Feeding the container plants.

I've just spent quite a long time filling watering cans & mixing feed for my dozens of container plants.

There's Camelia feed, Rose feed, General feed, potato feed - my heads a spin.

It's a chore I don't like. I use liquid feed and it has to be done every fortnight.

Is there an easier way?

Re: Feeding the container plants.

Hi

Yep, a Fish, Blood and Bone fertiliser.

Mixed in with the compost before planting.

Re: Feeding the container plants.

Apart from camellia, rhododendrons, azaleas and so on then use a general purpose for everything else. So really you only need two different feeds. Instead of the liquid feed try using Miracle Grow granules which dissolve in your watering can. Every two weeks is overkill. Four to six weeks should be adequate. Experiment and see what happens.

As long as plants get their quota of NPK they should thrive.

Re: Feeding the container plants.

Thank you both.

Swimmy - I've got some fish/blood/bone fertilizer that I use for my cherry bush.

Takahashi, may I ask you: Do the Miracle grow granules have to be dissolved in the watering can or can they be mixed in with the compost?

Re: Feeding the container plants.

I am hoping members will reveal how they feed their plants & what with?

Re: Feeding the container plants.

You have to dissolve them in water. So, either stir with a wooden spoon or, if your water pressure is good, they will dissolve themselves by the time the can fills up. I use one of those twist nozzle attachments fitted on my hose and it works ideally for this. Good luck.

Re: Feeding the container plants.

I just use Miracle Grow slow release type granules, just scattered on the surface and they gradually water in.

I must say though that until your plants are well in flower or fruit they shouldn't need much feeding, particularly if you've planted in potting compost, as that medium contains a fair bit of plant nutrients anyway.

Re: Feeding the container plants.

I forgot to add that granules that you scatter around the base of a plant or mix with compost is fine but using water will mean the nutrients get to the roots that much quicker.

Re: Feeding the container plants.

I just use Baby Bio for mine. A few drops of that in some water does the job. I only have houseplants though, and a few odd bits in the mini greenhouse. I used fish blood and bone at the allotment though. Mixed it through with mushroom compost before planting.

Re: Feeding the container plants.

Hi Carol when first planting I use Rootgrow Mycorrhizal Fungi and organic Organic fish blood and bone.

In the spring I put some Wilko Growmore Plant Food on shrubs and flowers,
Vegetables I use organic fish blood and bone when first planting then liquid seaweed,
Strawberries/raspberries I use seaweed liquid and Tomato food once the flowers appear.