I keep seeing 2 cups for an 18 gal swc but does that mean I only need 3/4 cup in each? That is a very good question and I don't know the answer. I don't use granular fert on or in the mix in SWC precisely because I don't know how to figure how much is actually being delivered to the plants. At the end of a season when using a granular strip of fertilizer there is an awful lot left over that appears to be intact. Normal procedure is to scoop it out before the next season. While 2 cups of synthetic fert per 15(or in your case 18) gallons of potting mix seems to be the norm (established by EarthBox grow out trials), I really don't know if that means you can reduce that to a per gallon of soil amount. This is one of the reasons I don't use granular fert in SWC, but instead use water soluble ferts in the reservoir. It gives me more control and I can adjust more easily if things appear to not be working well. This actually sounds better than regular MG but would the micronutrients stay in the soiless mix after a month or two or three? In a traditional top watered container with a drainage hole that would be a fair question, but in a SWC which is a somewhat 'closed' system where would the micros go other than into the plant or into the reservoir if they are water soluble? Some nutrients such as nitrogen are subject to volitization, but as far as I know this isn't a factor with the micros. If you flush your SWC during the growing season you can expect the water soluble portion to go bye-bye, but otherwise they pretty much have to stick around. I still think the limiting factor in your case is going to be lack of water and possibly nutrients with 2 indet tomatos in a 5 gallon bucket, SWC or not. On the other hand you indicated you have the time to tend to the plants so you may well make it work. I certainly don't wish to discourage your attempt. You are going to have far more control with a water soluble fert in the reservoir than you will a granular fert on the soil surface though. I would recommend you look into Foliage Pro 9-3-6 and Pro-Tekt 0-0-3 for a complete nutrient souce that is 100% water soluble for the reservoir. By diluting both to the same degree you end up with a 9-3-9 fertilizer which is a 3-1-3 ratio which is what tomatos actually use throughout their entire life cycle. All you need to do is some trial and error with your plants at various growth stages to determine the optimal dilution rate.

I mix it into the soil too before planting. I also add more fertilizer, a tablespoon or two, according to the instructions, a couple of inches away from the plant, every month or two. I did this fertilizing method mainly for my fruits categories such as pepper, eggplants, okras, and tomatoes. I did not put any into my reservoir. My plants were very productive last year.

I'm not that worried about cost, but each of us has their own methods. I grow many acid loving plants and found the acidification of water with controlled amounts of fertilizer worked great for my cacti. I soon adjusted to all my plants. Results have been spectacular. I use kelp to add the trace elements. If you wish to learn more check the article out. Here is a link that might be useful: Ammonium Nitrogen and Acidic Water for Xerophytic Plant Growth

Greetings fellow gardeners! My name is Ryan and I am the sales rep. for Dyna-Gro. I came across this discussion board and it looks like there is an excellent exchange of information taking place which should be very beneficial for the growing community. I was a bit concerned because it looks like some people are having a difficult time finding foliage-pro at their local gardening stores. I wanted to encourage everyone to ask the store owners to begin carrying Dyna-Gro products because without your input they will never know what they are missing! You should also stop by www.dyna-gro.com and take a look at all of the excellent gardening information we have available. I would also like to make everyone aware that we will be offering a 10% discount to anyone that mentions this forum when placing an oder with us directly at 1-800-DYNAGRO. We pride ourselves on happy customers and happy plants and I see this as a way of thanking everyone for benefiting the growing community by spreading accurate information and informing people about the amazing results that can be achieved when plants receive the complete nutrition provided by Dyna-Gro. I wish everyone continued success with all of your gardening endeavors. Please feel free to contact me at 1-800-DYNAGRO with any questions you may have. Here is a link that might be useful: www.dyna-gro.com