Tips for Feeding Your Garden Plants

Tips for Feeding Your Garden Plants with Liquid Organic Fertilisers

Healthy garden plants require more than just sunlight and water—they also need the right nutrients to thrive. Liquid organic fertilisers are an excellent choice for feeding your garden plants, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly way to provide essential nutrients. Here's a guide on how to use these fertilisers effectively to ensure your garden flourishes.

1. Choose the Right Liquid Organic Fertiliser

Not all plants have the same nutrient requirements. Selecting the appropriate liquid organic fertiliser depends on the type of plants in your garden:

• Vegetables and fruits:
  GARDEN GOLD - Garden Formula is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support growth, flowering, and fruit production.
• Tomatoes, chiles and other heavy feeders:
  Choose GARDEN GOLD - Tomato & Chile Formula which can be diluted or adjusted to provide higher nitrogen during vegetative growth and increased phosphorus and potassium during flowering and fruiting.
• Flowers:
  GARDEN GOLD - Garden Formula contains balanced nutrients and micronutrients to enhance vibrant blooms.
• Lawn or leafy greens:
  Nitrogen-rich fertilisers such as GARDEN GOLD - Sea-Prime Formula are ideal for lush, green growth.

2. Dilute Properly

Most liquid organic fertilisers are concentrated and require dilution before use. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully, as applying undiluted fertiliser can harm plants. We at GARDEN GOLD ORGANICS recommend a maximum dosage of 15ml of our Garden Formula fertiliser per liter water. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and use a weaker solution, especially for young or delicate plants.

3. Apply During the Growing Season

The growing season—typically spring and summer—is the best time to fertilise garden plants. During this period, plants actively produce new leaves, flowers, and fruit, requiring additional nutrients. Avoid over-fertilising during fall and winter when most plants enter a dormant phase.

4. Water Before Feeding

Always water your plants before applying liquid fertiliser, especially during dry weather. Moist soil helps prevent root burn and allows the fertiliser to spread evenly. Applying fertiliser to dry soil can lead to uneven absorption or damage to plant roots.

5. Use the Right Tools for Application

A watering can with a fine rose or a garden sprayer works well for applying liquid organic fertilisers. These tools ensure even distribution and allow you to control the application rate. For larger areas, hose-end sprayers can make the process quicker and more efficient. The perfect complementary product for applying GARDEN GOLD - Garden Formula is our Aquamix 1.25 V mixing sprayer. You can easily dial in the correct dosage between 2 ml and 15 ml (0,2 to 1,5%) fertiliser per liter of water.

6. Feed at the Right Time of Day

To maximise absorption and avoid potential harm, apply liquid fertilisers early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Feeding plants during the heat of the day can lead to evaporation and nutrient loss, while wet leaves under strong sunlight may get scorched because of the droplets left on the leaves (lens effect).

7. Focus on the Soil

While foliar feeding (spraying fertiliser directly onto leaves) can provide a quick nutrient boost, the most effective long-term approach is to feed the soil. Healthy soil promotes robust root systems and ensures a steady supply of nutrients to your plants. We recommend both types of feeding; both foliar and soil feeding throughout the season. We normally feed the soil every 3 to 10 days depending on the crop and time of year while foliar feeding our crops every week to two weeks throughout the season.

8. Avoid Over-Fertilising

Too much of a good thing can harm your garden. Over-fertilising can lead to salt build-up in the soil, stunted growth, or leaf burn. Adjust your fertilisation schedule based on the specific needs of your plants.

9. Tailor Your Approach to Each Plant

Different plants have varying nutrient requirements:

• Fast-growing and "heavy feeder" vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers may need more frequent feeding using our GARDEN GOLD - Tomato/Chile Formula
• Perennials and ornamental plants generally require less frequent applications.
• Seedlings and young plants benefit from a diluted (half-strength) fertiliser solution to support early growth without overwhelming their delicate root systems.

10. Monitor Plant Health

Observe your garden plants regularly for signs of nutrient deficiencies or overfeeding. Symptoms like yellowing leaves, poor growth, or wilting can indicate the need for adjustments. Conversely, excessive growth, weak stems, or salt crusts on the soil surface may signal over-fertilisation. Though salt crusts on the soil would be extremely rare because of the ultra-low sodium content of GARDEN GOLD products.

11. Combine with Compost or Mulch

For long-term soil health, consider pairing liquid organic fertilisers with compost or mulch. Organic matter improves soil structure, retains moisture, and provides a steady release of nutrients. This combination creates an ideal environment for healthy plant growth. At GARDEN GOLD ORGANICS, we actively create mature compost from last year's crop residue along with leaf mould and liberally add a 5 cm layer on our beds in early spring. If you are unable to make your own compost, look for certified organic, peat-free compost at your local garden shop, or online.

Healthy soil begins with a good base of compost. You can read more here about incorporating both compost and GARDEN GOLD liquid organic fertilisers into your gardening routine as an effective way to maximize plant health.

12. Clean Tools After Use

Liquid organic fertilisers can leave residues in watering cans, sprayers, or hose attachments. Clean your equipment after each use to prevent clogs and ensure accurate application in the future. Although cleaning your tools is generally a good idea, clogging should not be a problem with GARDEN GOLD fertiliser products as we filter all of our products at 50 microns; safe for any spraying system.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your garden plants with liquid organic fertilisers is an excellent way to promote vibrant growth and sustainability. By following these tips, you can ensure your plants receive the nutrients they need while maintaining soil health and protecting the environment. With proper care, your garden will reward you with lush foliage, colorful blooms, and bountiful harvests year after year.