my question is is there a formula to convert organic fert. to synthetic fert. ratios for example how much organic fert. does it take to equate to a synthetic 10-10-10. I know this depends on the type of organic fert. used. but I herethere is some type of formula available.

Any "formula" is meaningless, because there is no comparison! Organic and natural fertilizers are SUPERIOR to synthetic fertilizers. For example, 10-10-10 only guarantees that 30% of its mass is N-P-K, the other 70% is nothing but worthless dust, it could be anthrax, you don't know! The 30% that is N-P-K is so concentrated and unstable , fast-release fertilizers, that it can easily burn the plants, evaporate into the air, or leach out of the soil. Also the synthetics contain NO organic matter to add to the soil.

The organic fertilizers (like pure alfalfa hay, animal manures, or grass clippings) and the natural fertilizers (like pet and cattle foods, fish meals, blood and bone meals, they contain a small percent of non-organic stuff in it like coloring, sulfuric acid, preservatives, etc.) are much better. They improve the soil. They add organic matter to the soil to feed soil organisms. They are all slow-release fertilizers. They may be low in N-P-K (their 3 numbers always add to less than 20), but it doesn't matter because you can apply them as much as you need to your growing plants. Sometimes as much as once a week without burning the plants.

The organic or natural fertilizers are full of nutritious trace minerals that are more important to the plant's taste, disease and pest control, etc.

If you use tons of compost or organic mulches all year round, you don't need that much fertilizer. The organic or natural fertilizer (I prefer the liquid foliar sprays best), will give to the plant the valuable extra trace minerals that it lacks from its soil's organic matter.

The short answer for bagged organic fertilizer is apply at 10 - 15 lbs per thousand square feet. Apply in mid-January, late June and a final in September.

Don't forget to add lava sand, greensand or other volcanic amendments at 15 - 20lbs per thousand square feet. You'll be amazed how much it improves water absorbtion. Don't forget fine screened compost as the icing on the cake!

Synthetic fertilizers often do more harm than good. They encourage SOOO much extra leafy growth that the plant will have to support with added water & more nutrients & a vicious cycle of pampering is put into motion. Patiently building your soil with organic matter, replenishing it with MORE organic matter,...simply copying God's/Nature's way,...that's all (but the 'prima donnas' of plants) a plant really needs. I realize most garden books are telling you to apply a 10-10-10 in spring,...but you don't wanna start your garden off that way, even if it COULD be done organically. Try to think of your garden as so 'well-engineered' with its good soil that it is 'fuel efficient' & you'll be on the right track.

Nicely put.....I think I should print this one out and show to my friend that fertilizes with the bad stuff..........

georgia