Liquid Feed Mixing Calculator Guide
Use this liquid feed mixing calculator to dilute water-soluble fertilizer concentrate into your watering can. Enter can volume in gallons, the label ratio in teaspoons or milliliters per gallon, and get total concentrate for a balanced foliar or root feed.
How to use the liquid feed mixing calculator
Enter watering can or hose-end reservoir volume in gallons, the concentrate rate from the fertilizer label, and select teaspoons or milliliters per gallon.
The result is total concentrate to add before filling with water.
Liquid fertilizer dilution formula
Total concentrate = Water volume (gallons) × Rate per gallon. Unit is teaspoons or milliliters depending on your selection.
Liquid feeds supply fast-available nutrients — ideal for container plants, seedlings, and mid-season boosts when soil fertility lags.
- Concentrate = gallons × tsp (or ml) per gallon
- Common rates: 1–2 tsp per gallon for maintenance feeds
- 1 tsp ≈ 5 ml for rough conversion
- Alternate with plain water to prevent salt buildup in containers
Worked example
A 2-gallon watering can with a liquid fertilizer label rate of 1 teaspoon per gallon.
Total concentrate = 2 × 1 = 2 teaspoons. Add 2 tsp concentrate, fill with water, and apply to moist (not dry) soil.
Feeding frequency and timing
Container vegetables often need liquid feed every 1–2 weeks during peak growth. In-ground beds may need less if soil organic matter is high. Reduce feeding as plants approach harvest for fruiting crops where flavor matters.
Best practices
Apply to moist soil to avoid root burn. Early morning feeding lets foliage dry quickly. Store concentrate per label — many liquid fertilizers settle or degrade if frozen.
- Use our NPK amount calculator to compare product analysis.
- Pair with fertilizer rate calculator for granular applications.
- Flush containers monthly with plain water to leach excess salts.
- Do not exceed label rate — more fertilizer does not mean faster growth.