How to apply liquid plant food

How to apply liquid plant feed to your garden or container plants

Liquid plant food can be applied with a watering can but on larger areas such as your garden borders its best applied with a hose-end feeder

An end hose sprayer is a tool that attaches to the end of a garden hose and applies liquid plant food as it waters your plants. It typically has a container or reservoir that holds the plant food solution and a nozzle that sprays the liquid onto your plants.

Using an end hose sprayer is a simple process. First, you need to mix the liquid plant food according to the instructions on the package. Next, you fill the reservoir of the end hose sprayer with the mixed solution. Then, you attach the end hose sprayer to your garden hose and turn on the water. As you water your plants, the end hose sprayer will mix the liquid plant food with the water and apply it to your plants through the nozzle.

End hose sprayers come in different sizes and designs. Some may have adjustable nozzles that allow you to change the spray pattern or adjust the amount of liquid being applied. Others may have multiple settings for different types of plants or growth stages. There are also models that are designed for specific types of plant food, so be sure to choose one that is compatible with the plant food you are using.

Overall, an end hose sprayer is a convenient and effective way to apply liquid plant food to your garden. It allows you to easily water and feed your plants at the same time, saving you time and effort while promoting healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Notes on Feeding your plants 

it is important to feed your plants in garden borders and containers, especially in the context of climate change. As the soil temperature warms, soil organisms and bacteria become more active, which can lead to increased competition for available nutrients in the soil.

Plants require nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow and thrive. Over time, the nutrients in garden soil can become depleted, especially in containers, where there is a limited amount of soil available. Additionally, competition from soil organisms and bacteria can further reduce the availability of nutrients for plants.

Feeding your plants with appropriate fertilizers can help to replenish the nutrients in the soil, which will improve plant growth and overall health. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also improve the soil structure and support beneficial soil organisms.

It is important to note that over-fertilizing can be harmful to plants and the environment, so it is essential to follow instructions and use fertilizers in moderation. Regular monitoring of plant health and soil fertility levels can help to determine when and how much to fertilize.

The GardenAdvice Team have devised a straightforward method of feeding your plants that covers most plants and requirements throughout the year 

• Firstly in the winter or spring apply a base feed, The GardenAdvice team recommend Growmore fertiliser which is a balanced feed. Apply one handful sprinkled over a square metre, it’s a granular fertiliser do will bounce off any plant leaves and be washed into the soil by the winter or spring rains. 
• Next, as we get into spring in March feed with some liquid tomato feed which is high in potash and magnesium and will help to produce strong growth and flowers etc. This can be watered on with a watering can but to save time it’s often best applied through a hose feeder 
• Apply the liquid tomato feed to your plants once every 3 to 4 years from March to the end of September 
• Some of your plants and certain garden projects will require plant feeds with high nitrogen levels. Nitrogen promotes fast green growth in plants but can reduce flowering. For example lavender, ornamental grasses such as Festuca glauca and plants that are used for foilage colour often benefit from a feed of high nitrates. The other use for a high nitrogen fertiliser or feed is when a plant has been pruned hard back and you wish to promote new growth the re-establish the plant with new stems for example in the case of pruning a buddleia