Watering & Fertilising

Gardeners Corner top ten tips for watering and fertilising after planting

1. Overwatering is the biggest killer of plants; roots need oxygen as well as water to thrive so finding a happy medium can be a challenge.
2. To test the moisture level, feel down at least 10cm. The soil should not feel too “wet” or “dry”.
3. After planting, water every 3rd day for 2-4 weeks unless heavy rain has fallen.
4. Water under the foliage and on top of the root ball, making sure the water is going in to the root ball and not running off it.
5. Create a “dam” effect around larger trees & shrubs or when planting on a slope so it will enable the water to be collected over the root ball.
6. Seasol the plants every week for the first month.
7. As a general rule (once plants are established) a deep watering twice a week is adequate. More in the dry weather and less in the wetter months.
8. For flowering and fruiting plants make sure there is Potassium (Pot Ash is a good source) in the fertiliser and for green leafy growth, Nitrogen (Blood & Bone is a good source).
9. Feel free to email or call the Gardeners Corner for any other queries.
10. As Seasol is a root stimulant not a fertiliser, we recommend feeding plants at least twice a year (6 months apart) ie. The 1st day of autumn and the 1st day of spring. Liquid feeding pots more frequently is recommended.