as far as i understand, the STEM is more like a multivitamin.

NPK are macronutrients (like CHO, PRO, and FAT are for us), and the minerals are like our vitamins or minerals.

If you put a pinch of the STEM in watering over the winter, it shouldnt hurt anything. Biggest thing with too much nitrogen going into winter is fresh soft growth. I dont think a lil bit of STEM would hurt.... anyone know for sure?

For container plants nitrogen in the winter won't harm anything as container plants are brought inside & protected from frost. The reason not to fertilize inground citrus is that it will cause the plant to produce new growth that will be killed by a frost or freeze. You want inground citrus to go dormant & aclimate to the cold weather...

thanks for the clarification. I did fert-water sparingly last winter, but i figured less light = less growth so i fertilized less.

Gen, don't use STEM if the fert you used last has micros!
Don't kill your plants with kindness LOL Maybe your jessamine needs a better draining soil? If center is wet & you have fungus gnats... maybe too much water. I had a real problem with those gnats last winter till the soil dried out. Are you using the skewer to test? Don't water just cuz the top looks dry. And, next time you water, just give it a sprinkle - not a soak.

Hi Patty,

I think I will take the chance and give them a very weak dose of stem when I get it to close the season down..., as garnetmoth said, I don't think a little dose will hurt any, I will be very carefull however.


As for the jessamine being in better draining soil, it's in a CHC mix, so, that's not the problem. I think it's taking it's time drying more on the outside of the pot, so it may be that there are not enough radial roots extending that far to absorb the h2o on the outside perimeters. I aerated with a stake by poking around in there a bit, the next day, it seemed much dryer, maybe just loosening the soild helped. Anyways, no worries. I'll be breaking out the fan if it gets to be too much.

: )

The use rates for STEM are as follows.

Foliar spray application to correct mineral deficiencies, use 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water.

For one time soil applied mineral deficiency corrective application use 2.25 grams per gallon of water.

When making up new potting soil mixes to be used on plants to grow-on use 1.5-lbs. of STEM per cubic meter of potting soil (25-grams per cubic foot of potting mix).

When making up new potting soil mixes to be used for seeding (usual seed mix is 50% peat and 50% perlite) use 17 grams of STEM per cubic foot of potting mix.

I mailed out all of the STEM that was requested today, and you should get it in 3 or 4 days.

Millet

Wow Millet, this helps alot!!!

"copy- save"

TK again

: )