mixing micros - wheelbarrow vs tarp

[tnkrer]

I have been mixing SOP with baystate for last couple of years. (2lb/K of SOP). I was mixing it with a wheel barrow and shovel and it seemed to be doing a good job. Then I thought I would try mixing it in a tarp. open the bag of baystate on the tarp. Spread the SOP on top of it, mix it using a hand trowel or rake. Then lift one side of the tarp and walk to the other side. Do this 5-10 times.

I felt that this gave me more even mixing with less effort.

Can/Should I use the same method for micros?

[tlinden]

Mixing is mixing so if you like it that way go for it

[HoosierLawnGnome]

Make sure the micros don't stick to the tarp etc

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[schreibdave]

Haven't done micros in a few years but I hated the wheel barrow technique. I will definitely try the tarp next time.

[Barley]

Scepter Odjob Mixer if you can find it. I posted a review of it a couple of years ago...

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[virginiagal]

I used a recycling bin to mix Milorganite and borax as I don't have a wheelbarrow. It was a good way to mix, as it had high sides and plenty of space. The only downside was it was somewhat difficult to transfer to the spreader. I used a small bucket to scoop it out and when it was light enough picked it up and poured from a corner of the bin. How did you do the transferring from the tarp? I guess I would have had the same difficulty if I had used a wheelbarrow. Was there any problem keeping the material on the tarp? I could imagine stuff spilling off the sides as you mix things up.

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[crabgrass]

5-gallon bucket:

- Mix in proportionately correct amounts of mixture about 3/4 full.
- Tilt less than 45 degreees and rotate. Mixes like a cement mixer.
- When satisfied dump it in the spreader or whatever and repeat with another batch.

Cheap, easy, quick, thorough, controllable, and easy to clean up..

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[laadams85]

I hated using a tarp, switched over to the wheelbarrow. To each his own I guess.

[Green]

Piggybacking on this topic...is it ok to mix a bunch of different micros together?

[BoatDrinksQ5]

yep - i asked a similar question in my soil test topic. Someone said they had and it went well, no one said there was an issue.

I did it... didn't notice any explosions or chemical fires

[HoosierLawnGnome]

I mix mine all together directly in my big earthway spreader. I apply in plenty of milo though with a decent misting so it isn't dusty or clumpy - juuuust right.

Nothing like seasoning recycled sewage.

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[BoatDrinksQ5]

I think the problem i was having with a bucket was my mist(to wide of a cone on sprayer) was more hitting the sides than the milo.... so the micros were hitting the wet side and sticking. Plus a 5gal bucket doesn't allow mixing that well with a lot of Milo...

Next time i'll have to go slower...use two buckets.... or get out the wheelbarrow for more work space. Just takes forever to get it up and down (crazy contraption holding it to ceiling.....lol)

[Jacob_S]

5-gallon bucket:

- Mix in proportionately correct amounts of mixture about 3/4 full.
- Tilt less than 45 degreees and rotate. Mixes like a cement mixer.
- When satisfied dump it in the spreader or whatever and repeat with another batch.

Cheap, easy, quick, thorough, controllable, and easy to clean up..

[ Post made via BlackBerry ]

I think I will try this next week when I mix up my second app.

[andy10917]

Without misting, many of the micro's that you're trying to apply will blow away into the breeze if they are powders. Misting attaches them to the Milorganite grains.

[tnkrer]

HLG, valid point on the micros sticking to the tarp. In tarp mixing, the material touches the tarp way too many times.

I like the 5 gal bucket idea. Will give that a try

Andy, thanks for pointing out why misting is needed.

[ken-n-nancy]

I find that mixing in a wheelbarrow works extremely well with a hand trowel instead of a shovel.

Another key help is a second person to be mixing up the next batch while the first person is spreading the first batch. Kids, grandkids, or a spouse that want to help with the lawn are great for this, especially if you're mixing in all four micros as we are this year.

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[HSB3-LI]

Wheelbarrow and shovel worked pretty well for me.

Could micros be dissolved in water and sprayed with an earthway push sprayer, then further watered in after? Or would that be too much foliar contact?

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[LoneRanger]

^ I would imagine with the proper drenching nozzle you should be golden.

[andy10917]

Foliar applications can deliver up to 12X the amount of the micronutrient to the plant at once. That may mean too much at once. The regimen and amounts provided are for granular soil application, and were only tested for that use.

[LoneRanger]

Andy. If it was applied as a drench, would the immediately available nutrients to the soil be undesired as well?