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Applying fertiliser

InBloomInBloom Posts: 68
edited 1 February in Plants
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! ☺️

Posts

  • MarlorenaMarlorena Posts: 8,705
    Much too early to be applying fertilizers, from a UK perspective.. early March for southern parts I think is soon enough even in these changing times and mild conditions.

    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.
    East Anglia, England
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    Chicken manure pellets........in spring I trip about the garden, broadcasting the things to the four corners of the "estate" and then sit back and wait for the magic to happen. Does it work? I have no idea but I am loath to stop this just in case the plants all keel over from a lack of food. I also chuck home produced compost about and hope the worms can assist with incorporating it into the soil.
    As to gaps in the flower bed. That may be nothing to to with the fertiliser you are using and everything to do with the underlying layers. I garden on a brownfield site and who knows what oozed into the soil from above in earlier times. Eventually you can usually find something that can cope with that area or you can use potted plants to cover the bald patch.
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Agree with @Marlorena, early March is soon enough.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    You may not need to use fertiliser if your soil is in good condition as explained here:

    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.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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