Fertilisers are applied to the garden to supplement low levels of nutrients, or to supply a specific element needed by specific plants.
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A balanced fertiliser is usually used or blood and bone is a good alternative.
Where fertilisers are to be spread in summer, the area must by thoroughly watered before the fertiliser is applied evenly over the soil.
A good mulch layer can be applied over the top.
DAHLIA DIARY
This is a very important month for dahlias and by now most plants should be around 20cm high.
Nip the centre out of the plant and make sure it’s tied securely to a stake.
Keep up the pest and disease prevention regime as needed and towards the end of the month, dahlias can be given some fertiliser.
For those gardeners who like to mix their own, use the following recipe:
- Two kilos blood and bone;
- One kilo superphosphate;
- Three-quarters of a kilo potash;
- One-quarter of a kilo sulphate of iron;
- One-quarter of a kilo Epsom salts.
Mix well and apply in dry form at 50gms per square metre of soil.
Rake into the soil surface and water in.
A light mulch around each plant will stop the hot sun drying out the soil and burning the stems at ground level.
Don’t let the soil dry out, keep it moist and keep tying the plant to its stake as it grows.
This is a very important month for dahlias ...
WATER WORKS
Water is probably the most critical factor during the summer if we expect fruiting plants to produce well.
It is essential for the transportation of nutrients from the soil through the roots to the plant and for the proper functioning of the shoots, leaves and fruit.
Trees deprived of water may reach wilting point at which stage the fruit will stop growing and then begin to shrivel.
Affected fruit can take up to two weeks to begin growing again after the tree receives water, leading to small under-developed fruit, late ripening and poorer quality.
Water is also essential for the formation of next season’s leaves and fruit because trees which are stressed for water in summer, will produce poorer crops the following season.
nip in the bud
Take off old flowering stems of rhododendrons and azaleas that have finished flowering without damaging the new buds.
Starting from the base of the old flower stalk, apply a little pressure with the finger and thumb to remove the stem.
Fertilise rhododendrons when the flowers fade.