Fertilisers & Plant Feed

The general rule is to feed during active growth — spring to early autumn for most plants — and to stop feeding when growth naturally slows. Container plants need more frequent feeding than border plants because their compost is finite. Vegetables benefit from regular feeding throughout the cropping season; flowers from a feed every two or three weeks while in bloom.

N stands for Nitrogen (leafy growth), P for Phosphorus (root development), and K for Potassium (flowering and fruiting). A high-nitrogen feed promotes leaves — good for lawns and leafy crops. A high-potassium feed (often called "tomato feed") promotes flowers and fruit. A balanced feed has roughly equal numbers for general-purpose use.

Both have their place. Liquid feeds give a quick, controlled boost — perfect for actively growing plants, containers, and crops in fruit. Slow-release granules feed steadily over weeks or months — ideal for borders, hanging baskets, and anywhere you want to set and forget. Many gardeners use both: granules in spring, liquid feeds during peak growth.

Yes, easily — over-feeding causes more harm than under-feeding. Symptoms include leaf scorching, weak floppy growth, and in container plants, a white crust of salts on the compost surface. If in doubt, follow packet instructions to the letter, or even slightly weaker. Most plants tolerate hunger far better than they tolerate excess.