FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Section 1: What is Beanstalk CRF and how does it work? 

What is a Controlled-Release Fertiliser?  

Beanstalk Ag’s Controlled-Release Fertiliser are encapsulated mineral prills that release nutrient to your plant depending on the stage of the growth cycle. The porous polymer coating allows nutrients to dissolve into solution at an equivalent rate to your plants water usage. This consistent access to nutrients enables your plant to utilise what it needs when it is needed. Taking the guesswork out of your growing and removing the requirement for bottled NPK fertilisers and additives.  

What are the benefits of CRF? 

Our product allows you to stop mixing fertiliser at all stages of plant growth, reducing the cost of both applying fertiliser and maintaining complex fertigation injectors. CRF allows you to eliminate most runoff from your facility, significantly reducing your environmental impact and your cost of goods sold. With a single application of Beanstalk CRF, you can simplify your SOP’s, improve efficiency and quality, whilst also saving money.  

What is the coating made of? 

Our coating is a proprietary Polyolefin based polymer that completely breaks down over time and, unlike commercial time release fertilisers, does not create microplastics that pollute the waterways.  

Why the reduced Phosphorus formula? 

We use a unique mineral composition of Phosphorus that is completely water soluble. This, in conjunction with our ability to eliminate runoff, allows all the Phosphorus in our product to be utilised by the plant. Therefore, removing the need to add excessive amounts of phosphorus. 

Why the high Potassium formula?  

Through extensive testing we have found that potassium is the nutrient most responsible for fruit and flower quantity and quality. All nutrients are needed at appropriate levels, but high potassium levels are essential for fast-growing plants throughout the flowering phase.  

Section 2: Dosage rates, substrate choice and how to pot up 

What are the usage rates?  

Absolute Flower - 15- 20 grams per four litres of substrate (minimum 3.75g per litre) 

K-Boost- 5 - 8 grams per four litres of substrate (minimum 1.25g per litre) 

CA-Fortify- 5-8 grams per four litres of substrate (minimum 1.25g per litre) 

V- Basis- 25 grams per four litres of substrate (minimum 6.25g per litre) 

When do I add Beanstalk to my pot?  

Apply the relevant Beanstalk product to each pot right before transplant. It is not recommended to premix CRF into the substrate too far in advance, as the moisture present will start to activate the fertiliser prematurely. 

What is the best way to add Beanstalk to my pot?  

When transplanting into a new pot, it is optimal to mix the fertiliser evenly throughout the substrate before potting the plant. Simply, 

• Fill the pot 2/3 with your chosen substrate 
• Add the relevant dose of Beanstalk products 

• Mix thoroughly with your hands or a garden scoop 
• Pot up the plant and fill with substrate 
• Irrigate with water and, optionally, your preferred silica and non-NPK additives 

If the plant is already in the container it is recommended to sub-dress the fertiliser.  

What is sub-dressing?  

Sub-dressing is the process of putting fertiliser on the surface of the substrate and then covering the fertiliser with enough substrate to ensure the CRF has adequate moisture contact to release nutrient. Sub-dressing can be used when stepping up to a bigger container.  

Can I add Beanstalk to a plant already in its final pot?  

Yes. You can also sub-dress the fertiliser if you have enough space left in the pot to add more substrate on top of the fertiliser. It is not ideal to let the CRF sit on top of the substrate as it requires moisture to release nutrient to your plant.  

What size pot should I use? 

The ideal pot size is going to depend on the size of your plant. Fertilising with CRF means leaving the plant in control of nutrient uptake. If you are using a 5-litre pot or smaller it is recommended to up the dose of Beanstalk by 2x, to fulfil the plant's nutrient requirements throughout the flowering cycle.  

What substrate can I use with Beanstalk? 

When growing in a pot, most commercially available potting substrates will be compatible. Our customers use a wide range of coco, peat, and compost-based substrate. Beanstalk CRF can also be used outdoors in conjunction with native soil.  

Can I use a fertilised soil, like All Mix? 

Yes. If using a soil that already contains 4-5 weeks of fertiliser then either sub-dress Beanstalk at full dose after 4-5 weeks (once the soil is depleted) or mix Beanstalk into the soil when transplanting at a reduced dose of 25% to 50%, depending on how heavily fertilised the soil is. 

How long does CRF take to start working? 

V-Basis begins to release very quickly and is suitable for clones and seedlings. Absolute Flower, K-Boost and CA-Fortify start releasing within the first 5-7 days of use. So, if transplanting into an unfertilised substrate, like coco, you may fertigate lightly with an NPK and CalMag in the first week.  

Is your product organic? 

No. However, CRF technology eliminates many environmental issues associated with most conventional fertilisers.  

• Advanced polymer coating effectively controls nutrient release and prevents rapid dissolving in soil, reducing waterway pollution 
• No requirement to irrigate to run-off, ensures efficient water usage  
• Replaces all bottled NPK fertilisers and additives. reducing shipping and packaging costs 

Can I use Beanstalk with Rockwool? 

No. It is not recommended to use CRF with rockwool. 

Can I use your product when planting in the ground? 

Yes, you can! We recommend always having your soil tested before applying any fertiliser. Please use the Contact Us form to arrange a soil test.  

Can I use your product in a greenhouse and outdoors?  

Yes. Beanstalk CRF works great in a greenhouse and indoor environments or outdoors. 

Section 3: Growing tips, additives and pH 

What is V-Basis for? 

V-Basis is a stand-alone fertiliser for propagation, small nursery plants and mother plants. It is a vegetative growth fertiliser and can be reapplied every 70 days. 

Absolute Flower, K-Boost, and CA-Fortify are designed to be used together. This flowering trio is mixed into the final pot at transplant. 

Can I still flush with CRF?  

If you are looking to flush or reset your substrate, simply irrigate to runoff/ leach your pot to reduce the EC in the root zone. 

What if my plants look overfed?  

Simply flush to reset your substrate. Irrigate to run-off with water until the leachate reaches the desired EC. You can also do this if your plants are finishing earlier than expected. 

What is the ideal irrigation pH? 

The ideal Irrigation pH is between 5.8 and 6.5 this is the area where most nutrients necessary for plant growth become bio available to the plant. For coco-based substrate, a pH of 5.8-6.0 is ideal. For peat-based substrate, a pH of 6.0-6.5 is ideal. 

Can I use other additives with your product? 

Yes, Beanstalk CRF works great alone, but it is fully compatible with any non-NPK additives growers choose to use. Many growers utilise a silica supplement.  

Can I use organic additives and inoculants? 

Yes, absolutely! Inoculating your substrate with beneficial bacteria and fungi makes for a healthier root zone and improves nutrient uptake. Organic additives, such as kelp, humic and fulvic will also assist with nutrient cycling and uptake. Guanos and compost teas can also be utilised. Avoid additives with a high NPK value. 

Do I need to add CalMag if using RO water? 

Yes. We would always recommend using a separate CalMag supplement to raise your EC to a minimum of 0.4 EC, whether using RO, rainwater or tap water.  

Is Beanstalk suitable for very fast-flowering cultivars? 

Yes. If growing fast-flowering plant varieties, we recommend adding an extra 2 grams of CA-Fortify per four litres of substrate to ensure calcium requirements are met.  

Got a question? Visit the Contact Us section