We all know that plants need sunlight and water to survive. However, in nature, this is usually supplemented by nutrients naturally produced by other plant life, animals and microorganisms living in and around the soil. This is called an ecosystem and it is a complex, self-sustaining cycle of mutually beneficial giving and receiving that has evolved over hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

With the ever-increasing popularity of exotic indoor plants and our desire to grow our own plants and veggies in more urban environments, we are often introducing plant species that don’t naturally grow in certain climates and regions. Although this is expanding our biodiversity, these plants often don’t have a naturally occurring sustainable ecosystem to rely on.

When this occurs, we can simulate one by using premium-grade potting soil that is mineral and nutrient-rich, or adding compost, mulch, and animal manure to older soil. However, depending on the type of plant, weather conditions and the time of year, you will have to reintroduce these nutrients annually, monthly, or even weekly, depending on how fast it is absorbed by your plant and drained away by rainfall runoff or watering.

By far, the easiest way to do this is with a concentrated liquid or pellet fertiliser. Unlike manure or compost, it has little to no smell and is easy to administer. The liquid form does require diluting but is fast acting and can easily be added to your weekly or fortnightly watering routine. Pellets, on the other hand, are slow nutrient releasing so they only need to be applied directly into your garden bed or pot plant’s topsoil every twelve weeks or so.

Fertilising your plants will boost plant health and increase new growth in leaf and root production, as well as assist with moisture retention and stimulate important microbial activity which usually only occurs in nature. As they act differently, always research your plant’s preference for liquid or pellet fertilisers and how often you should use them beforehand. You can check out our new range of Plant Food on our website or in our showrooms.