Fertiliser

Fertilisers help to provide your plants with the essential food necessary to grow and thrive throughout their lifecycle. Fertiliser can either be worked into the soil prior to or during planting, or used as a side dressing for established plants. There many elements used in a plant's growth but three are used more rapidly than others. Because of this they are liable to rapid exhaustion and will need to be supplemented during the season.

Nitrogen
The plant uses this for green growth such as stems and leaves. It promotes quick growth and gives good colour to foliage.

Phosphate
This helps the plant to promote its fruit or flower and assists in strengthening the root system, aiding in crop maturity.

Potash
Used to promote the general health of the plant, including strengthening the stems and increasing the size of fruit.
These three elements are represented in the majority of blended fertilisers available and are often referred to as the NPK rating. The NPK rating will feature on the packaging and each letter is numbered to indicate the percentage of each element in the product.

NPK numbers are important but a simple rule of thumb for general gardening is to choose a product that gives you a percentage of even balance.

Plants also require minor elements for good health:

Calcium (CA) helps build strong stems. It is present in lime, superphosphate and gypsum.

Magnesium (MG) is very important to plants. It is found in chlorophyll; the green pigment in leaves.

Sulphur (S) is also important in the production of chlorophyll. It is found in superphosphate and gypsum.

Trace elementsmake certain nutrients available to the plant. They are required in minute amounts and will often be added to the fertiliser mix.

Iron (FE) Helps in the formation of chlorophyll during photosynthesis.
Fertilisers need to be used at the recommended application rates (amount and frequency) and according to the specific needs of the plant and type of soil. Too much of a good thing is damaging for the plant and over-fertilising will risk burning the leaves and roots, so use wisely and apply at the rates stated on the packet.

Light sandy soils require regular fertilising and the addition of compost. This is because they are porous and nutrients wash out (or leach out) easily.

Heavy clay soils are not as porous and so nutrients do not leach out as readily. Clay soils do not require fertiliser applications as frequently as lighter soils. The only exception here is when you are improving clay soil and then applications of natural fertilisers like sheep pellets are advised to increase the nutrient content.

 Application

When applying fertilisers, there are a few simple rules:

• Avoid depositing fertiliser in clumps instead spread it evenly.
• Always work fertiliser into the soil before planting or sowing.
• If side dressing with fertiliser, always work it into the soil.
• If applying fertilisers around established trees, shrubs or fruit trees, apply them around thedrip line. The drip line is the point to which the branches and leaves extend out from the tree. Follow this line around the tree, as this is where the root tips will be.
• Always water newly applied fertilisers in well.
• Keep a diary of when you fertilised and what you used.

Fertiliser types
In broad terms, a fertiliser is anything that supplies nutrients to a plant. They come in two forms: organic (natural) and inorganic (synthetic).

Organic or natural fertilisers are derived from plant and animal residues; for example: blood and bone, sheep manure pellets, fishmeal, green crops such as lupins, seaweed and wood ash. Organic fertilisers have the natural advantage of conditioning the soil.

Inorganic fertilisers are manufactured by chemically produced minerals and are often referred to as blended or granulated.These fertilisers are treated in such a way that they form granules of a uniform size. They are clean and easy to use and the uniformed fertiliser particles deliver all the plants' nutrient requirements.

There is a bewildering array of both organic and inorganic fertilisers and they come in many forms, but they can be broken down easily into the following categories:

Controlled and slow-release fertilisersare contained in an inorganic dry prill; this prill has a protective coating that controls the release of NPK elements. These fertilisers are clean and convenient and are applied directly to the surface or mixed in with the soil. The release of nutrients is controlled by moisture and temperature (the warmer the temperature, the more the fertiliser is released). Controlled-release fertilisers do not burn the plant and give great long-term feeding.

Soluble fertilisers are a powder form of inorganic fertiliser that need to be dissolved in water, allowing the release of nutrients that are instantly available for the plant to use.

Liquid fertilisersare ready to dilute with water and also allow nutrients to be instantlyavailable to the plant. You can use a sprayer or a watering can to apply this type of fertiliser and it comes in organic and inorganic forms.
If your budget is restrictive or you are a beginner gardener then start with the basics. There are four commonly used fertilisers, which will cover your basic garden needs:

Results blood and bone (organic)
This provides nitrogen for leaf growth, phosphorus for root development and will encourage earthworms. Blood and Bone is a fertiliser that you can use with confidence as it suits most areas in your garden and it is especially good for vegetables and strawberries. Adding a layer of Blood and Bone to your compost bin will also speed up the composting process.

Results general fertiliser (inorganic)
Provides nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with added blood and bone and trace minerals, all of which are necessary for plant development. Unless you have a specific need then a general fertiliser is a good all-rounder for vegetables, flowers, shrubs and fruit trees.

Results lawn (inorganic)
Formulated for use on established lawns, with high nitrogen content for lush green growth. A well-fed lawn will help to suppress weeds and will wear better. Always ensure you spread the fertiliser evenly and water it in well, as large clumps will cause the lawn to burn.

Results sheep pellets (organic)
An ideal natural fertiliser that will add nutrients, improve the condition of your soil and increase worm activity. The pellets break down when you water them and will not burn your plants. Sheep pellets can also double as a liquid fertiliser, sometimes referred to as a garden tea. Mix 1kg of pellets in to 10 litres of water, using a watering can is ideal for this, when they have broken down in the water give it a mix and apply.

Remember, fertilisers are not for just for adding to your garden during the growing process; they are essential in the preparation and repair of your soil. Applying fertiliser after your crops are finished will improve the soil by replenishing valuable nutrients that have been exhausted during the season.

Good gardening! Always ask the staff at your local Mitre 10 for advice.