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Applying fertiliser
I'm going to switch over to a liquid fertiliser, but for now there's a big tub of chicken pellets left.
Last year we put slate chippings on the bed which makes putting pellets on a bit difficult without making a mess. But I think they're fairly slow release (?) So put a bit next to each plant now at the end of January into February for it to take effect into the spring and summer? And give it time to break down?
I never seem to get the right balance of watering and fertiliser in the spring summer and end up with gaps in the bed where things don't seem to do as well as they could
What does everyone do with fertiliser? What's your one of choice and how often do you apply it and when? And can you see good results from it?
Thanks all! ☺️
Last year we put slate chippings on the bed which makes putting pellets on a bit difficult without making a mess. But I think they're fairly slow release (?) So put a bit next to each plant now at the end of January into February for it to take effect into the spring and summer? And give it time to break down?
I never seem to get the right balance of watering and fertiliser in the spring summer and end up with gaps in the bed where things don't seem to do as well as they could
What does everyone do with fertiliser? What's your one of choice and how often do you apply it and when? And can you see good results from it?
Thanks all! ☺️
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Most UK soils are naturally high in phosphorus [P] but winter rains depletes them of Nitrogen [N] and Potassium [K]. Therefore, a fertilizer high in N and K but lower in P is generally considered suitable for most gardens here.
Having a soil test done is useful. Mine is PH 8.1, so I use a fertilizer with higher amounts of Iron. Yes I am satisfied with results applied 2, sometimes 3 times a year depending on the plant type. Liquid feeding with sequestered iron is also on my agenda depending on plant.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
https://www.hardysplants.co.uk/news/fertilisers-how-and-when-should-we-use-them
I have sandy soil which drains quickly and doesn't retain moisture or nutrients very well. I add bought compost blends and well rotted manure to improve it and also use blood fish and bone selectively for some plants in early March and midsummer, depending on their needs and the weather, for example heavy flowerers like Dahlias or a recently pruned shrub or tree.
Overuse of fertilisers, particularly synthetic ones, can create an imbalance in the environment and excess nutrients can leech into the water table or nearby streams and rivers, with adverse consequences.