Fertilisers are used to replace nutrients in the soil. The nutrients
may not be in sufficient quantities needed by plants.
The three largest elements :- Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen are obtained
by plants, air and water.
The remaining elements are split into three categories.
PRIMARY
Nitrogen -(nitrates or ammonium) Promotes leaf growth.
Phosphorous - (phosphoric acid) Stimulates root development.
Potassium - (potash) What a plant needs lots of to swell and ripen fruit,
resistance to disease, to ripen shoots,
and to form and develop flowers.
SECONDARY
Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur, required in smaller amounts than
primary nutrients.
MICRONUTRIENTS
Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Boron, Copper, Molybdenum and Chlorine.
N P K, what the label tells you.
N = Nitrogen. P = Phosphorous. K = Potassium.
The ratio's on the packaging may be 15% Nitrogen, 12% Phosphorous and 15%
Potassium. Read as 15-12-15 NPK
But
this does not add up. What is the other 58% ? The other 58% consists of other nutrients known as trace nutrients, but the
bulk is known as a 'filler', to allow nutrients to bind to, making the
application to your garden and plants easier. So what does it all mean, it means don't go
buying an abundance of plant foods for specific plants, read the NPK, by
understanding a plants needs you may already have something that fits the need.
A complete fertiliser contains a portion of the major plant nutrients NPK,
but not in equal quantities.
A balanced fertiliser contains equal amounts of the
three major plant nutrients, NPK.
Organic Fertilizers.
Bonemeal.
An excellent source of slow release phosphorus, which is
used by plants to promote strong and healthy root growth. Also contains nitrogen
and calcium another essential element for plant growth. Apply from February to
the end of October, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Calcified Seaweed.
Trace elements to enrich soil, contains natural
minerals that are essential for good
healthy plant growth and increased
bacterial activity. Improves soil structure and is an ideal conditioner for all
types of soils. For best results it should be used as a compliment to fertiliser
dressings.
Dried Blood.
Quick acting Nitrogen fertiliser for flowers and salad
crops. Apply as a top dressing and water well in after application, making
certain that any fertiliser that has come into contact with the plants is washed
off).
Chicken Manure Pellets.
An excellent choice as they also contain vital
trace elements that are often removed from the soil by heavy feeding crops. The
pellets also contain high levels of organic matter that will enrich the soil and
improve its moisture holding properties, naturally. Apply February to the end of
October
Fish/Blood and Bone.
Granular fertiliser. same benefits as Growmore. Contains a rich source
of natural plant nutrients including nitrogen for healthy foliage, phosphorus
for strong root development and also calcium.
Apply from February to the
end of October, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Hoof & Horn.
Slow release Nitrogen fertiliser use as a base
dressing, it is slow acting and is ideal for slow growing plants such as
Brassicas, trees and shrubs. Also contains a small proportion of calcium that is
also beneficial.
Garden Lime.
Sweetens acid soils and improves fertility. Garden lime
is a calcium carbonate and helps break down heavy soils. Encourages beneficial
bacteria and soil organisms.
Inorganic Fertilizers
Growmore.
Granular fertiliser with equal amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium,
referred to as 7-7-7 NPK. Apply it as a top dressing around rows of developing
seedlings, perennial vegetables, fruit trees and fruit bushes and let the
weather do the rest. The rain will wash it into the soil and make the nutrients
available for your plants to use. Apply from February to the end of
October, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Potatoes: When planting in drills, spread 3 oz per sq yard along the
ridges before filling in. If planting in holes, fork 4-6 oz per sq yard into the
surface 7-10 days beforehand.
Peas & Beans: 7-10 days before sowing, fork in 3 oz per sq yard. When the
first pods have set, hoe in a top dressing of 1 oz per sq yard of row, spread
equally on each side. Water in.
Salad Crops: 7-10 days before planting or sowing, fork in 2 oz per sq
yard.
Summer & Winter Cabbages, Savoys: 7-10 days before planting, fork in 3 oz
per sq yard. 6 weeks after planting, apply a top dressing of 1 oz per sq yard
and lightly hoe in.
Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflowers, Broccoli: 7-10 days before planting, fork
in 3 oz per sq yard. 6 weeks after planting apply a top dressing of 1 oz per sq
yard and lightly hoe in.
Note: Always water on top dressings during hot, dry weather. Do not
concentrate the fertiliser near the stems of plants: then the whole spread of
roots will benefit.
Measure: 1 oz = approx 1 level tablespoon.
Potash.
Improves the colour of flowers and the quality of fruit.
Potash Power also strengthens plants, increases resistance to stress and fungus
disease.
Tomato food is high in Potash and is also ideal for house plants. Typical
7-7-17 NPK.
Sulphate of Ammonia.
Good source of nitrogen where plants are
nitrogen deficient and are showing signs of Chlorosis (leaf yellowing). Rich in
Nitrogen, suitable for leafy vegetables such as cabbages, spinach, lettuce.
Apply March through to the end of August, at 4-6 week intervals.
Superphosphate.
Ideal for feeding vegetables, soft fruit and fruit
trees to encourage strong root growth. Recommended for use when planting trees
and shrubs. Apply February to the end of October, every 4-6 weeks during the
growing season.
Slow Release Fertilizers.
A modern trend is to coat the fertilizers so that they release slowly into
the soil.
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