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Old shrubs
Memetrader
Posts: 48
in Plants
In my new (to me) garden there are quite a few nice old shrubs that I have discovered after hacking through the undergrowth.
They have been neglected for a number of years but pruning the ones I want to keep will not be a problem.
I am looking for suggestions as to a good organic fertilizer I can distribute around the plants, and when it should be applied.
I have access to well rotted chicken manure but I am worried that this alone would not be a good idea. Maybe mixed with something else?
0
Posts
You could scatter the chicken manure and just fork it in. I would wait until spring though.
For winter you could scatter some bonemeal which helps feed roots and make strong plants and just fork it lightly around the base. Make sure the soil is weed free and, after some good rain, you could also mulch with well rotted garden compost or cheap MPC compost. Garden centres and DIY stores often sell it cheap now to clear space for Xmas trees and displays. The worms will work it into the soil for you and that will add life and air to help your shrubs.
Come spring, scatter the well rotted chicken manure and then either leave them be or mulch again to retain moisture thru spring and summer and keep down weeds.
Thank you!
I agree with Hogweed and Obelixx.
Also, when pruning/cutting back it'll be best to take out a proportion of the old stems from the base, rather than simply shortening all the growth ... it will stimulate new growth from the base and also you avoid the risk of cutting off all flowering wood in the first season
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.