5 Steps For An Easy, Accurate Way To Apply Liquid Fertilizer

Follow these instructions for healthier, prettier, happier plants with more flowers.

It’s called a “siphon mixer,” and there are several brand names such as “Syphonex” or “Syphonject.” I have used this device for over forty years and it is perhaps my favorite grower’s tool. The tool fits on the outdoor faucet (hose bib) and pulls fertilizer concentrate out of a bucket at a rate of 15:1. (about 1 tablespoon per gallon of water) I bought my latest siphon injector from Amazon. What I got looked like this:

Here’s how the device is used:

There are many different kinds of water-soluble fertilizers on the market. (I will include a link at the end of this article that will tell you about choosing the right fertilizer). For demonstration purposes, I am using a Miracle Gro product which is readily available at nurseries and big box stores. The fertilizer package contains four pre-measured packets of the fertilizer and I have found that one of these packets will contain just the right amount of fertilizer for a five-gallon bucket.

I use a clean, chemical-free bucket and empty the packet of fertilizer into it. This will make a concentrate. The amount is not totally critical, so if you want less concentrate, only use half of the packet and use only two and a half gallons of water instead of five. At this rate, the fertilizer should provide good results with no danger of fertilizer burn. So, dump in the fertilizer and fill the bucket with water. Stir well

The next step is to hook up the Syphonex as shown in the picture. The end of the plastic tube should extend to the bottom of the bucket. A hose will fit on the siphon device and will deliver the fertilizer solution to your plants.

One instructional note is that the device restricts the water flow in order to cause suction through the tube. Other restrictions on the delivery hose will cause problems and the system will not work properly. This means that you will not be able to apply the fertilizer through a sprinkler or an adjustable hose nozzle. If you look at the picture at the beginning of the article, you will see that the kit includes a Dramm water breaker that is the proper size to use with the siphon device. This water breaker will fit on the end of your hose or on your “water wand.”

And now comes the fun part. With the water breaker on the end of your hose and the plastic tube from the siphon device sitting in a bucket of fertilizer concentrate, you may turn the water on. After a bit of sputtering while the air is removed from the line, you will see pretty blue fertilizer coming from your hose and ready to apply to your plants.

If you are serious about your plants, I’m sure that you will enjoy one of these tools. I use it on flower beds as well as on potted plants. It helps to get the fertilizer solution all over the leaves, too. This is called “foliar feeding” and it is very good for the plants. Did you know that a plant can take in at least 60% of its nutrient needs through its leaves?  During the growing season, I like to apply liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks.

The siphon feeder pictured at the first of this article was purchased at Amazon. Click Here To Follow The Link

To answer your questions about choosing the right fertilizer, check out this article:  How To Choose The Right Fertilizer

Be sure to share this article with your plant growing friends. They will thank you.

john