The Lit Farmer’s amendment shelf always contains fish hydrolysate. Not only is it beneficial to the plants, but also for the fungi and microbes in the soil. Best of all, you can acquire a high quality hydrolysate for as little as $22 per gallon. This amount of product will last a very, very long time for most gardeners.
When shopping for hydrolysates you will do well to select one from a company that advertises low-heat processing. Emulsions use high heat to speed up the processing, but also kill off many enzymes and microbes in the process. Therefore, fish hydrolysate not only provides nutrients but also bolsters the microbial activity of living soils. As an added bonus, this form of processing also produces a product that is low-odor compared to emulsions.
Fish hydrolysate contains proteins, fatty acids, starches, macronutrients (N-P-K) and a wide array of trace minerals. Most notably, it contains high amounts of chitin. Chitin is a basic building block for fungi, both for its fruiting bodies as well as for mycelium. When used in conjunction with mycorrhizal fungi the enhancements to the root zone (rhizosphere) of cannabis is clear.
This product is the first addition new seedlings and cuttings are exposed to in my garden. Mixed at 1/2 strength is it extremely gentle and I have never seen leaf tip burn at that application rate. I apply to seedlings when they show their second set of true leaves, and to cuttings about two days after being transplanted into soil. After this point, I prefer to apply every 14 days or so at full strength until about the 3rd week of flower. My plants are always praying to the lights within a couple days.
At whopping 20 cents per application, this is probably one of the best bangs for the buck on my amendment shelf.
Happy Harvests!
— The Lit Farmer —
