simy1 said:

(FarmerDill) wrote in message
news:20030717125305.21470.00000077@mb-m0
7.aol.com...

Usually small size in a root crop is due to the plants being too crowded. If
the tops are vigorous the roots need room to expand. Carrots take a while to
develop so time may be a factor, however unless you are growing winter
radishes, they should be full size, Potassium (K) is a major nutrient for root
crops,

really? I know you are one of the most knowledgeable posters here, but
from my irregular readings I was under the impression that K matters
with fruits and P with roots (and N with greens). Indeed the USDA
nutrient profiles show that P is higher in roots (and potatoes, and
seeds, like nuts or corn) and K in fruits (including of course
tomatoes and squashes).

When I started growing in my Plymouth garden, I hadn't done a soil test
but immediately realized something was wrong. My root crops were horrible;
my corn fell over. Tomatoes, peppers, and squash grew fine.

In the fall, I had a soil test done. My native soil was high in P and abysmally
low in K. While P might be important for new root growth (and thus found in
abundance in 'transplant fertilizer' formulations, K is essential for strength and
expansion of roots.

FWIW, the quick summary on hgtv's website pretty much agrees with what
I have learned:

'Nitrogen is essential for leaf growth and green leaves. Phosphorus is good for
flower and fruit development, and potassium helps to maintain strong roots.'

A Canadian website had a more thorough summary:

Nitrogen: Promotes leafy growth and green colour; organic sources are blood meal,
fishmeal

Phosphorus: Aids root health and seed development; organic sources are bone meal,
rock phosphates

Potassium: For strong stems and roots, proper water balance and disease
resistance; organic sources are kelp and wood ash.


--
Pat in Plymouth MI

Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.
(attributed to Don Marti)