and is the natural partner here given how hard potassium competes with calcium at the root. \u003cstrong\u003eLiquid Seaweed Biostimulant\u003c\/strong\u003e covers alginates and natural growth promoters that a straight nutrient feed does not. \u003cstrong\u003eMicro 7 chelated micronutrients\u003c\/strong\u003e fills the trace element gap on long cropping runs. For a full-season plan, see the \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/living-soil-feeding-schedule\"\u003eDr Forest feeding programme\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- TODO Joe: add one internal blog link here per the skill checklist (\u003e=1 product link and \u003e=1 blog link). --\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-lk-panel4\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLiquid potassium fertiliser: common questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq1\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq1\"\u003eWhat is liquid potassium fertiliser and what does it do?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eIt is a concentrated potash feed supplying 15% K₂O fully dissolved in solution. Potassium regulates water movement through the plant, activates enzymes and drives the transport of sugars from leaf into fruit. In practical terms it is what makes fruit fill and taste of something, and what keeps a plant standing up in hot weather.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq2\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq2\"\u003eHow is this different from ordinary tomato feed?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eMost tomato feeds are a balanced NPK with the potassium raised. This is a single nutrient at high concentration with no nitrogen or phosphorus, so you control the potassium independently of everything else. That matters most in the second half of a fruiting crop, when more nitrogen is the last thing you want.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq3\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq3\"\u003eWhat does \"100% in solution\" actually mean?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe potassium is dissociated in water as K⁺ rather than suspended as solid particles. A root hair or a leaf cuticle can only absorb the ion, so a suspension has to dissolve in the soil first before anything happens. Nothing settles in the bottle, nothing needs agitating, and nothing blocks a sprayer nozzle or a drip line.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq4\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq4\"\u003eCan I use it as a foliar spray?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYes. The potassium is in true solution rather than suspension, so it passes through the leaf cuticle. Use 2.5 to 3 ml per litre, spray to run-off, and do it early morning or evening rather than in strong midday sun. Patch-test a few leaves before the first full application.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq5\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq5\"\u003eHow quickly will I see a result?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eA foliar application on a visibly deficient plant usually shows within a week. New growth comes through clean and the scorched margins stop advancing. Fruit quality effects build over the fruiting period rather than appearing overnight.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq6\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq6\"\u003eCan I use it through a drip line or irrigation system?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYes, and it is one of the better feeds for it. The organic matter content is low enough that it will not clog emitters, and because nothing is held in suspension there is no sediment to settle out in the lines. Flush through with clean water at the end of a feeding run.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq7\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq7\"\u003eCan I mix it with other Dr Forest liquids?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eIt mixes well with seaweed and with the other liquid nutrient feeds. Do a small patch test first if you are combining three or more products. Avoid mixing it in the same can as a strongly alkaline product.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq8\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq8\"\u003eWill heavy potash feeding cause any other problems?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eIt can. Potassium competes with magnesium and calcium for uptake at the root, so a long hard potash programme can induce magnesium deficiency even in soil that has plenty. Watch for interveinal yellowing on the older, lower leaves, and run a calcium and magnesium source alongside rather than waiting for symptoms.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq9\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq9\"\u003eIs it safe around children, pets and wildlife?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eIt is a nutrient solution with no pesticide content. Treat it as you would any concentrated fertiliser: keep it capped, store it out of reach and wash hands after handling. Once diluted and watered in, the treated area is fine for children and pets.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq10\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq10\"\u003eIs this an organic fertiliser?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eIt is made with organic ingredients, and the potassium is plant-derived throughout. Dr Forest does not hold organic certification for its own products, so we describe them as made with organic ingredients rather than certified organic.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq11\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq11\"\u003eWhy does the label say the nutrient content may vary?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eBecause the feedstock is real plant material rather than a manufactured salt. The 15% K₂O is the formulation specification; natural variation in the plant feedstock means individual batches sit slightly either side of it.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq12\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq12\"\u003eWhat is the organic matter content for, and why is it light brown?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e27% organic matter means each dose carries plant-derived carbon into the root zone alongside the potassium. A mineral salt solution delivers the nutrient and nothing else. It also means the solution is light brown rather than clear, and that colour is the organic fraction, not a fault.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lk-faq13\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lk-faq13\"\u003eHow long does it keep?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e18 months to 2 years from bottling, stored dark and dry between 10 and 25 °C with the cap tight. Do not let it freeze.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dr Forest","offers":[{"title":"500ml","offer_id":58307099689334,"sku":"DF-LIQPOT-500ML","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 litre","offer_id":58307099722102,"sku":"DF-LIQPOT-1L","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0049\/8194\/8504\/files\/potassiumfertiliser.png?v=1788557451"},{"product_id":"organic-liquid-fertiliser-3-2-6","title":"Liquid Fertiliser 3-2-6 | High Potash | Organic","description":"\u003c!-- Dr Forest — Organic Liquid Fertiliser 3-2-6 High Potash Bloom Feed --\u003e\n\u003c!-- Prefix: drf-lb- | Design System v1.0 | 4-tab --\u003e\n\u003c!-- Pure CSS radio tabs. No JavaScript. Shopify-safe. --\u003e\n\u003c!-- REVISION: compliance sweep + source verification, Aug 2026 --\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .drf-wrap *, .drf-wrap *::before, .drf-wrap *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-wrap { font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif; font-weight: 400; color: #3A4A40; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.65; width: 100%; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; }\n  :root {\n    --drf-grn:        #1B3D2F;\n    --drf-grn-light:  #E8F0EB;\n    --drf-grn-mid:    #4a7a5e;\n    --drf-grn-dark:   #0F2A1F;\n    --drf-gold:       #C5A55A;\n    --drf-gold-light: #FAF7F0;\n    --drf-cream:      #F5F2EC;\n    --drf-border:     #d4cfc5;\n    --drf-muted:      #3A4A40;\n    --drf-white:      #FFFFFF;\n  }\n  .drf-wrap h2 { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.9em; color: var(--drf-grn); line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 0.5em; letter-spacing: -0.3px; }\n  .drf-wrap h3 { font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.35em; 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justify-content: center; }\n  .drf-steps li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n\n  \/* USE CASES *\/\n  .drf-uses { list-style: none; padding: 0; }\n  .drf-uses li { padding: 0.6em 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); }\n  .drf-uses li:nth-child(even) { border-bottom-color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-uses li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .drf-uses li strong { color: var(--drf-grn); }\n\n  \/* COMPARISON *\/\n  .drf-compare { margin: 1.2em 0; }\n  .drf-compare-box { border: 1px solid var(--drf-border); padding: 1em 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.8em; background: var(--drf-grn-light); }\n  .drf-compare-box h4 { margin-top: 0; color: var(--drf-grn); text-transform: none; letter-spacing: 0; font-size: 1.05em; font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif; font-weight: 400; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; }\n\n  \/* TABLES *\/\n  .drf-wrap table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 1.2em 0; font-size: 0.92em; }\n  .drf-wrap table th { background: var(--drf-grn); 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font-size: 0.92em; line-height: 1.7; }\n  .drf-faq-a \u003e div { padding: 0 0 1em; }\n  .drf-faq input:checked ~ .drf-faq-q::after { content: '\\\\2212'; background: var(--drf-grn); color: #fff; border-color: var(--drf-grn); }\n  .drf-faq input:checked ~ .drf-faq-a { max-height: 900px; }\n\n  \/* REFS + RULE *\/\n  .drf-refs { font-size: 0.78em; color: var(--drf-muted); line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 1.5em; padding-top: 0.8em; border-top: 1px solid var(--drf-border); }\n  .drf-refs ol { padding-left: 1.4em; margin: 0; }\n  .drf-refs li { margin-bottom: 0.3em; }\n  .drf-sep { border: none; border-top: 1px solid var(--drf-gold); width: 200px; margin: 1.8em auto; }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tabs-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cinput checked id=\"drf-lb-tab1\" name=\"drf-lb-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-tab2\" name=\"drf-lb-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-tab3\" name=\"drf-lb-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-tab4\" name=\"drf-lb-tabset\" type=\"radio\"\u003e \n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-tab-labels\"\u003e\n\u003clabel for=\"drf-lb-tab1\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003clabel for=\"drf-lb-tab2\"\u003eThe Science\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003clabel for=\"drf-lb-tab3\"\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003clabel for=\"drf-lb-tab4\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-panels\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-lb-panel1\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrganic liquid fertiliser 3-2-6: high potash bloom and fruiting feed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-badge-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eNPK 3-2-6\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003ePlus magnesium\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eTrace elements\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-green\"\u003eClear solution\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-gold\"\u003ePlant-based\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"drf-badge drf-badge-gold\"\u003eFoliar or root\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiquid fertiliser 3-2-6\u003c\/strong\u003e is a high potash natural plant food for the flowering and fruiting end of the season. Potassium runs at 6% against nitrogen at 3%, twice as much potash as nitrogen, which is the shape a plant needs once it stops building leaf and starts filling fruit. Magnesium and trace elements are included, so a long fruiting run does not end in the interveinal yellowing that heavy potash feeding otherwise provokes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the feed for bedding plants and hanging baskets in full flower, for petunias, busy lizzies, begonias, geraniums and trailing lobelia, for the second half of a tomato season, for strawberries in fruit and for dahlias and roses in bloom. The nitrogen is deliberately restrained. Late nitrogen is the most common reason a basket runs to leaf in August, and the most common reason a tomato plant carries magnificent foliage and disappointing trusses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNutrients are in true solution rather than suspension: nothing settles, nothing needs shaking, nothing blocks a nozzle. Everything in it is plant-derived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stats\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e3%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003eNitrogen (N)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e1.8%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003ePhosphorus (P₂O₅)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e6%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003ePotassium (K₂O)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-stat\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-number\"\u003e3.5 – 4.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"drf-stat-label\"\u003epH\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat to use a 3-2-6 bloom feed for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"drf-uses\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTomatoes, peppers, chillies and aubergines from first fruit set\u003c\/strong\u003e — the classic high-potash tomato feed application. Potassium drives sugar transport into fruit, which is what determines how the crop actually tastes rather than only how large it grows\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrawberries, raspberries, currants and gooseberries in fruit\u003c\/strong\u003e — berry crops respond to potassium in soluble solids and in the sugar-to-acid balance. Feed from flowering through picking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoses, dahlias and cut flower borders\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium stiffens stems and supports repeat flowering through late summer. The nitrogen is low enough not to push soft growth in August\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBedding plants, hanging baskets and patio containers\u003c\/strong\u003e — petunias, surfinias, calibrachoa, busy lizzies, begonias, geraniums, lobelia, bacopa and trailing verbena flower continuously from June to the first frosts. That is a heavy, sustained potassium demand in a very small volume of compost, and it is the point where a general-purpose feed starts producing leaf instead of bloom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBedding in borders and window boxes\u003c\/strong\u003e — French and African marigolds, antirrhinums, salvias, nicotiana, alyssum and osteospermum all keep flowering longer on a high potash feed. Pansies and violas carry the same principle through autumn and winter displays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePotatoes from flowering through to lifting\u003c\/strong\u003e — one of the highest potassium-demanding crops on the plot, and one that responds to steady supply through tuber fill\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop fruit through fruit development\u003c\/strong\u003e — apples, pears and plums during the fill period, tapering off before harvest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilding resilience going into late season\u003c\/strong\u003e — potassium regulates stomatal control and osmotic adjustment, which is what keeps a plant standing up through a hot dry August\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere 3-2-6 sits against the alternatives\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLiquid 3-2-6 bloom feed\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePotassium at double the nitrogen, the correct shape for flowering and fruiting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMagnesium and trace elements included, so heavy potash feeding does not induce a secondary deficiency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrue solution, so nothing settles and it runs clean through drip lines and sprayers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant-derived rather than mined or manufactured\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoot drench or foliar spray from the same bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrdinary tomato feed\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsually a similar high-potash shape, and effective as far as it goes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommonly built on muriate of potash, which is roughly half chloride by weight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChloride accumulates in grow bags and pots across a season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMagnesium and trace elements often absent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-compare-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContinuing a balanced feed into fruiting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eToo much nitrogen for the stage, so it pushes leaf rather than fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelays ripening and softens tissue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe single most common feeding mistake in a British greenhouse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eThe handover point\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRun \u003cstrong\u003eliquid 5-2-5\u003c\/strong\u003e through vegetative growth, then switch to this feed at first flower or first fruit set. That handover is the whole point of stage feeding: the plant's demands change, so the feed changes with them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlended and bottled in small batches, made with organic ingredients and plant-based throughout. \u003cem\u003eMade by Growers. Backed by Science.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-lb-panel2\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe science behind a high potash bloom feed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shift from vegetative growth to flowering is one of the sharpest changes in a plant's nutritional life. Demand for nitrogen falls because the plant has largely finished building tissue. Demand for potassium climbs steeply, because potassium is what moves the products of photosynthesis out of the leaf and into developing fruit (Marschner, 2012; Zörb et al., 2014).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"drf-pullquote\"\u003eNitrogen decides how big the plant gets. Potassium decides what the fruit tastes like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat each element is doing at this stage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e01\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePotassium — phloem loading\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSucrose moves from leaf to fruit through the phloem, driven by a proton gradient that depends on potassium. This is the direct mechanistic link between potash supply and fruit sugar content, and it is why a high-potash feed changes flavour rather than only size (Zörb et al., 2014).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e02\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePotassium — water regulation under late-season stress\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuard cells open and close by moving potassium, so potassium supply determines how well a plant manages water loss through a hot August. Deficient plants wilt sooner and recover more slowly (Hasanuzzaman et al., 2018).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e03\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNitrogen — held deliberately low\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 3%, enough to maintain the canopy without pushing new vegetative growth. Excess nitrogen during fruiting delays ripening, produces soft thin-walled tissue and diverts resources into leaf that should be going into fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e04\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePhosphorus — steady through flowering\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 1.8%, supporting the energy demands of flowering and seed set without the surplus that suppresses mycorrhizal association (Smith \u0026amp; Read, 2008).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e05\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMagnesium — the antagonist problem\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium and magnesium compete for the same root uptake sites. Sustained high-potash feeding readily induces magnesium deficiency even where soil magnesium is adequate. Including magnesium in the feed itself is the fix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-mech\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-mech-num\"\u003e06\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTrace elements — boron and fruit set\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoron is directly involved in pollen tube growth and fruit set, and is one of the trace elements most easily depleted in containers. Iron, manganese, zinc, copper and molybdenum are included alongside it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"drf-sep\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy the nitrogen is low, in practical terms\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery greenhouse in Britain contains at least one tomato plant six feet tall with beautiful dark foliage and three sad trusses. The usual cause is a balanced feed continued past first fruit set. Nitrogen promotes vegetative growth, and a plant given the option will keep growing rather than ripening. Dropping nitrogen and raising potassium is how you tell it to change priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe same logic applies to flowering ornamentals. Late nitrogen on dahlias produces leaf; potassium produces bloom and stem strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eChloride, containers and salt load\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost cheap potash comes from muriate of potash, close to half chloride by weight. In open ground rainfall flushes chloride through. In a grow bag it does not, and tomatoes, strawberries and potatoes are all measurably chloride-sensitive (Xu et al., 2000). A plant-derived potassium source avoids adding chloride to a root zone that already has no way of clearing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSolution rather than suspension\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nutrients are dissolved, not suspended. Roots and leaf cuticles absorb ions, not particles, so a true solution is taken up on contact with no dissolution lag. It also means the same product sprays cleanly, because foliar uptake happens through cuticular pores far too small for suspended mineral to pass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe evidence on organic and mineral feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross 537 fertilisation experiments worldwide, organic amendment raised aboveground biomass by 56% against 42% under mineral fertilisation, and only the mineral treatments cost plant diversity in the grassland trials. Organic inputs also lifted soil organic carbon by 19% (Shi et al., 2024). Combined organic and mineral feeding produced the best crop quality across 7,859 paired data points (Wang et al., 2023). Work on organic fertilisation and carbohydrate metabolism found all 21 starch and sucrose pathway genes upregulated under organic inputs (Li et al., 2024), which is at least consistent with the fruit quality effects growers report.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-refs\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eReferences\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarschner, P. (ed.) (2012). \u003cem\u003eMarschner's Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants\u003c\/em\u003e, 3rd edition. Academic Press.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZörb, C., Senbayram, M. \u0026amp; Peiter, E. (2014). Potassium in agriculture — status and perspectives. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Plant Physiology\u003c\/em\u003e, 171(9), 656–669.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHasanuzzaman, M. et al. (2018). Potassium: a vital regulator of plant responses and tolerance to abiotic stresses. \u003cem\u003eAgronomy\u003c\/em\u003e, 8(3), 31.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmith, S.E. \u0026amp; Read, D.J. (2008). \u003cem\u003eMycorrhizal Symbiosis\u003c\/em\u003e, 3rd edition. Academic Press.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXu, G., Magen, H., Tarchitzky, J. \u0026amp; Kafkafi, U. (2000). Advances in chloride nutrition of plants. \u003cem\u003eAdvances in Agronomy\u003c\/em\u003e, 68, 97–150.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShi, T.-S. et al. (2024). A global meta-analysis on the effects of organic and inorganic fertilization on grasslands and croplands. \u003cem\u003eNature Communications\u003c\/em\u003e, 15, 3411.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWang, X. et al. (2023). Combined organic and mineral fertilisation and crop quality: a synthesis of 7,859 data pairs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLi, Y. et al. (2024). Organic fertilisation and starch\/sucrose metabolism gene expression. \u003cem\u003eScientific Reports\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-lb-panel3\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to use liquid 3-2-6 bloom feed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout drf-callout-gold\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eBefore you start\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure with a syringe or small measuring cup rather than pouring by eye. The concentrate is acidic at pH 3.5 to 4.5, which keeps the nutrients soluble. Always dilute into water, never apply neat. Keep the cap tight between uses to prevent moisture loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eApplication rates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRoot drench — fruiting and flowering crops\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRate\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–6 ml per litre of water  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency\u003c\/strong\u003e every watering\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelivers roughly 180 to 360 mg\/l of K₂O against 90 to 180 mg\/l of nitrogen. Use the upper end for tomatoes and heavy fruiting crops in full production, the lower end for ornamentals and general border feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRoot drench — open ground and plot\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRate\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–6 ml per litre of water  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency\u003c\/strong\u003e weekly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSame dilution applied once a week rather than every watering. Suits potatoes from flowering, soft fruit in the ground and established flowering borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-rate\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFoliar spray\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"drf-rate-meta\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRate\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–5 ml per litre of water  |  \u003cstrong\u003eFrequency\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–4 applications per season\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpray to run-off in early morning or evening, never in strong sun. Useful for a fast top-up when roots are limited by cold or waterlogged ground, or when potassium deficiency is already visible on older leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMixing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col class=\"drf-steps\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHalf-fill the watering can or sprayer with water first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeasure the dose with a syringe and add it to the water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTop up to full volume and stir or agitate briefly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply the same day. Diluted feed is not worth keeping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRinse equipment through with clean water afterwards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen to switch to this feed\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCrop\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSwitch point\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eContinue until\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTomatoes, peppers, aubergines\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst fruit set\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLast truss ripens\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStrawberries and cane fruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst flower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEnd of picking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePotatoes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst bloom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHaulm dies back\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRoses and dahlias\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst bud colour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLate September\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBedding, baskets and window boxes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 to 3 weeks after planting out\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst frosts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApples, pears, plums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAfter fruit set\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFour weeks before harvest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-callout\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"drf-callout-title\"\u003eWatch the lower leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustained high-potash feeding can induce magnesium deficiency, which shows as yellowing between the veins on older leaves while the veins themselves stay green. Magnesium is included in this formulation to head that off, but on very long tomato runs in pots keep an eye on the bottom of the plant and add a magnesium source if it starts to show.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStorage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCap tight to prevent moisture loss. Store dark and dry between 10 and 25 °C. Shelf life 18 months to 2 years. Do not let it freeze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat to pair it with\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair this with the rest of the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\"\u003eDr Forest liquid range\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eLiquid Seaweed Biostimulant\u003c\/strong\u003e covers alginates and natural growth promoters that a straight nutrient feed does not. \u003cstrong\u003eLiquid Gypsum\u003c\/strong\u003e supplies calcium and sulphur, the two things most liquid feeds leave out. \u003cstrong\u003eMicro 7 chelated micronutrients\u003c\/strong\u003e fills the trace element gap on long cropping runs. For a full-season plan, see the \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/living-soil-feeding-schedule\"\u003eDr Forest feeding programme\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"drf-lb-panel4\" class=\"drf-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLiquid 3-2-6 bloom feed — common questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq1\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq1\"\u003eWhat is a 3-2-6 fertiliser and what is it for?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIt is a high potash liquid feed with 3% nitrogen, 1.8% phosphorus as P₂O₅ and 6% potassium as K₂O, plus magnesium and trace elements. Potassium at double the nitrogen is the shape a plant needs once it moves from building leaf to filling fruit or holding flower.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq2\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq2\"\u003eIs this the same as a tomato feed?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIt does the same job and is used the same way. The differences are that it is plant-derived rather than built on mineral salts, it carries essentially no chloride, and magnesium and trace elements are included rather than left out.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq3\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq3\"\u003eWhen exactly should I switch to it?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eAt first fruit set on fruiting crops, at first flower on ornamentals. Before that point use a balanced growth feed such as liquid 5-2-5. Switching too late is the usual reason a tomato plant carries superb foliage and a poor crop.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq4\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq4\"\u003eWhy is the P shown as 2 when the analysis says 1.8%?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eNPK figures on labels are conventionally rounded. The precise analysis is 1.8% P₂O₅ and we have printed that in the composition rather than only the rounded shorthand.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq5\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq5\"\u003eCan I use it on flowers as well as fruit?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes. Roses, dahlias, hanging baskets and container displays all benefit. Potassium supports repeat flowering and stem strength, and the low nitrogen avoids pushing soft growth in late summer.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq6\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq6\"\u003eIs this a good feed for bedding plants and hanging baskets?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIt is the right shape for them. Petunias, surfinias, calibrachoa, busy lizzies, begonias, geraniums, lobelia and bacopa all flower continuously for four months from a few litres of compost, which is a heavy potassium demand in a very small root volume. Marigolds, antirrhinums, salvias and osteospermum respond the same way. The low nitrogen is the point: it keeps the display flowering rather than running to leaf.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq7\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq7\"\u003eWhen should I start feeding bedding plants with it?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eOnce flowering is properly under way, usually two to three weeks after planting out. Before that a balanced growth feed helps the plants root into the compost. Most multi-purpose compost carries only four to six weeks of nutrition, so baskets and containers planted in May are running short by mid-June whatever they look like.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq8\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq8\"\u003eHow often should I feed a hanging basket?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eAt every watering, at 3 to 6 ml per litre, through the flowering season. Baskets dry out and get watered daily in summer, which flushes nutrients straight through the compost. Little and often at feeding strength suits them far better than a heavy dose once a fortnight. Deadhead as you go and the display will carry on to the first frosts.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq9\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq9\"\u003eCan I use it as a foliar spray?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYes, at 3 to 5 ml per litre, three to four times a season. The nutrients are in true solution rather than suspension, so they pass through the leaf cuticle. Spray early morning or evening, never in strong sun.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq10\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq10\"\u003eWill heavy potash feeding cause magnesium deficiency?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIt can. Potassium and magnesium compete for the same uptake sites at the root, so sustained high-potash feeding sometimes induces magnesium shortage even where soil magnesium is fine. Magnesium is included here to reduce that risk. On very long container runs, watch the lower leaves for interveinal yellowing.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq11\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq11\"\u003eDoes it contain chloride?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eEssentially none. Most cheap potash is muriate of potash, close to half chloride by weight, which accumulates in grow bags and pots across a season. Tomatoes, strawberries and potatoes are the crops that show chloride sensitivity first.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq12\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq12\"\u003eCan I mix it with other Dr Forest liquids?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIt combines well with seaweed and with the single-nutrient liquid feeds. Do not combine any phosphorus-containing feed with a calcium product in the same can, because the two precipitate on contact.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq13\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq13\"\u003eIs it safe around children, pets and wildlife?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIt is a plant-derived nutrient solution with no pesticide content. The concentrate is acidic, so keep it capped and out of reach and wash hands after handling. Treated ground is fine once watered in.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cinput id=\"drf-lb-faq14\" type=\"checkbox\"\u003e\u003clabel class=\"drf-faq-q\" for=\"drf-lb-faq14\"\u003eIs this an organic fertiliser?\u003c\/label\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"drf-faq-a\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIt is made with organic ingredients and is plant-based throughout. Dr Forest does not hold organic certification for its products, so we say made with organic ingredients rather than certified organic.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- ═══════════ STRUCTURED DATA (FAQPage + HowTo) ═══════════ --\u003e\n\u003c!-- Embedded JSON-LD travels with the product description. Do NOT paste these schemas separately elsewhere. --\u003e\n\u003c!-- VERIFY: Shopify strips \u003cscript\u003e from product descriptions. Confirm this renders on the live URL with Rich Results Test. --\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.drforest.co.uk\/products\/organic-liquid-fertiliser-3-2-6#faq\",\n      \"about\": {\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.drforest.co.uk\/products\/organic-liquid-fertiliser-3-2-6#product\"\n      },\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What is a 3-2-6 fertiliser and what is it for?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"It is a high potash liquid feed with 3% nitrogen, 1.8% phosphorus as P₂O₅ and 6% potassium as K₂O, plus magnesium and trace elements. Potassium at double the nitrogen is the shape a plant needs once it moves from building leaf to filling fruit or holding flower.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Is this the same as a tomato feed?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"It does the same job and is used the same way. The differences are that it is plant-derived rather than built on mineral salts, it carries essentially no chloride, and magnesium and trace elements are included rather than left out.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"When exactly should I switch to it?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"At first fruit set on fruiting crops, at first flower on ornamentals. Before that point use a balanced growth feed such as liquid 5-2-5. Switching too late is the usual reason a tomato plant carries superb foliage and a poor crop.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Why is the P shown as 2 when the analysis says 1.8%?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"NPK figures on labels are conventionally rounded. The precise analysis is 1.8% P₂O₅ and we have printed that in the composition rather than only the rounded shorthand.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can I use it on flowers as well as fruit?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Yes. Roses, dahlias, hanging baskets and container displays all benefit. Potassium supports repeat flowering and stem strength, and the low nitrogen avoids pushing soft growth in late summer.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Is this a good feed for bedding plants and hanging baskets?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"It is the right shape for them. Petunias, surfinias, calibrachoa, busy lizzies, begonias, geraniums, lobelia and bacopa all flower continuously for four months from a few litres of compost, which is a heavy potassium demand in a very small root volume. Marigolds, antirrhinums, salvias and osteospermum respond the same way. The low nitrogen is the point: it keeps the display flowering rather than running to leaf.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"When should I start feeding bedding plants with it?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Once flowering is properly under way, usually two to three weeks after planting out. Before that a balanced growth feed helps the plants root into the compost. Most multi-purpose compost carries only four to six weeks of nutrition, so baskets and containers planted in May are running short by mid-June whatever they look like.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How often should I feed a hanging basket?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"At every watering, at 3 to 6 ml per litre, through the flowering season. Baskets dry out and get watered daily in summer, which flushes nutrients straight through the compost. Little and often at feeding strength suits them far better than a heavy dose once a fortnight. Deadhead as you go and the display will carry on to the first frosts.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can I use it as a foliar spray?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Yes, at 3 to 5 ml per litre, three to four times a season. The nutrients are in true solution rather than suspension, so they pass through the leaf cuticle. Spray early morning or evening, never in strong sun.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Will heavy potash feeding cause magnesium deficiency?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"It can. Potassium and magnesium compete for the same uptake sites at the root, so sustained high-potash feeding sometimes induces magnesium shortage even where soil magnesium is fine. Magnesium is included here to reduce that risk. On very long container runs, watch the lower leaves for interveinal yellowing.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Does it contain chloride?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"Essentially none. Most cheap potash is muriate of potash, close to half chloride by weight, which accumulates in grow bags and pots across a season. Tomatoes, strawberries and potatoes are the crops that show chloride sensitivity first.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can I mix it with other Dr Forest liquids?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"It combines well with seaweed and with the single-nutrient liquid feeds. Do not combine any phosphorus-containing feed with a calcium product in the same can, because the two precipitate on contact.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Is it safe around children, pets and wildlife?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"It is a plant-derived nutrient solution with no pesticide content. The concentrate is acidic, so keep it capped and out of reach and wash hands after handling. Treated ground is fine once watered in.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Is this an organic fertiliser?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"It is made with organic ingredients and is plant-based throughout. Dr Forest does not hold organic certification for its products, so we say made with organic ingredients rather than certified organic.\"\n          }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Dr Forest","offers":[{"title":"500ml","offer_id":58307100737910,"sku":"DF-LIQ326-500ML","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 litre","offer_id":58307100770678,"sku":"DF-LIQ326-1L","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]}],"url":"https:\/\/www.drforest.co.uk\/collections\/potash-fertilisers.oembed","provider":"Dr Forest","version":"1.0","type":"link"}