Courtesy of Scotts UK
The New Gardener - Plant Feeding
The vast majority of gardeners are well aware that plants require feeding in the Spring and Summer to give of their best.
Most general fertilizers will contain the three major nutrients, Nitrogen (N), Phosphates (P) and Potassium (K). As a rough guide the higher the nitrogen level compared with others, the more the fertilizer will encourage vigorous growth and foliage development. Where the potassium values are higher the product is designed to encourage flowering and fruiting. For products with an even ratio of nutrients e.g. an NPK of 7:7:7 like Levington Growmore offers an all round balanced benefit for plants.
Solid Fertilizers - These are usually found in granular form and are sprinkled onto the soil by hand, or if using lawn fertilizers by the use of a lawn spreader distributor, examples include Levington Growmore, Levington EverGreen Easy and Levington Lawn Food.
Liquid Fertilizers - These are quicker-acting than solid fertilizers being ready diluted and the nutrients are more readily available to the plants, examples include Levington Tomorite and Levington Feed & Weed Liquid.
Foliar Fertilizers - Foliar feeds are considered to be the quickest action of all formulations and can be given to plants when a quick remedy is needed, examples include Levington Liquinure and Levington Foliar Feed for Houseplants.
Controlled Release Fertilizers - These are in the form of granules which are normally covered with a porous coat. The release nutrients slowly into the soil over varying periods of time, examples of these products include Levington Unifeed for hanging baskets and containers and Levington Long Lasting Feed for Houseplants.
In short granular fertilizers and the most convenient option for base and top dressings. Liquids are idea for in-season feeding and controlled release fertilizers are essential for container gardening.