We have to eat to live. Without a regular supply of starch, protein and other complex nutrients we should very soon die. Plants have a very different arrangement! they use carbon, hydrogen and oxygen from the air and soil water in order to make their own starch and sugars. All they need from the soil is a number of simple chemicals which they then use to create all the amino acids, proteins etc that they need.
All soils have a stock of these vital chemicals known as plant nutrients which come from the mineral part of the soil (sand, clay, etc) and from fallen leaves, dead roots etc. When the ground is cultivated and garden plants grown in it, the baklance is upset. Essential elements in the soil are depleted quite rapidly.
Three elements that the soil needs to contain and vital for health plant growth are nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus and are required in large quantities if plants are to grow strong. This means that these plant nutrients must be applied regularly if you are to keep your plants in good health. Compost or manure will supply a proportion of these nutrients but fertilizers will provide the main source.
There are so many different types of fertilizers on the market that it can be a daunting task to know which to apply and at what time and in what quantity. We wont be going into these details in this post, but it may be something that we go into in more details another time.
The golden rule is to feed plants including grass on a regular basis but no more often than the package recommends.
Methods of applying fertilizer
- By hand – The standard method for solid fertilizers in most situations.
- Push or towed fertilizer spreader – Recommended for large lawns, and on large beds and borders before planting.
- Watering Can – For applying water based fertilizers
- Sprayer – For foliar fertilizers
An extremely efficient method of distributing fertilzer, as well as sand, seeds etc is by using a hand pushed garden spreader. Broadcast garden spreaders are versatile machines for the application of fertiliser, seed, lawn sand and rock salt in an organised and efficient manner. There are pushed models aswell as towed spreaders to choose from, every one hand picked for there build quality and features. All our models feature durable hoppers, rate setting controls for accurate calibration and pneumatic tyres for ease of travel over all terrain. Our most popular models include the pushed GardenPride PSP31503 Broadcast Garden Spreader and the AgriFab 45-0215 Towed Broadcast Garden Spreader.
The GardenPride PSP31503 Broadcast Garden Spreader is compact and hard-wearing with adjustable flow rate and large pneumatic tyres for added grip in slippery conditions. With a load capacity of 22kg, this great value salt spreader will make spreading garden fertilizers, sand and rock salt garden a quick and easy task.
The AgriFab 45-0215 Towed Broadcast Garden Spreader is designed to make distributing garden fertilizers, sand and rock salt easy and quick. The AgriFab 45-0215 is a towed spreader, ideal for towing behind a garden tractor or ATV. With a spread width of up to 10 feet, and a 100lb capacity it will provide 17,500 sq.ft. coverage in one pass. Other features include a rust proof poly hopper and spreader plate, coated components and 10″ x 4″ pneumatic tyres for smooth operation. Compatible with all garden rideons and ATV’s (pin hitch required).
However you choose to spread your fertiliser, we have just the right product to enable you to do so. If in any doubt, you can always call our friendly team for unbiased and helpful advice.
