DRY FERTILISERS
BLOOD, FISH AND BONE MEAL
This is used as a general compound fertiliser; a good source of nitrogen and phosphorus it is fast acting but is low in potassium (unless this has been added by the manufacturer.
The nitrogen is released quickly so plant soon after application before all nutrients have been released.
HOOF AND HORN
This is a slower release of nitrogen.
DRIED BLOOD
A fast-acting source of nitrogen, Using later than mid summer can result in a lush, fresh new growth which will be damaged by early frosts.
BONE MEAL
An excellent source of phosphates, it is slow release and is useful for herbaceous plants, shrubs, bulbs and trees. (Rock phosphate is an alternative if you prefer not to use bone).
SEAWEED MEAL
A general compound fertiliser containing significant amounts of nitrogen and potassium but is short on phosphate. Best applied in Spring, it is slow release and contains the complete range of trace elements. You can boost the phosphate content by adding rock phosphate or bone meal. A good ecological choice being derived from a renewable source.
GROUND ROCK POTASH
Excellent source of potassium to promote flowering and fruiting. Slow release, it will remain in the soil for a long period. Good for gooseberries and culinary apples and for promoting disease resistance in plants.
GROUND ROCK PHOSPHATE
Slow release form of phosphate derived from fossilised dead fish from dried up sea beds mainly in North Africa. Especially good for strawberries and can be used at any time. It is useful for restoring healthy life into over-acid soil.
GROUND ROCK BASALT OR GRANITE
Contains a spread of minerals to encourage micro-organisms and is used to revitalise worn out soil. Add to any soil.
WOOD ASH
Useful source of potassium and in soluble form quickly leaches outof the soil Apply to growing crops especially fruit and onions for ripening and disease protection.
CALCIFIED SEAWEED
This is more of a lime than a fertiliser but it does have high levels of trace elements. Use as a general fertiliser where the lime is not a disadvantage. Recommended for legumes, turf, brassicas and stone fruit.
COFFEE
Acid loving plants love the grounds. Coffee contains potash, nitrogen, phosphoric acid and other trace elements.
EGG SHELLS
These are 93% calcium (important for cell function and growth). Grind as finely as possible.
SOOT
This contains small amounts of nitrogen and good for chrysanthemums and cinerarias. Soot water can be made by placing soot in a Hessian bag and steeping for several days. Dilute until it looks lie weak tea. (Bob Flowerdew uses soot to darken the soil surface and applies it after rain to improve warming around early crops such as asparagus.
DRIED ANIMAL MANURES
Contain small amounts of the major nutrients but are rich in trace elements. Pelleted poultry manure is high in nitrogen.
EPSOM SALTS
To counteract magnesium deficiency which is indicated by yellowing or other discolouration between leaf veins, starting on the lower or older leaves.
