Please critique my watering method

[Metom]

Hello, I am pretty new to this fruit tree thing. Through research, this is what I do when watering my plants (mostly guava). Any feedback will be helpful. Thanks in advance.

1. Install in-line filter to remove chlorine/metals
2. Fill tub with filtered water
3. Add liquid fertilizer, foxfarm nutrients
4. Adjust PH to 6.5-7.0
5. Feed plants

[Tang Tonic]

I'd say skip the Foxfarm and do a granular application of oganic Espoma Holly Tone.  Foxfarms is bit hot and can burn plants.  If you decide to stick with fertigation method, you will want to check the TDS after mixing in Foxfarms. 

[K-Rimes]

While this is a high quality method of watering for expensive or sensitive crops and plants, this is way overkill for guava. I just throw down whatever slow release fertilizer I have on hand all over the plant and water in.

Guava is not PH sensitive like other plants.

You're spending a lot of time and money doing what you're doing, and could skip it.

Also, warning on the hose filter, they are so effective sometimes that they remove too much calcium and your plants will suffer because of it. This is especially evident with tomatoes.

[roblack]

I agree, sounds pretty hi tech without the need. Cool that you are thinking about finding the best way, just not needed with many plants.

[Metom]

Copy, thanks for the replies. I will scale back on the high tech stuff. I even bought an electrical conductivity meter… heh

Reason I asked is because my guavas aren’t growing like they used to. First year = grew like champs, 2nd and 3rd yrs = dead or stunted. I figured I was overdoing it.

My atemoya tree on the other hand grew like a monster on this regimen. From twig to 100 flowers in one year!

[hawkfish007]

If you want to go effortless route, take a look at ez-flo mainline injection system or dosatron injector. With ez-flo add liquid or water soluble fertilizer in the tank and be done with entire season, or feed on demand with dosatron. I have both and they are working flawlessly since 2018.

https://ezfloinjection.com/product/ez-flo-main-line-1-5-gallon/
https://www.qcsupply.com/120603-dosatron-d14mz2-injector.html

[K-Rimes]

If you want to go effortless route, take a look at ez-flo mainline injection system or dosatron injector. With ez-flo add liquid or water soluble fertilizer in the tank and be done with entire season, or feed on demand with dosatron. I have both and they are working flawlessly since 2018.

https://ezfloinjection.com/product/ez-flo-main-line-1-5-gallon/
https://www.qcsupply.com/120603-dosatron-d14mz2-injector.html

Do you prefer the Dosatron or EZFlo? I am in the market for one for a PH adjustment.

[hawkfish007]

K-Rimes, I like them both and they complement each other in my case. For example, I am feeding grow-more 4-26-26 with ez-flo and using dosatron for occasional kelp or fish emulsion. Only disadvantage of dosatron is it makes a clicking noise at every stroke when water passes through it but you can turn off the ball valve when not feeding. However, dosatron is more precise imo (1:10 to 1:500 depending on the model).