Fertilisers

[Kazal]

When do you use bone meal and fish, blood and bone? What is the difference?

[Buenchico]

You need to read the 'NPK' labelling on fertilisers to decide whether they're suitable for your needs. That labelling indicates the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) that are present within the fertiliser.

A typical bone meal fertiliser might have 'NPK = 3.5:17:0'. That means that it's packed with phosphorus, provides some nitrogen but has no potassium whatsoever. A typical fish, blood and bone fertiliser might have 'NPK = 5:5:6.5', meaning that it's well-balanced with regard to all three components.

You then need to consider what it is that you actually want to add to your soil.

See here:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=451

Also possibly relevant:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=304

[hammerman]

Spot on from Chris as usual.

I tend to use growmore which is 7:7:7....a balanced, general purpose slow release fertilizer.

I mix a handful with new potting compost for my tomatoes and bedding tubs and also throw it over the plant beds at work just to give the plants a boost.

[murraymints]

I like to use dried seaweed..and when it rains the whole place smells like the seaside !

growmore for the rhodos etc