All plants require access to high-quality nutrients, and good soil is a great starting point for this. Any food plant, including vegetables, will extract what it can from the soil. To ensure your garden doesn’t become depleted of essential vitamins and minerals, regular fertilising is necessary.
There is a range of macro and micronutrients that plants can get from fertilisers. Essentially, they are food for your veggies. Compost plays an essential role in adding structure to your soil and topping it up with fertiliser will ensure your plants have enough energy and sustenance for abundant food production.
When is the best time to fertilise?
The best time to fertilise is when your veggies are actively growing. In the case of veggies, it is usually seasonal. Many common veggies such as tomatoes, chillies, capsicums, eggplants, and cucumbers have their peak growing season during spring and summer. For happy, thriving plants, you will need to feed them a lot.
With so many options on the market, choosing fertiliser can feel complicated and overwhelming. It depends on the type of soil you have and the type of plant you are growing. If you are a beginner, go for a basic complete fertiliser, such as 5-1. A balanced fertiliser will contain 12 per cent nitrogen, 24 per cent phosphorus and 12 per cent potassium.
Consider your soil type.
Sandy soils generally require less fertiliser more often. Clay soils prefer one application of fertiliser that is left to sit so it can absorb.
The pH of your soil is also essential. No matter what nutrients you add to your soil, if it’s a low pH or high pH, they will become unavailable to your plants. Plants prefer a neutral pH level of between 6 and 7.5. If your soil is acidic, consider adding lime. Highly alkaline soils are much harder to balance and not the best starting point for a veggie garden. It may be worth investing in premium garden soil and constructing raised garden beds, or planting herbs in pots.
Always monitor your plants’ health. If they are becoming yellow, wilted or stunted, it’s a sign they are ‘hungry’ and possibly thirsty as well. Don’t forget to water!
Plateau Landscape Supplies is your landscape and garden superstore. We stock a wide range of fertilisers and premium garden soil to ensure your next crop of veggies is a success.