Fertilizers and soil care
Bone Meal
An organic fertiliser high in phosphorous for strong root development, and some nitrogen for growth and dark green foliage. Bonemeal releases nutrients slowly, making it ideal for providing long-term nutrition.
Apply every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season.
Sulphate of Ammonia
Nitrogen-rich fertiliser to encourage rich leafy growth. Particularly beneficial for brassicas, leafy greens, rhubarb and leeks/onions. Can help cure leaf yellowing – a sign of nutrient deficiencies. Best applied during the growing months.
Magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts)
Rapid cure for magnesium deficiency in plants (an early symptom is a yellowing between the veins on older leaves)). Also helps seeds germinate.
Apply as necessary during the growing season. Work into the soil as a base dressing (70gm per square meter) or apply directly to the leaves with a sprayer or watering can (20gm per 1ltr or water)
Soil conditioner used to neutralise acid soils by raising the pH level. Sorrel, creeping buttercup, nettle, dock and mare’s tail are all signs your soil is becoming too acidic.
As well as raising the pH, it provides calcium and magnesium and enables beneficial soil bacteria to flourish and improves drainage of heavy clay soils. Also used to fight off club root disease in cabbages and other brassicas by eliminating the conditions under which the club root thrives.
Don’t mix lime and fertiliser as they cancel each other out. If possible, lime a bed one year and fertilise the next – or at the very least leave a few months between liming and fertilising.
It’s usually best to lime our soil in the autumn after potatoes and allow it to work into the soil over the winter before planting with brassicas the following year. Don’t lime when you have crops in the ground as it can damage the plants.
*Risks*. Irritating to the skin and risk of serious damage to eyes. Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection. If in contact with eyes rinse immediately and seek medical advice. Store securely.
PH describes how acid or alkaline soil is and is expressed as a number between 0 and 14. Soil with a pH of 7 is neutral, an acid soil has a lower value, and an alkaline soil has a higher one. Most plants grow best in soil that’s within a specific pH range, so it’s useful to know your soil’s pH. Testing kits are easy to use and widely available in garden centres and online.
A fast acting, balanced fertiliser containing the three major nutrients in equal proportions, making it a great general-purpose feed for use all around the plot. Ideal as a base to build soil fertility and as a top dressing for healthier, more productive plants.
Apply every 6-8 weeks throughout the growing season.
Calcified Seaweed
Organic soil conditioner and fertiliser. Breaks down heavy soils to create better growing conditions. Rich in calcium, nitrogen, phosphate and potassium it can help maintain a healthy pH for a wide range of plant types. Particularly beneficial for alliums such as onions, leeks and garlic, but should not be used around ericaceous (acid loving) plants.
Can be applied all year round, is long lasting and promotes stronger root systems and vigorous plant growth.
Superphosphate
Fast-acting fertiliser, encouraging strong root growth to produce healthy plants. Used to support fruit, root and seed crops. Ideal for transplanting cuttings, flowers, trees and shrubs.
Apply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. For best results work into the soil during dry weather, then water in well before sowing seeds or planting out.
Blood, Fish & Bone
Contains the three major nutrients needed for strong, healthy growth and bumper crops. Provides immediate and slow-release nitrogen and is ideal for feeding fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Can be applied prior to sowing or planting and as required throughout the growing season.
Apply approx. 70g per square metre around the plants, fork in gently, water in well
