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Tuesday 14 April 2009

Feeding Containers

A typical general-purpose compost will contain enough nutrients to supply vigorous growing bedding plants such as geraniums and petunias with all the food they need for 6-8 weeks. After that, your plants won’t die of starvation but they’ll start feeling the pinch. With the massive choice of plant foods available, what do you use?

Liquid fertilizers provide an instant hit, like a tea with three sugars, but the effect is short-lived. Used regularly, a good liquid fertilizer can produce exceptional results.

Granular fertilizers like Growmore are cheap and light sprinkling fluffed into the compost will probably keep your plants going for the rest of the summer. Overdosing or applying when the compost is too dry can damage the roots. Compare this to fish and chips. Perhaps not the healthiest option but you won’t starve.

Slow-release granules such as Osmacote provide a steady supply of food over several months. These are your rice and potatoes. This is probably the most expensive option but very low-maintenance and recommended for permanent plants that you intend to keep for more than one season.

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