Monty Don's one secret ingredient that will see vibrant blooms when added to soil
With the weather warming up, gardeners are gearing up for a season of vibrant blooms and lush foliage, but you could be overlooking one key component.
With the weather warming up, green-thumbed enthusiasts are gearing up for a season of vibrant blooms and lush foliage, but you could be overlooking one key component.
While soil provides essential nutrients, expert Monty Don believes supplementing plant diets with organic fertilisers will help fuel robust growth.
One ingredient that Monty vouches for is seaweed, which can be found in feeds to nurture flourishing gardens.
According to Monty, a weekly dose of high-potash fertiliser is key to promoting root and flower development.
On his blog, he said: “I find liquid seaweed or a propriety liquid tomato feed to work well. The secret is to give just enough, and not too much.”
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) backs this, noting seaweed's centuries-old reputation as a soil enhancer, particularly in coastal regions.
Monty cautions against overfeeding, which can lead to excessive growth at the expense of flowers or fruit, inviting fungal and predatory issues.
"Too many nutrients are as damaging as too few as they cause rapid, lush growth - often at the expense of flowers or fruit," he added.
“Never be tempted to make the feed any stronger than the instructions dictate and if in any doubt reduce the strength.”
"Your plants and displays will be the better for it.”
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While organic fertilisers offer numerous benefits, it is important to note that not all plants respond favourably to them.
Orchids, Peace Lilies, Snake Plants, Spider Plants, Jade Plants, and African Violets may not benefit from organic feeds.
Over-fertilising these species can trigger unexpected effects, underscoring the importance of tailored care.
For those on a tight budget, homemade plant feeds provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative.
Ingredients like molasses, celebrated for their mineral content, can be added into potent fertilisers.
Molasses' sticky texture helps with mineral absorption while deterring pests like ants with its increased sugar content.
