Investing time in the garden now will ensure your beds, pots and borders are filled with flourishing plants in time for summer. While that includes sowing seeds, planting out young fruits and vegetables, and some all-important pruning, vigorous growth can be aided by feeding.
The gardening experts at Hedges Direct said: “April marks the start of the growing season, so fertiliser or mulch can give plants an additional boost as they come out of dormancy.” It is generally good practice to feed plants after trimming them, especially after more substantial pruning or in the spring after a period of dormancy. However, feeding is still beneficial in its own right.
Hedges Direct urged: “Even if you haven’t trimmed your shrubs, they can still benefit from feeding.”
April is an opportune time for fertiliser application in the UK because plants enter a period of rapid growth, making them more receptive to absorbing nutrients.
For general garden use, a fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and magnesium is recommended.
The seed experts at Thompson and Morgan say applying the fertiliser is easy: “Lightly fork it into the soil.”
First, spread the granules around the root zone, then gently fork the soil to mix the fertiliser. Ensure the soil is moist or water well after application.
How to fertilise hedges and shrubs
Regarding hedges, it is essential to adhere to the instructions provided on the fertiliser packaging to avoid over-fertilisation.
Hedges Direct warned: “Inappropriate application methods may include applying excessive amounts of fertiliser, administering fertiliser too close to the hedge base, or administering fertiliser onto dry or wet soil.”
For established shrubs and hedges, use products specifically formulated for woody plants, such as low-nitrogen slow-release granules or organic feeds like blood, fish and bone.
A layer of organic mulch applied immediately after feeding conserves moisture and slowly releases additional nutrients into the soil.
Combining top dressing and proper fertiliser boosts the overall resilience of hedges against pests and diseases.
How to feed roses
Among all the garden plants, roses have gained a reputation for being particularly “greedy” in early spring, says the Thompson and Morgan team.
Their robust growth and abundant blooms depend heavily on a steady supply of nutrients. Gardeners often note that feeding roses early – once new leaves emerge – is crucial for establishing a strong foundation for flowering.
Applying a granular feed such as Vitax Q4 or a well-balanced organic rose food supports root development and lush foliage, leading to better flower production later in the season.
Many UK rose experts recommend a first feed in early spring, followed by supplementary applications every four to six weeks as needed.
The English Garden suggests choosing a dry, sunny day and visiting all garden roses, including climbers and ramblers.
Apply a generous handful of granular feed or a specially formulated rose fertiliser on the soil around the roots just as the roses grow. Dig the fertiliser gently into the soil using a hand fork and water.
