Fertilising your garden in the autumn

The best fertiliser to use in your garden during autumn depends on your soil type and the plants you have, but generally, it’s a good idea to focus on fertilisers that are rich in phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients help strengthen roots and prepare plants for the winter months, encouraging a healthier start in spring.

Here are some tips for choosing the best fertiliser for your garden in autumn:

1. Balanced Fertiliser with Lower Nitrogen: Look for a balanced fertiliser with a lower nitrogen content (like 5-10-10). High nitrogen levels can encourage new growth, which is not ideal in autumn because new growth can be damaged by frost.
2. Organic Options: Consider using organic fertilisers such as compost, well-rotted manure or chicken manure in pellet form. These slow-release fertilisers provide essential nutrients without the risk of burning plants and help improve soil structure and microbial activity.
3. Specialised Autumn Fertilisers: There are fertilisers specifically formulated for autumn use. These typically have lower nitrogen levels and are enhanced with potassium and phosphorus, which support root growth and overall plant resilience.
4. Soil Test: It’s beneficial to conduct a soil test before applying any fertiliser. This can give you insights into what nutrients your soil lacks and help you choose the right fertiliser to balance those needs.
5. Leaf Mulch and Garden Compost: Besides fertilisers, using leaf mulch and compost can improve soil fertility. These organic materials break down over winter, providing nutrients and improving soil structure. These types of fertilisers are especially useful if you have acid loving plants such as rhododendrons or azaleas.

By choosing the right fertiliser and applying it in autumn, you set your garden up for a strong start in spring.

As a good starting point the GArdenAdvice experts recommend Growmore Fertiliser which is a balanced, general-purpose fertiliser that contains equal parts of the three major nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), often in a 7-7-7 ratio. Here’s how Growmore can be beneficial for your garden:

Benefits of Using Growmore Fertilizer in Autumn:

1. Balanced Nutrient Supply: Since Growmore provides a balanced mix of N-P-K, it helps ensure that plants receive a well-rounded nutrient supply. This can be particularly beneficial if you haven’t done a soil test and want to provide general support for your plants.
2. Encourages Root Growth: The phosphorus in Growmore is essential for root development. In autumn, focusing on root strength is vital as plants prepare to go dormant for winter and need a robust root system to survive and thrive when they wake up in spring.
3. Versatility: Growmore can be used across various plants, including flowers, vegetables, and shrubs. This makes it a convenient choice for gardeners who need a single fertiliser for multiple types of plants.

Considerations for Using Growmore fertiliser in Autumn:

1. Nitrogen Content: Growmore does contain nitrogen, which promotes leaf and stem growth. In autumn, plants are preparing to go dormant, so a fertiliser with lower nitrogen content might be preferable to prevent new growth that could be damaged by frost. However, Growmore’s balanced nature means it won’t overly push for new growth, making it still suitable if applied carefully.

2. Supplement with Organic Matter: If you choose to use Growmore, you might also want to supplement it with organic matter like compost or leaf mulch. This will improve soil structure and support microbial activity, which is beneficial for overall soil health.

Growmore fertiliser can be a good option for autumn gardening, particularly if you’re looking for a balanced, easy-to-use fertiliser. However, it’s essential to consider your specific garden needs and possibly complement Growmore with other soil amendments or fertilisers that focus more on phosphorus and potassium, especially if you want to prioritise root health and plant hardiness for the winter.