DIY Slow-Release Plant Food Mixing Chart
Mark E.
Here’s a printable mixing chart for your DIY Miracle-Gro Shake ’n Feed-style slow-release plant food. You can use this as a reference or print and attach it to your storage container.
🌿 DIY Slow-Release Plant Food Mixing Chart
(Miracle-Gro Shake ’n Feed Alternative)
| Ingredient | Function | Amount per Batch (Small) | Amount per Batch (Large) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone Meal | Phosphorus, calcium | 1 cup | 4 cups (1 quart) |
| Feather Meal or Blood Meal | Nitrogen (slow release) | 1 cup | 4 cups (1 quart) |
| Kelp Meal | Micronutrients, growth hormones | ½ cup | 2 cups |
| Greensand or Langbeinite | Potassium, iron, magnesium | ½ cup | 2 cups |
| Rock Phosphate | Long-term phosphorus | ½ cup | 2 cups |
| Crushed Eggshells (optional) | Calcium supplement | ½ cup | 2 cups |
| Compost / Worm Castings | Organic matter, microbial boost | 1 cup | 4 cups (1 quart) |
📏 Application Guide
| Use Case | Amount to Apply |
|---|---|
| Small plant | 2–4 tablespoons |
| Large plant/shrub | ½–1 cup |
| Garden bed (10 sq. ft.) | 1–2 cups |
| Container plants | Mix 1 tbsp per quart of soil |
✅ Instructions
-
Mix all dry ingredients well.
-
Store in a sealed, dry container.
-
Apply around plant base and water thoroughly.
-
Reapply every 2–3 months.
🛒 Ingredient Notes
-
All ingredients are available at garden centers or online (e.g. kelp meal, feather meal, rock phosphate).
-
Substitute where needed — e.g., blood meal for feather meal, langbeinite for greensand, etc.