Did you know that garden fertilisers come in a range of different formulations? From solids to liquids and everything in between, here's your guide to different fertiliser types. The best one for your garden will depend on your personal preference, what you find easiest to use and the type of plants you have. In many cases, a combination of different types (a slow-release form and a liquid form) will best serve your plants.

 

Liquid fertilisers

A very simple product to measure and apply, providing rapid results. Some liquid fertilisers are concentrated, meaning they need to be diluted in water before application according to package instructions - great examples of this include Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food and Powerfeed. Other liquid fertilisers are formulated so that you can apply them directly to your plants - look for packaging that says "Ready To Use", such as Scotts Osmocote Pour + Feed Indoor Plant Food.

Thrive is a great example of a concentrated liquid fertiliser.

 

Soluble fertilisers

Presented as a powder or dissolvable package (a little like a dishwasher tablet) which you place in water and apply to the root zone of your plants, this economical type of fertiliser offers the same quick results as a liquid. A great example is Thrive Flower + Fruit Soluble Fertiliser.

 

Foliar spray fertilisers

Foliar sprays work a little differently to standard liquid fertilisers, as you apply them directly to your plant's foliage - not the soil. Because of this difference in application, foliar sprays are generally a weaker formulation to avoid burning your plant's delicate leaves. These formulas are ideal for indoor plants, however the weaker concentration does mean they need to be used a little more frequently to have the desired effect. We recommend Living Trends Indoor Plant Food or Munash Indoor Foliage Spray.

 

Foliar spray fertilisers, such as this Munash one, are a great option for indoor plants.

 

Slow-release fertiliser prills

These little balls or beads might look small, but they do a mighty job. Scatter them per package directions and they'll release nutrients into the soil or potting mix for months to come every time they're watered. You might not see quick results with this type of fertiliser, but you'll see sustained results. We love the Scotts Osmocote Plus Trace Elements range.

When you purchase a premium potting mix, it will contain enough slow-release fertiliser prills to sustain your plants for anywhere from 3 to 6 months post-planting. Always read the packaging for more information specific to the mix you've chosen. We recommend that you add more slow-release fertiliser as that period draws to a close. You should also supplement with liquid feeding as required.

A slow-release fertiliser will provide your plants with a sustained feed over a number of months.

 

Pelletised fertilisers

Some more natural fertilisers come in pellet form which can be easier to handle. A great example is Flower Power's own Supergrow Organic Fertiliser Pellets - these little chunks of goodness are made of compressed chicken manure and will work wonders on your garden over time as they break down.

Compost and manure as natural fertilisers

These very natural materials are already full of essential elements and are great for digging into soil before planting or spreading over soil as you would a mulch. You might not want to use them indoors, however, as they can have an odour to them! We love our Supersoil range of aged composts and rotted manures.