How to feed your garden

General and specialist feed for plants :

Chicken manure is a great all round organic fertiliser for your beds and borders

At last Spring is finally here! After a grey, damp winter that seems to have gone on forever, it really lifts your spirits to see the days starting to draw out, the sun shining and the daffodils beginning to flower. For us gardeners, this time of year is an exciting time, things are starting to grow, and the soil is starting to dry out, both of which means that at last we can get out of hibernation, get outside and get gardening.

To give your garden the best possible care, it is always a good idea to have a feeding regime in place, be it feeding your beds and borders, feeding your lawn or feeding particular plants with a specialist plant feed.  Feeding the plants in your pots and hanging baskets is particularly important as the plant roots have restricted space to seek out new food and once it’s been used up they won’t get any more until you supply it. If your plants are looking a little bit spindly or yellow or if your lawn is looking a bit off-colour then definitely have a think about feeding.

Feeding gives your plants a boost, delivers essential macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK). Nitrogen is essential for strong, green growth, (so vital for lawns) phosphorous is important for healthy root growth and fighting off stress and potassium is great for improved flower and fruit production. Feeding also gives additional micronutrients (such as manganese, iron and molybdenum) which although required at lower amounts than macronutrients, they are still vital for plant health.

Last time I highlighted lawn feed, this time, general plant feed and specialist plant feed. All the products that I've highlighted here, are ones that I actually use and they certainly work for me. Remember when applying anything to your garden to always read the label first and never add more than the recommended dose rate.

1.      General plant feed - This is good for beds and borders and feeding most plants. They come as granular, powdered forms or liquid forms:

I use a lot of chicken manure pellets (see link below), just sprinkle over the beds and borders. Easy and organic.

 Westland Chicken Poultry Organic Farm yard Manure Pellets https://amzn.to/4hCnSo7

For larger gardens, you can get it in larger packs such as ;

You can find it here: https://amzn.to/4ksF6XM

• Bone meal -natural feed for growing plants, great for root development

  

  
  

  Link to the product I use: https://amzn.to/4kpPlfD

  
  

• Blood, fish and bone - great organic fertiliser, all purpose but with added potash so good for flowers and fruit development.

  
  

  

Link to the product: https://amzn.to/3DAzA4V

Hoof and horn - Great for promoting leaf and root growth

Product link:https://amzn.to/3Fuq5ou

Granular types that just need to be sprinkled over the top and hoed in. Great for new plantings as well as established plants. They will gradually break down and as they do they will add nutrients to the soil.

Liquid general fertilisers , such as seaweed extract, are also good as they have the advantage of being able to be used as a foliar feed, they can be watered over the top of the plants and the feed will be absorbed through the leaves, not just taken in through the roots. Another advantage of liquid fertilisers is that you don’t have to hoe it in. It is instantly available.

• Seaweed Xtra

  
  

  

  
  

 Link to the product I use: https://amzn.to/4bXTXFD

2.      Specific plant feed – Some plants will benefit from a particular type of feed rather than a general one. If you have acid-loving or ericaceous plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas or Camellias, they will benefit from an ericaceous feed.

• Ericaceous plant feed

  
  

  

  
  

  Link:https://amzn.to/4iwfkjD

  
  

• Citrus plant feed

Here's the link for this one: https://amzn.to/4iWjUHV

Ericaceous liquid feeds, will get down to the roots quickly and you can also use then as foliar feeds. There are also specific feeds for plants like citrus plants. They often need something more tailored to their very particular requirements, especially if the leaves have turned yellow, a condition known as chlorosis. A feed will green them up and make them a lot more healthy.

Generally, you apply feed to plants when they are actively growing, so mid to the end of March through to about the end of August. Liquid fertilisers you can dilute in a watering can and apply with a fine rose on the end. The granular fertilisers you just sprinkle over the surface of the ground and hoe them in, maybe water them in if there’s no rain forecast so that they can become activated. Always read the instructions on the label, never use more than is recommended.  

Remember a healthy balanced diet is good for you, giving you all the nutrients you need so do the same for your plants and keep them happy and healthy as well.

In case you missed it in the previous blog here's a reminder for lawn feeds to think about:

For the Instant Green Surge: Miracle-Gro EverGreen Lawn Feed and Green 10kg. 

Sometimes, your lawn just needs a quick pick-me-up. This is my go-to for a rapid green boost. It's reliable, effective, and delivers visible results in a matter of days. Perfect for perking up a tired-looking lawn before a garden party.

You can find it here: https://amzn.to/41GH93d

For That Deep, Rich Colour: Grass Gains Black Lawn Fertiliser. 

If you're after a truly show-stopping lawn, this is the one. The “Black” element really helps to create a deep, rich green that’s just magnificent. It also fortifies the grass, making it more resilient to wear and tear. This is what I use when I want to create a lawn that turns heads.

Take a look: https://amzn.to/4ipeDIU

For the Eco-Conscious Gardener: Grass Gains Organic Friendly Lawn Treatment. 

We all want to do our bit for the planet, and this organic-friendly option allows you to nourish your lawn without compromising your values. It's gentle, yet effective, and safe for pets and children. It is a great choice for those seeking a more natural approach.

Link: https://amzn.to/41h2aQk

For Large Lawns and Bulk Application: Grass Gains Lawn Bulk Fertiliser.

If you have a sprawling lawn, or simply prefer to buy in bulk, this is a fantastic option. It provides excellent value for money and delivers consistent results across a large area. Ideal for those with extensive gardens.

Find it here: https://amzn.to/41lW1m9