Feeding Your Garden Right: A Complete Guide to Plant Fertiliser
By Verdant Living
Gardening is a labour of love. From the first sowing to the thrill of new growth, every stage of your plant's life is a celebration of care and connection. But even the healthiest soil can’t always provide everything your plants need to thrive. That’s where fertiliser comes in — your secret weapon for lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and thriving crops.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about plant fertiliser: what it is, why it matters, and how to use it effectively in your garden.
What is Plant Fertiliser and Why Do We Use It?
Plant fertiliser is a nutrient-rich supplement that feeds your plants the essential elements they need to grow. Just like we need a balanced diet to stay healthy, plants need a variety of nutrients to develop strong roots, produce flowers and fruits, and build resistance to pests and disease.
Over time, even the richest soil becomes depleted. Rainfall, irrigation, and plant uptake can wash nutrients away or exhaust what's available. Fertilisers replenish these lost nutrients and help maintain a healthy growing environment — especially in containers or garden beds that are heavily planted.
The Main Nutrients: Understanding N-P-K
If you’ve ever looked at a fertiliser label, you’ve likely noticed three numbers, like 10-10-10 or 20-5-10. These represent the N-P-K ratio — the proportion of three key nutrients:
-
N – Nitrogen: Encourages lush green growth, especially in leaves and stems.
-
P – Phosphorus: Promotes root development and flower/fruit production.
-
K – Potassium: Strengthens plant health and improves resistance to disease and environmental stress.
When to Use Different N-P-K Ratios:
-
High nitrogen (e.g., 20-10-10): Great for leafy vegetables, lawns, and during early growth stages.
-
Balanced (e.g., 10-10-10): Ideal for general use throughout the growing season.
-
Low nitrogen, higher phosphorus/potassium (e.g., 5-10-15): Best during flowering and fruiting stages, or for root crops like carrots and potatoes.
Knowing which N-P-K blend to use at each stage of growth helps you avoid overfeeding and supports the plant exactly where it needs it.
Types of General Fertiliser Available
There are a few main categories of fertiliser, and each has its strengths:
1. Granular Fertilisers
These are dry pellets or powders you sprinkle onto soil. They’re ideal for long-term feeding and are often used when planting or as a top dressing during the growing season.
2. Liquid Fertilisers
Perfect for quick results, liquid fertilisers deliver nutrients directly to the roots via watering. They're especially useful during active growth periods or when a plant shows signs of deficiency.
-
Concentrated Liquid: Needs to be diluted in water before use. Economical and effective, but accuracy is important.
-
Ready-to-Use Liquid: Pre-diluted and handy for houseplants or small container gardens.
Use liquid fertiliser every 1–2 weeks during the growing season to maintain healthy, vibrant growth.
3. Controlled Release Fertiliser (CRF)
These are tiny, coated pellets that slowly release nutrients over time — anywhere from 3 to 12 months depending on the formula. CRFs offer consistent feeding without the need to remember frequent applications.
Slow Release vs. Controlled Release:
Though they sound similar, there is a difference. Slow release fertilisers break down naturally via microbial activity or water, and can be unpredictable depending on weather. Controlled release fertilisers, like those used by Verdant Living, are coated to release nutrients in a precise, steady pattern — making them far more reliable.
What are Fertiliser Tablets?
Fertiliser tablets are a convenient, pre-measured option often used when potting plants. You simply place them in the soil, and they gradually dissolve, feeding the plant over several months. They're clean, easy to use, and reduce the risk of overfeeding.
When to Fertilise Your Plants
Different times of the year call for different feeding routines:
-
Spring: Time to feed! Plants are waking up and need plenty of nutrients to fuel new growth.
-
Summer: Continue feeding flowering plants, vegetables, and fruit trees for best production.
-
Autumn: Ease off. Switch to a low-nitrogen feed to support root health.
-
Winter: Most outdoor plants go dormant, so feeding is usually unnecessary — but houseplants may still benefit from occasional diluted feeding if actively growing.
How Verdant Living Gives Your Plants the Best Start
At Verdant Living, we believe in setting plants up for success from the moment they reach your doorstep. That’s why all our plants come pre-fed with professional-grade controlled release fertiliser, designed to nourish them for months without you lifting a finger.
This gives you peace of mind and gives your plants the strongest possible foundation to thrive — whether they’re destined for your garden beds, patio pots, or indoor sanctuary.
A Few Extra Feeding Tips from Verdant Living
-
Watering and fertilising go hand-in-hand. Never fertilise dry soil — it can burn roots. Water your plants first if the soil is dry.
-
Less is often more. Over-fertilising can do more harm than good. Always follow the label and resist the urge to "boost" with extra feed.
-
Organic options. If you prefer a natural route, look for organic fertilisers like seaweed extract, worm castings, or compost tea. These not only feed your plants but also improve soil health.
-
Foliar feeding. Some liquid fertilisers can be sprayed directly onto leaves for faster absorption — useful when plants need a quick pick-me-up.
In Summary
Fertiliser is one of the most powerful tools in your gardening kit. By understanding when and how to use the right type of feed, you’ll give your plants everything they need to flourish. Whether you’re growing bountiful veg, creating a colourful border, or simply keeping your houseplants happy, the right fertiliser makes all the difference.
And remember — when you choose a Verdant Living plant, it already comes with expert care built in. From root to leaf, we've thought of everything, so you can focus on the joy of growing.
Happy gardening!
Want more tips?
Sign up to the Verdant Living newsletter for seasonal advice, exclusive offers, and expert how-tos delivered straight to your inbox.
Feeding Your Garden Right: A Complete Guide to Plant Fertiliser
Feeding Your Garden Right: A Complete Guide to Plant Fertiliser
By Verdant Living
Gardening is a labour of love. From the first sowing to the thrill of new growth, every stage of your plant's life is a celebration of care and connection. But even the healthiest soil can’t always provide everything your plants need to thrive. That’s where fertiliser comes in — your secret weapon for lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and thriving crops.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about plant fertiliser: what it is, why it matters, and how to use it effectively in your garden.
What is Plant Fertiliser and Why Do We Use It?
Plant fertiliser is a nutrient-rich supplement that feeds your plants the essential elements they need to grow. Just like we need a balanced diet to stay healthy, plants need a variety of nutrients to develop strong roots, produce flowers and fruits, and build resistance to pests and disease.
Over time, even the richest soil becomes depleted. Rainfall, irrigation, and plant uptake can wash nutrients away or exhaust what's available. Fertilisers replenish these lost nutrients and help maintain a healthy growing environment — especially in containers or garden beds that are heavily planted.
The Main Nutrients: Understanding N-P-K
If you’ve ever looked at a fertiliser label, you’ve likely noticed three numbers, like 10-10-10 or 20-5-10. These represent the N-P-K ratio — the proportion of three key nutrients:
N – Nitrogen: Encourages lush green growth, especially in leaves and stems.
P – Phosphorus: Promotes root development and flower/fruit production.
K – Potassium: Strengthens plant health and improves resistance to disease and environmental stress.
When to Use Different N-P-K Ratios:
High nitrogen (e.g., 20-10-10): Great for leafy vegetables, lawns, and during early growth stages.
Balanced (e.g., 10-10-10): Ideal for general use throughout the growing season.
Low nitrogen, higher phosphorus/potassium (e.g., 5-10-15): Best during flowering and fruiting stages, or for root crops like carrots and potatoes.
Knowing which N-P-K blend to use at each stage of growth helps you avoid overfeeding and supports the plant exactly where it needs it.
Types of General Fertiliser Available
There are a few main categories of fertiliser, and each has its strengths:
1. Granular Fertilisers
These are dry pellets or powders you sprinkle onto soil. They’re ideal for long-term feeding and are often used when planting or as a top dressing during the growing season.
2. Liquid Fertilisers
Perfect for quick results, liquid fertilisers deliver nutrients directly to the roots via watering. They're especially useful during active growth periods or when a plant shows signs of deficiency.
Concentrated Liquid: Needs to be diluted in water before use. Economical and effective, but accuracy is important.
Ready-to-Use Liquid: Pre-diluted and handy for houseplants or small container gardens.
Use liquid fertiliser every 1–2 weeks during the growing season to maintain healthy, vibrant growth.
3. Controlled Release Fertiliser (CRF)
These are tiny, coated pellets that slowly release nutrients over time — anywhere from 3 to 12 months depending on the formula. CRFs offer consistent feeding without the need to remember frequent applications.
Slow Release vs. Controlled Release:
Though they sound similar, there is a difference. Slow release fertilisers break down naturally via microbial activity or water, and can be unpredictable depending on weather. Controlled release fertilisers, like those used by Verdant Living, are coated to release nutrients in a precise, steady pattern — making them far more reliable.
What are Fertiliser Tablets?
Fertiliser tablets are a convenient, pre-measured option often used when potting plants. You simply place them in the soil, and they gradually dissolve, feeding the plant over several months. They're clean, easy to use, and reduce the risk of overfeeding.
When to Fertilise Your Plants
Different times of the year call for different feeding routines:
Spring: Time to feed! Plants are waking up and need plenty of nutrients to fuel new growth.
Summer: Continue feeding flowering plants, vegetables, and fruit trees for best production.
Autumn: Ease off. Switch to a low-nitrogen feed to support root health.
Winter: Most outdoor plants go dormant, so feeding is usually unnecessary — but houseplants may still benefit from occasional diluted feeding if actively growing.
How Verdant Living Gives Your Plants the Best Start
At Verdant Living, we believe in setting plants up for success from the moment they reach your doorstep. That’s why all our plants come pre-fed with professional-grade controlled release fertiliser, designed to nourish them for months without you lifting a finger.
This gives you peace of mind and gives your plants the strongest possible foundation to thrive — whether they’re destined for your garden beds, patio pots, or indoor sanctuary.
A Few Extra Feeding Tips from Verdant Living
Watering and fertilising go hand-in-hand. Never fertilise dry soil — it can burn roots. Water your plants first if the soil is dry.
Less is often more. Over-fertilising can do more harm than good. Always follow the label and resist the urge to "boost" with extra feed.
Organic options. If you prefer a natural route, look for organic fertilisers like seaweed extract, worm castings, or compost tea. These not only feed your plants but also improve soil health.
Foliar feeding. Some liquid fertilisers can be sprayed directly onto leaves for faster absorption — useful when plants need a quick pick-me-up.
In Summary
Fertiliser is one of the most powerful tools in your gardening kit. By understanding when and how to use the right type of feed, you’ll give your plants everything they need to flourish. Whether you’re growing bountiful veg, creating a colourful border, or simply keeping your houseplants happy, the right fertiliser makes all the difference.
And remember — when you choose a Verdant Living plant, it already comes with expert care built in. From root to leaf, we've thought of everything, so you can focus on the joy of growing.
Happy gardening!
Want more tips?
Sign up to the Verdant Living newsletter for seasonal advice, exclusive offers, and expert how-tos delivered straight to your inbox.