Beautiful Gardens Spring Edition 2019 | Page 48

GROWING/FERTILISER Which fertiliser do I need? GOT A QUESTION? Come in store and ask our expert team Feeding your plants the right food at the right time will give them a real boost. Make the right choice with our handy all-you-need-to-know guide JA RGO RGON N BU STING BUSTI NG NPK These letters on bags of fertiliser represent the three main plant nutrients: nitrogen (N), which promotes healthy leaves; phosphorus (P), essential for good root growth; and potassium (K), needed for abundant flowers and fruits. The numbers indicate the ratio of these nutrients present. POTASH Another term for potassium (K) rich fertilisers, such as tomato feed. ERICACEOUS This means ‘acidic’ and describes the soil conditions preferred by plants such as camellias, blueberries and rhododendrons. Use Westland’s Sulphate of Iron or another fertiliser designed for ericaceous plants. 48/BEAUTIFUL GARDENS BONE MEAL Its high proportion of phosphorus (NPK 4:20:0) supports strong root growth, which makes Bone Meal the perfect choice when you want to establish new plants and trees. Using a fork, work into the top layer of soil when you are planting new trees, shrubs and flowering plants, then water it in. It is a slow-release fertiliser, so will release its goodness over the whole growing season. Adding mycorrhizal fungi as well, when you are planting, will help the growing roots absorb minerals and water from the soil. FISH, BLOOD & BONE Made from natural products, Fish, Blood & Bone also contains a high proportion of phosphorus, which is responsible for good root growth (NPK 4:7:4). It is particularly effective during the first couple of years of a plant or tree’s growth. Like Bone Meal, Fish, Blood & Bone should be worked into the top layer of the soil, and watered well after applying. GROWMORE This contains the three major plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in equal proportions (NPK 7:7:7), making it a good all-round feed for established plants. The even nutrient balance encourages even growth stimulation in all parts of the plants, which means plenty of fruit and flowers, healthy foliage and stronger roots. It should be applied every