Just like us plants get hungry too, so it is imperative to feed them regularly. One excellent method to make sure your plants get the nutrients they need to develop and thrive is to fertilise them! Similar to people, every plant has unique nutritional needs.
There are three main types of fertilisers you can choose to use. These include: liquid fertiliser, slow release and semi slow release. Each type has their own advantages, depending on what you want it for.
Liquid fertiliser: Liquid fertilisers have become very popular over the years. This may be due to the many advantages of using them. Some of these include easy-to-use, easy-to-store, even application, organic and rapid response. You simply follow the directions on how much to mix up and this is easily done by adding one or two caps into a watering can. There are also click-on hose applicators to liquid feed your lawn and garden. A lot of people like to use a liquid seaweed fertiliser. Although these are great to use, you can now get a seaweed-based feed with added fertilisers to give you higher nitrogen levels which your plants just love. There are also liquid fertilisers now available which contain no added water, so you are paying for the product not water. It all depends on what your plant needs. Some of the tried and tested liquid fertilisers that we just love here have good NPK levels. So, if your plants need a quick boost or need some encouragement to flower, come on in for some advice on what to use.
Slow Release: There are many different slow release fertilisers that are readily available. There are many that are formulated to cater for the needs of each different plant including: citrus and fruit, roses, azaleas, gardenias, herbs and vegetables, pots and indoors, natives, lawns and all-purpose. By encouraging robust, consistent development, a slow release fertiliser helps the plant's root system mature appropriately and strengthen itself over time. Among the many benefits of slow release fertilisers include their ability to provide nutrients over an extended period of time, encourage more constant growth and reduce the risk of burning lawns and plants. However, most slow release fertilisers are not organic and the nutrients within the fertilisers are not immediately provided to the plant.
Semi Slow Release: These fertilisers usually come in a pellet, powder or a composted form and are considered to be a soil improver. The benefits of using these are that they are usually organic and break down into your plant’s soil over a period of approximately six to 10 weeks. This method acts faster than a slow release, which is usually over a 12-month period and gives your plants a more steady and controlled feed as opposed to a liquid fertiliser. Once again, there are many different varieties of this type of fertiliser which cater for all plant types and lawns. The risk of burning lawns and plants can be eliminated if the fertiliser is watered in well and regularly. Many here have been tried and tested allowing us to give you good advice.
Don’t Forget Mulches!
Many mulches are packed full of nutrients and actually break down, also feeding and improving your soil and your plants will love you for it! This time of year is the perfect time to be fertilising and mulching to help lock in that moisture and improve your soil and plant growth. Don’t forget that at this time of year you will also be seeing weeds, weeds and more weeds. So save your back and mulch your garden! Mulching is a great way to suppress and control weeds. The weather is starting to warm up, so try not to cook your plants! Mulching is also a great way to regulate your soil temperature, which will keep your plants cool and happy this summer. Our personal favourite is tea tree mulch, not only is it natural and smells great, it also breaks down so well, enriching and improving your soil structure and health, enabling your gardens to flourish! There are many to choose from including: tea tree, cypress, red cypress (both cypress mulches are anti-termite too), blackwood (very eye-catching), sugar cane (breaks down brilliantly) and pine bark.
Well, that's a wrap! Thanks for reading and be sure to come in for some advice on what to use in your gardens, pots or lawns to ensure your garden can thrive!
Thanks
Paul and Adelle.
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