Understanding tips on how to fertilise a garden may very well be the distinction between a wholesome thriving garden, and a yellowing, sickly affair.
Although it is vital to notice that there are a lot of elements at play in relation to the success of our garden concepts, fertiliser can actually play an element in relation to boosting vibrancy and thickness.
On this article, with the assistance of two garden care consultants, we cowl tips on how to prep your garden for fertiliser, how and when to use it, what one of the best fertiliser choices are and the way typically you might want to feed your garden for optimum outcomes.
How you can fertilise a garden step-by-step
Fiona Jenkins, gardening professional from MyJobQuote explains that you must all the time mow a garden earlier than you apply fertiliser. Which means that the vitamins could have time to soak up earlier than you subsequent minimize your grass.
She outlines the steps on tips on how to fertilise a garden, together with the important prep levels:
1. Put together your garden for fertiliser
“For spring and autumn fertilising, it’s a good suggestion to do your seasonal garden upkeep first. So, as soon as you’ve got mown, scarify the garden to take away thatch and eliminate moss and aerate the garden by spiking it with holes,” explains Fiona Jenkins.
“This can make sure that your feed can attain into the bottom. Except you employ an all-in-one sort of garden care product, reminiscent of a weed and feed, you must select the weeds too – in any other case, you’ll be feeding these together with your fertiliser. ”
Fiona Jenkins
A landscaper and gardening professional with over 25 years of expertise within the business. Presently she works for MyJobQuote as their resident professional on all issues gardening. She is extremely educated and her experience have featured in lots of respected publications.
Put together to fertilise on a dry day so the feed will not get washed away(Picture credit score: ronstik / Alamy Inventory Photograph)
Store garden fertiliser
REVIVE: Natural 365 Fertiliser
This fertiliser can be utilized all yr spherical and is product of 100% natural components. When used frequently it is going to enhance the vitamins being absorbed by your grass in addition to assist with illness resistance.
One tub of this garden fertiliser covers an space of as much as 70m. Making it wonderful worth. It is also pet and child-safe and isn’t meant to trigger extreme grass development.
Elixir Gardens Excessive Nitrogen Liquid Fertiliser All Season For Fruit, Flowers and Lawns
Feeds that are excessive in nitrogen are higher used throughout spring and summer season to encourage development. Liquid feed is finest should you’re searching for quick outcomes.
2. Mark out your space
“Pop on some protecting gloves and verify the appliance directions on the fertiliser packet. If you’re making use of fertiliser by hand then it’s finest to mark a grid out in your garden, so that you might be positive you’re making use of the correct quantity of fertiliser per sq. metre,” says Fiona.
It is vital to notice that making use of fertiliser to dry, laborious floor is fruitless as a result of it will not soak into the soil correctly. So guarantee that your garden is moist, however not waterlogged earlier than making use of your fertiliser.
Work out how a lot feed you want relying on the dimensions of your space(Picture credit score: Dorling Kindersley ltd / Alamy Inventory Photograph)
3. Apply your feed
“For liquid fertilisers, you’ll want so as to add the right amount to your watering can. If you happen to’re utilizing granules, fill your spreader as per the dosage directions on the packet. Basing the quantity on the dimensions of your marked space,” explains Fiona.
“After software, you’ll often must water your garden to assist the fertiliser soak in. When you’ve carried out this, put your leftover fertiliser safely away after which take off your gloves and wash your palms.”
A spreader will assist give even protection(Picture credit score: evgenyb / Getty Photos)
Kinds of garden fertliser
You will get each liquid and granular garden fertilisers which work at completely different speeds. Fiona Jenkins highlights that you just also needs to take note of the components and labelling of garden fertilisers. It is because spring and autumn feeds will include completely different ranges of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous.
“Utilizing a granular fertiliser and spreader is a straightforward strategy to get an excellent overlaying over your garden. Granular feeds are usually slow-release, so your garden will preserve feeling the profit over the next months. Nevertheless, liquid feed is an efficient possibility if you wish to obtain quicker outcomes. It may also be utilized with only a watering can, so it saves you from needing to purchase particular gear,” says Fiona.
“Natural fertilisers are usually made up of animal and plant matter however might be slower to work than chemical or mineral variations. If you happen to’re cultivating a wildlife-friendly backyard or have a garden that’s utilized by kids and pets, you then may wish to go for an natural sort of fertiliser fairly than a chemical or mineral one,” says Fiona.
In case you have patches additionally, you will must overseed your garden in addition to utilizing fertiliser.
There are pet-safe fertiliser choices must you want them(Picture credit score: Element Pictures / Alamy Inventory Photograph)
When to fertilise a garden
“It is best to fertilise your garden when the grass begins to develop actively, by the months of March to October,” says Tom Clifford, backyard professional at Gardenstone.
“Fertilise your garden initially of spring when the temperature reaches roughly 8 to 10 levels, then fertilise once more at the start of autumn to help the grass all through the dormant seasons. I additionally advocate fertilising once more mid-summer in July time, that is an optionally available selection however it is going to assist to present your garden a fast increase,” says Tom.
He urges that it’s important to not fertilise your garden earlier than rain as it may possibly wash away the fertiliser earlier than it may possibly take impact and your garden won’t soak up the vitamins.
“I like to recommend all the time checking the climate forecast to make sure that it won’t rain after fertilising,” says Tom.
(Picture credit score: Grace Cary / Getty Photos)
FAQs
How typically must you fertilise a garden?
“It’s best to fertilise your garden a minimal of two instances per yr, as soon as in early spring and one other time at the start of autumn. In fact, it is strongly recommended that you just additionally fertilise your garden mid-summer to maintain your garden topped up, however this isn’t important,” says Tom Clifford, backyard professional at Gardenstone.
The more healthy and extra established your garden will get, the extra drought-tolerant the grass will change into making it simpler to take care of. Take a look at our information for low-maintenance backyard concepts.
