Base or slow release - what's going on?

I've been planting up my hanging baskets and urns. Usual mixture is compost - vermiculite and slow release fertiliser.

Thing is I've run out of slow release fertiliser - but rummaging around the potting shed - I've come across some base dressing - which looks like the slow release and has broadly the same NPK.

Can I use the base dressing in place of the slow release - to save a few bucks?

Ta

 

Yes, but unlike slow release it will only last for 6-8 weeks. When I make hanging basket & patio compost, I use both. If you had 100l of unfertile compost I would mix 50g of base and 150-200g slow release, normally 5-6month longevity.

 

Thanks for the info. I've been throwing in a handful of granules to whatever compost is in the potting tray. Now I know the ratios, I'll start using the appropriate amounts.