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Tag: fertiliser

Plant Feed: When, Why, & Which Fertiliser to Use

Posted on by Louis Hooft

There is a lot of joy in nurturing your green companions and witnessing their growth. To keep your plants healthy, you need to give them the right nutrients. This is where plant feed comes into play. 

Plants need nutrients

Plants require a balanced diet to flourish, just like us! While sunlight and water are crucial, they are not sufficient on their own. 

Through their roots, plants draw moisture and nutrients from the soil. In this case, Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are especially important.

  • Nitrogen is responsible for leaf and stem growth.
  • Phosphorus promotes root development.
  • Potassium aids in overall plant health and disease resistance. 

Also, plants need secondary macronutrients like calcium and magnesium as well as micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc. Each nutrient plays a unique role in supporting the various physiological processes of plants.

Illustration of the definition of NPK nutrients

The importance of plant feed

In natural forests and wild meadows, the nourishment in the soil replenishes by time. Microorganisms break down plant matter and animal droppings on the surface, and the rain helps work it into the soil. A lot is happening underground as well.

This process doesn’t work efficiently in well manicured gardens for several reasons. Foremost, the plants don’t naturally grow where the conditions are best. Instead, they have to thrive wherever you put them. Additionally, flowering plants that draw numerous nutrients from the soil are often placed in proximity. All this and the fact, that organic plant matter such as foliage is typically removed, before microorganisms can turn it into food for your greenery, makes plant feed essential for the health of your garden.         

Without proper nourishment, plants may exhibit stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and decreased resistance to pests and diseases. By incorporating plant feed into your gardening routine, you can ensure that your plants receive the necessary nutrients to reach their full potential.

A handful of granulated fertiliser

Different Types of Plant Feed

When it comes to plant feed, you’ll find a plethora of options available. The two primary categories are organic and synthetic fertilisers.

Organic fertilisers are derived from natural sources, such as compost, animal manure, and bone meal. They release nutrients slowly and improve soil structure over time. 

Synthetic fertilisers are chemically manufactured and provide nutrients in a readily available form. They offer quick results, but may have a negative impact on the environment if overused.

Fertiliser Types

Within these categories, you’ll find various formulations, such as granular fertilisers, liquid fertilisers, and slow-release fertilisers. 

Granular fertilisers are easy to apply and provide a slow-release of nutrients. 

Liquid fertilisers are quickly absorbed by plants and are suitable for foliar feeding.

Liquid fertiliser

Slow-release fertilisers are ideal for busy gardeners, as they gradually release nutrients over an extended period, reducing the need for frequent applications.

When to use plant feed

Plants have different nutritional requirements at various stages of their growth cycle. As a general rule, it is best to apply plant feed during the active growing season. For most plants, this corresponds to spring and summer. Winter-flowering varieties, for example, may benefit from a late summer or early autumn feeding to support their upcoming bloom.

It is important to monitor your plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies. If you notice slow growth, pale leaves, or lacklustre blooms, it may be time to provide a boost of plant feed. Additionally, newly transplanted or recently repotted plants can benefit from an initial feeding to aid in their establishment.

Are you fond of potted plants? Then check out our top 20 evergreen plants for pots.

Choosing the right fertiliser for your plants

To select the appropriate fertiliser for your plants, just consider the specific nutritional needs of your plants. They have varying requirements based on their growth habits, flowering patterns, and environmental conditions.

Leafy green vegetables usually thrive with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser, while flowering plants may require a balanced formulation to support both foliage and blooms.

Which fertiliser is the best for what type of plant?

Different types of plants have unique nutritional requirements, and selecting the right fertiliser can optimise their growth and productivity. Here are some recommendations for common plant groups:

Flowering plants: Choose a fertiliser with a higher phosphorus content to promote flower bud formation and vibrant blooms. Look for NPK ratios like 5-10-5 or 10-20-10.

Vegetables and herbs: Opt for a balanced fertiliser with moderate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Ratios such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 are suitable for most edible plants.

Plant feed for good vegetable harvest

Fruit trees: Look for a fertiliser formulated specifically for fruit trees, with a higher potassium content to support fruit development. Ratios like 8-3-9 or 10-10-20 are often recommended.

Indoor plants: Choose a balanced liquid fertiliser that is diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply during the active growing season and reduce or suspend feeding during the dormant period.

The Garden Doctor:
The easiest path is to simply choose fertiliser that is already optimised for specific plants, such as lawn feed, hedges, and shrubs fertiliser or hydrangea fertiliser.

How to apply plant feed

Applying plant feed correctly is crucial to ensure optimal nutrient uptake and prevent damage to plants. 

  1. Read the Instructions

    Familiarise yourself with the recommended application rates and frequency specified on the packaging.

  2. Water the soil

    Before applying the fertiliser, water the soil thoroughly. This prevents the fertiliser from contacting the plant’s roots, minimizing the chance of root burn.

  3. Even distribution

    Spread the granular fertiliser evenly around the base of the plants, keeping it a few inches away from the stem or trunk. For liquid fertilisers, dilute them according to the instructions and apply evenly to the soil or foliage.

  4. Water after application

    After applying the plant feed, water the soil again to help dissolve the fertiliser and promote nutrient absorption.

  5. Avoid foliar contact

    When using granular fertilisers, avoid letting the product come into direct contact with the leaves, as it can cause leaf burn. If foliar feeding is desired, use a liquid fertiliser formulated for that purpose.

Best plant feed for your garden
View all fertilisers
View all fertilisers

Considering soil and pH-value when choosing plant feed

The soil composition and pH level influence the availability of nutrients in the ground. Doing a soil test tells you how many nutrients are in the soil and how acidic it is. 

PH-check for plant feed

Soil pH: Some plants prefer acidic soil (pH below 7), while others thrive in alkaline soil (pH above 7). Adjusting the soil pH, if necessary, can enhance nutrient uptake. Acid-loving plants benefit from fertilisers formulated for acid-loving plants, while alkaline soil may require amendments to lower pH.

Soil Composition: Sandy soils tend to drain quickly and may require more frequent fertiliser applications. Clay soils, on the other hand, retain moisture and nutrients, requiring less frequent feeding. Organic matter, such as compost, can enhance soil structure and nutrient retention.

Common mistakes to avoid when using plant feed

Much is better—or isn’t it? When it comes to plant feed, the correct application is key. Here are some common mistakes you may want to avoid. 

Overfertilisation: Applying too much fertiliser can burn the plant’s roots, leading to nutrient imbalances and stunted growth. Always follow the recommended application rates and frequency provided by the manufacturer.

Underfertilisation: Neglecting to provide adequate plant feed can result in nutrient deficiencies, poor growth, and low yields. Check your plants to see if they need more nutrients and change the way you feed them accordingly.

Improper application: Applying the fertiliser on the leaves instead of the soil, or vice versa, can lead to inefficient nutrient absorption. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application methods.

Using expired fertilisers: Check the expiration date on your fertiliser packaging. Expired fertilisers may lose their potency and fail to provide the necessary nutrients to your plants.

Neglecting soil Health: Fertilisers are not a substitute for healthy soil. Ensure your soil is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and has the appropriate pH level to support your plants’ nutritional needs.

Hand checks compost and plant feed

Plant feed FAQ

What to feed tomato plants?

Tomato plants thrive on a balanced fertiliser with higher levels of phosphorus and potassium. A 5-10-10 fertiliser or a similar formulation is ideal for promoting healthy fruit development. Additionally, organic options like compost, well-rotted manure, or fish emulsion provide essential nutrients. During the growing season, plants need to be fed every 2 to 3 weeks to get enough nutrients and produce the best crops.

Which plants don’t like Seaweed fertiliser?

While seaweed fertiliser is beneficial for many plants, it may not be suitable for succulents like cacti and certain desert plants that are not accustomed to the high levels of moisture associated with seaweed-based products. Some plants, such as azaleas and rhododendrons, may not like seaweed fertiliser because it is alkaline.

What is the best plant food for flowers?

For flowering plants, a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 blend, provides the necessary nutrients for healthy blooms. Specific flower-focused plant feed with higher phosphorus content, like a 15-30-15 formulation, can also encourage prolific flowering and overall plant vitality.

Ready to go?

With the right plant feed, your garden will (continue to) thrive and maybe put a smile on your face. If you are eager to learn even more about fertiliser and plant nutrients, you can have a look at our comprehensive guide to NPK fertilisers. If you want to keep it natural, you can learn how to make compost from a-z. 

Please share your experience with plant feed in the comments, or ask us a question.

Happy gardening!

Is Your Grass Type Right for your Garden?

Posted on by Louis Hooft

If you want the perfect lawn, you need to choose the grass type for your garden. But all grass looks the same, right?

Wrong.

This article will help you identify the predominant grass species you have in your existing lawn. And we’ll explore which species is more likely to thrive in your garden based on climate and soil type.

So, get comfy. We’re about to learn all about grass species.

Identifying your hardiness zone

Now, we’re suddenly going all American for a moment, because we don’t tend to consider the UK to have different climate zones like they do in the US. In the United States, they have three principal climate zones for grass (or Plant Hardiness Zones):

Warm Season grasses grow better in the south
Cool Season grasses grow better in the north
And across the middle of the mainland, there’s the Transition Zone (where you choose between Warm and Cool grasses depending on your proximity).

The US is MUCH bigger geographically than the UK, of course, and we don’t really have the same degree of climate variation across our island. However, the north of the UK is noticeably cooler than the south (in both temperature and edginess!).

For the most part, our climate is most similar to the US Cool Season grass zone.

USDA Plant Hardiness

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) define the Warm/Transition/Cool zones and, although this is a North American standard, it has been largely adopted worldwide to help gardeners understand the land they cultivate.

The hardiness zones are defined by the ten-year average in weather conditions, so – in a country as meteorologically diverse as the UK, there’s a little more to it than a horizontal slice between the north and south.

What are the USDA Zones in the UK?

Depending on which source you use, the UK’s hardiness zones are defined as between 6 and 9, although The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) defines the entire UK as Zone 7.

However, we must remember that we’re an island – and coastal weather is different from inland.

Map of the UK's USDA hardiness zones

Here, you’ll see the weather climate zones, from 7 to 9 (with a few 10s on the coast of the Republic of Ireland). Our climate is defined by cool (but not fierce) winters and warm (but bearable) summers, with a frost-free season between early spring and late autumn.

Essentially, the lower the zone number, the lower the average temperature. These zones are used to identify how well any plant will withstand the colder temperatures during the winter.

So, take note of your zone as you read on. (If this all sounds a bit over-complicated, don’t worry: MOOWY offer seed mixes that proliferate throughout the UK, regardless of the zone. More about that later).

OK, all the geeky weather stuff out of the way; onto your existing lawn!

What type of grass do I have in my garden?

Most of us inherit a lawn. That’s not to say it gets left in someone’s will, of course – we just mean that you inherit a lawn when you move into a property. So, most of us don’t have a great deal of control over the TYPE of grass we currently have.

But this article is all about finding the correct type of grass for your garden, so if you’re dissatisfied with the quality of your grass, there’s a high chance that’s it’s not thriving because it doesn’t suit the conditions.

A rule of thumb for the best quality lawn: seed mixes are best because they have the most significant level of resistance and robustness.

Perennial Ryegrass

Most lawns in the UK are mainly perennial ryegrass, a hard-wearing species that can tolerate warm sun and minor drought conditions. It germinates quickly and handles the frosty snap of British winters.

However:

Ryegrass alone might become clumpy and patchy if you don’t look after it. And – after a while – these lawns begin to thin out and develop bald spots.

The principal features of perennial ryegrass are:

  • Perfect for cool-season regions – that’s mild winters (as in the UK) and warmish Summers.
  • Fast germination (so good for overseeding)
  • Withstands minor shady spots
  • Minimal maintenance (other than fertilising)
  • Tolerant to heavy use

Perennial ryegrass has poor disease resistance and is a slow spreader. Once damaged, it’s reluctant to bounce back, so a seed mix (like one of MOOWY’s mixes) will help to boost your lawn’s resistance.

What does it look like?

Perennial ryegrass, long and unmown

Perennial ryegrass thrives in USDA zones 2 to 8 and has medium- to dark leaves, with a fine-leafed texture. It grows densely and tends to maintain its good looks after heavy use.

To maintain the health of perennial ryegrass, it’s important to fertilise your soil regularly.

Red Fescue

Red fescue thrives in USDA zones 8-10, so it works well in warmer parts of the UK. With a deep root system, red fescue is particularly resistant to heavy use and drought conditions (once established).

Red fescue struggles with intense heat, but – unfortunately – we don’t get a lot of that in the UK. It goes brown and dormant in high temperatures or heavy humidity, but it will rebound once the conditions are more suitable.

Red fescue grows quickly and spreads well, and is remarkably tolerant of sandy soil.

The principal features of red fescue are:

  • Very deep roots, making it resistant to drought
  • Particularly pest-resistant
  • Copes well in moderate heat – perfect for warmer parts of the UK, particularly zones 8 onward

What does red fescue look like?

Red fescue with a single red poppy

Red fescue is characterised by its very fine blades and a deep, attractive emerald green colour. This species spreads quickly via rhizomes (underground stems) which helps the grass recover from damage.

Red fescue can be cut shorter than perennial ryegrass, so it is particularly recommended for ornamental lawns but is commonly found on golf courses and recreation fields.

Kentucky Bluegrass

Much like red fescue is not red, Kentucky Bluegrass is not blue. And despite its name, Kentucky Bluegrass is native to Europe and North Africa.

So, that’s confusing, isn’t it?

Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG) has what is described as a broad, “boat-shaped” leaf and has a rich, deep, dark green colour. It’s tolerant of heavy use and goes dormant during periods of drought. It turns dry and brown in the summer unless you water it.

This is your cooler climate grass type and does well in USDA zone 7, so it grows most vigorously during the spring and autumn. Because it favours moderate heat and can withstand British winters, KBG is particularly recommended for northerly UK climes.

Kentucky Bluegrass needs quite a high level of maintenance to keeps its healthy look.

What does it look like?

The leaf is described as “boat-shaped” – however, think canoe rather than cross-channel ferry. It just means that the species is broad-leafed.

Kentucky Bluegrass is winter-hardy, but it’s not a fan of drought, so it will require watering during the summer to maintain its beautiful dark green colour.

So, what type of grass should I choose?

The Weather

Think about your weather first. Perhaps what characterises the British climate more than anything is its unpredictability.

But:

We could consider some cliches as rules of thumb:

  • The warmest part of the country is the South Coast.
  • The wettest part of the country is NOT Manchester, contrary to popular belief. Swansea and Plymouth are the wettest cities in the UK; Manchester is the 17th!
  • Coastal towns are windier than inland towns and cities.

Check your weather conditions here.

Your soil type

Soil types are different all around the country. In fact, soil conditions can change from street to street.

When you consider your soil, think about its density. Heavy clay holds onto water and doesn’t drain quickly. Sandy soils dry out very easily (regardless of the amount of local rain you experience).

Choose a grass type that tolerates drought well if you have sandy soil. If you have a heavy clay soil, think about giving it a hand with drainage. Find out how here.

Consider a grass seed mix

Ultimately, like a pedigree dog, mixing species offers greater resistance to disease (and drought). But never allow a dog to experience drought!

Seed mixes offer the best of all worlds, but getting the mix right for yourself can be tricky.

Luckily, you don’t really need to worry because you can get premium seed mixes from MOOWY. We’ve expertly blended grass species that accommodate the entire UK climate.

Power Lawn

MOOWY’s Power Lawn mix has a high percentage of perennial ryegrass (80%), mixed with red fescue to improve resistance. This seed mix is suitable for all UK climate zones and produces a Premier-League quality turf.

As the name suggests, Power Lawn grass seed proliferates and keeps going regardless of the pounding you might give it throughout the year. The 20% mix of red fescue provides hardiness to heavy use.

Premium Lawn

Our Premium Lawn grass seed is a high percentage mix of red fescue (75%), which tolerates shorter mowing. So, if it’s that classic, manicured look you’re hoping for, Premium Lawn is your mix of choice. The other 25% is a mix of perennial ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass, making this mix hardy and perfect for all UK climates and soil types.

Remember, red fescue does best in moderate heat, so if you’re in the hottest parts of the UK, it might get scorched. However, the mix with perennial ryegrass and KBG gives it more resistance, and it should cope in even the warmest regions.

Quick Repair

As the name suggests, MOOWY’s Quick Repair grass seed is especially recommended for overseeding and replenishing the bald spots that appear in high-percentage perennial ryegrass.

With an 80% mix of perennial ryegrass, Quick Repair germinates and establishes quickly. But it’s the 20% mix of red fescue that offers greater structure, density, and resistance to drought and disease.

Designed for overseeding, this seed mix does well in all UK climate zones. It’s also recommended for starting new lawns from scratch.

Shade & Sun

One of the big problems with many British gardens is the lack of sun we experience – or (perhaps, more precisely) the inconsistency of sunlight.

Even if your lawn is south-facing and open, sunshine often struggles to penetrate rain clouds, even during the summer.

So, Shade & Sun grass seed has been developed to thrive in both full sun and shaded areas.

The high percentage of red fescue gives this seed mix its shade tolerance, while the perennial ryegrass (40%) offers speedy growth and Kentucky Bluegrass (10%) provides structure and strength.

Again, this seed mix is perfect for all UK zones but does particularly well in cooler, northern climes.

Sport & Fun

Our Sport & Fun grass seed is a mix of perennial ryegrass (60%), red fescue (35%), and Kentucky Bluegrass (5%).

This is our most robust seed mix, offering the best all-round results regardless of soil type, climate, and region.

If your lawn experiences high levels of use, then consider Sport & Fun the perfectly balanced mix of grasses to maintain beauty, colour, and texture, regardless of the service it provides.

All Grasses Require Feeding

If you want a beautiful lawn, it doesn’t matter what type of seed you choose unless you commit to a regular feeding routine.

Check out our Ultimate Guide to sowing grass seed for the best results.

Keep a lookout for our expert’s guide to fertilising your lawn. Coming soon!

Get in touch

Hopefully, you feel better informed about your grass type, but if you have more questions, we’d be very happy to help.

If you have any questions, email us at hello@moowy.co.uk. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for reading.

Well mown Kentucky Bluegrass lawn
Kentucky Bluegrass – Photo by Joshua Boman on Shutterstock

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Our Satisfaction guarantee

The legal guarantee

For all purchases at MOOWY, the legal guarantee applies. This means that our products must meet what you can reasonably expect. In addition, we offer additional guarantee that you can use up to 60 days after receiving your order.

Our promise

At MOOWY, customer satisfaction is paramount. Every day, we strive to make our customers happy by delivering high-quality products with fast and personal service. We want to help everyone create a beautiful, lush, and vital lawn. If you are not satisfied with our products, we are happy to help you find a solution!

How does the satisfaction guarantee work?

If you are not satisfied with the quality of our products, please contact us. Send an email with the reason for your dissatisfaction, and together we will find a solution. Understand that the effectiveness of our products depends on various factors, as it remains natural after all. This additional guarantee is valid for up to 60 days after receiving the product.

In the email, we would like to receive the following information:

For grass seed, fertilizer, and other lawn-related products:

  • Your order number.
  • Why you are dissatisfied.
  • The steps you have taken.
  • A photo of the complete lawn.
  • An overhead photo of the lawn, taken from about 1 meter high.
  • A clear close-up of the lawn, so that we can assess the germination of the grass seeds.

For other products:

  • Your order number.
  • Why you are dissatisfied.
  • A photo of the problem, if applicable.

Where does the satisfaction guarantee apply?

Our satisfaction guarantee applies to everything we can influence, such as the quality of our products and packaging. You can expect your product(s) to be delivered undamaged to your home. We aim to ship your order as quickly as possible according to the indicated shipping schedule. In exceptional cases, there may be delays due to logistics partners, over which we unfortunately have no control.

The mentioned conditions are not binding for exercising the right of withdrawal. Our additional satisfaction guarantee does not affect the legal guarantee. It is only valid if you report your dissatisfaction within 60 days of delivery.

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