The need for feed...

during the growing season – as they need moisture and warmth to activate.

Like a gobstopper which reveals different levels as you dissolve it, these slowly release nutrients and give months of feeding.

With liquid fertiliser, simply mix it in your watering can, or use a hose attachment that will dilute as you’re watering your garden.

You should definitely be using it on hanging baskets, containers and tubs with bedding plants such as geraniums and fuchsias.

Tomatoes and chillies are the same, because they’re working very hard and liquid feed is good for that.

Whichever type you choose, avoid leaf contact when applying if you can – it can cause scorching.

There are specific foliar fertilisers that you apply to leaves, but otherwise avoid it.

For the many people interested in organic gardening, feeds containing only naturally occurring ingredients can be the answer.

But do keep in mind that organic fertilisers are not a quick and easy fix in the way that chemical fertilisers are.

The reason is that organics need more time for moisture and beneficial organisms to break down their contents before the plants can use them.

The good thing is they’ll potentially continue to feed and condition your soil for years to come as they slowly break down.

Indoors, the Baby Bio bottle is as famous as Perrier, so don’t forget houseplants.

The key point to remember is that fertiliser is relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

If you do nothing other than buy Growmore and apply it on your borders you will still get great results.

It takes a couple of minutes and the benefits are enormous.

It won’t make up for bad soil structure ( plenty of farmyard manure will do that), so don’t think of it as a shortcut.

Think of it as a wonderful boost of energy – we could all do with one of those sometimes.