Garden Doctor > Plant Foods

Questions

I purchased your Feed-all Slow Release Tablets, how many tablets do I use and how long do they last?

Several of the established rhododendrons, skimmias and azaleas in my garden are looking very yellow. What should I use to feed them with?

My tomato plants appear to be suffering from blossom end rot - why does this happen and what can be done?

I noticed that you have a new range of straights on the market - can you tell me what they are used for?

I am going to plant some fruit trees and I was recommended to use Bone Meal at planting to help improve the soil but I am worried about it affecting us?

Answers

I purchased your Feed-all Slow Release Tablets, how many tablets do I use and how long do they last?
It is recommended to use 1 tablet for every 2-3 litres of compost. These tablets need to be placed evenly around the roots of the plants in spring and they should feed the plants for approx 6 months depending on the temperature and moisture content.

Several of the established rhododendrons, skimmias and azaleas in my garden are looking very yellow. What should I use to feed them with?
For fast results try the new Westland Rhododendron, Azalea and Camellia Dilute N' Grow. This concentrated specialist plant food is rich in iron to prevent leaf yellowing and contains essential nitrogen to give plants a boost every time you feed. It also contains trace elements to ensure strong, healthy plant growth. You can use this fertiliser from February through to September.

My tomato plants appear to be suffering from blossom end rot - why does this happen and what can be done?
Blossom end rot occurs when the fruit lacks calcium. This can be caused by acid soil or compost, irregular watering and water-logging and low transpiration caused by restricted air movement. It is recommended to water plants regularly and evenly to prevent this disease. Ensure the greenhouse is well ventilated. Feed regularly with a tomato fertiliser such as Tomato Concentrated Plant Food or Organic Tomato and Vegetable feed and check the compost or soil used has sufficient calcium, and add lime if required.

I noticed that you have a new range of straights on the market - can you tell me what they are used for?
The straights range deliver a straight or single shot of a particular nutrient. They can be summarised in the table below:

Product	Nutrient	Sizes	Uses
Bone Meal	Slow release organic source of phosphorus to promote strong root growth and healthy establishment of plants	1.5kg, 3.5kg, and 10kg	Ideal when planting trees and shrubs for healthy establishment of plants
Fish,Blood & Bone	A general purpose organic phosphate and nitrogen fertiliser	1.5kg. 3.5kg, and 10kg	Ideal for soil improvement, planting and feeding of established plants
Sulphate Of Ammonia	Rapid acting nitrogen plant food for promoting healthy plant growth and rich, green foliage	1.5kg	Ideal for feeding green leafed vegetables, as well as producing luxuriant foliage on leafy shrubs and flowering plants
Sulphate Of Iron	A long lasting feed and source of iron for all acid loving plants, promoting strong growth and rich green foliage	1.5kg	For feeding ericaceous plant varieties such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Heathers and Pieris
Sulphate Of potash	Fast acting source of potassium to facilitate development of healthy fruit and flowers	1.5kg	Ideal for feeding all types of fruit trees, bushes and flowers to help plants become more weather and disease resistant

I am going to plant some fruit trees and I was recommended to use Bone Meal at planting to help improve the soil but I am worried about it affecting us?
There is absolutely nothing to worry about - Bone Meal is produced under strictly regulated conditions and is heat treated and sterilised to kill all pathogens, consequently it does not pose any risk to users. Bone Meal is ideal for improving soil condition and is a slow release source of calcium and phosphate for trees and shrubs.