Q: How important is fertiliser for my garden, and how do I know which one is best?
Fertilising is one of the most important jobs in the spring garden. Plants are moving into active growth and drawing heavily on the soil, so topping up nutrients now makes a real difference to healthy foliage, flowering and fruiting.
Match the fertiliser to the job
Natural options
Natural fertilisers such as chicken and sheep pellets or blood and bone are great for enriching soil before planting, or as a side dressing around established plants.
A liquid seaweed tonic like Daltons NZ Natural Liquid Seaweed gives seedlings and stressed plants a quick boost and supports strong root development.
Don't forget the soil itself. Working Daltons Compost into beds adds organic matter so plants can make better use of the nutrients you give them.
When and how to apply
- As a general rule, start feeding once daytime temperatures are consistently around 18°C and the soil is warming up.
- Sprinkle evenly, avoid contact with foliage, lightly fork in and water well.
- Hold off feeding small seedlings until they have at least two true leaves.
- Always check the pack for application rates. For lawns, a Handypro Compact Rotary Spreader makes even coverage easy.
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