WHAT DO YOU PLANTS NEED TO SURVIVE
All plants have a basic need for three nutrients in particular; Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K).
Nitrogen encourages leaf growth, Phosphorous helps with the roots, whilst Potassium is key to flowering and fruit development. The nutrients are commonly known as NPK, by the values in the periodic table.
note that most will contain varying amounts of each of these basic nutrients. For instance, if the ratios are very similar in number, then this would be a basic general purpose fertiliser such as FOREMOST PROFESSIONAL MULTI PURPOSE COMPOST. As opposed to a tomato feed such as Green Future Organic Tomato that would have a differing ratio of say 4 parts Nitrogen, 5 parts Phosphorous, and 8 parts Potassium, to supplement the growth of flavourful fruit.
To remain healthy, plants also need other nutrients, such as calcium (Ca), sulphur (S) and magnesium (Mg), as well as zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), boron (B) and manganese (Mn). Smaller amounts of these will be contained in general-purpose fertilisers.
There are many different varieties of soil in the UK. Meaning that soils also will vary in their nutritional value to plants.
Soils that are dry, waterlogged, very acid or very alkaline may not allow plants to access existing nutrients. Sandy and chalky soils will not offer as many nutrients as clay-based soil.
You can look to address the pH balance in your soil before adding fertiliser and, to be honest, you may want to do that to increase the effectiveness of the fertiliser that you apply. If you want to improve your soil, you can Apply topsoil or organic matter to improve the fertility of the soil.
Keep in mind that overfeeding your plants may be damaging as you may scorch the roots. So follow the on-pack instructions and avoid adding that little extra 'for luck'.
CAN I OVER FEED MY PLANTS?
For those of you who pu in your water, it is important that you take care not to over fertilize your plants. t fertilizerUsing the 10-20% run-off rule will help keep your plants healthy and keep them from being overfed. ... The plant can no longer feed and an interesting thing occurs.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY PLANTS?
Fertilize your houseplants once a week. Feed the plants in your garden every two to three weeks. Fertilize your landscape plants once a month.