If you have been following my blog for a while you will know that I sing the praises of slow release fertilizers as a means of keeping your container plants fed throughout the growing season.
I am constantly asked what slow release fertilizer do you recommend?
Hence, why this article on reviewing the 5 best slow release fertilizer that I would recommend being used in gardens, particular container gardening was written.
WHAT ARE SLOW RELEASE FERTILIZERS?
Slow release fertilizer is specific feed for plants in containers that releases their nutrients slowly over time. This is usually over six months but can be up to a full year. The main advantage is that the plants get the right nutrients when they require it, without the compost becoming depleted. It is best for those forgetful gardeners who forget to feed their plants.
We all have busy lives, working and doing other things, and often forget that the plants in containers need to be fed and watered at least once a week with a liquid fertilizer.
The need to be fed often as the plants in containers are often hunger and go through their nutrients very quickly. An unfed plant is an unhappy plant. Slow release fertilizer replaces the laborious task of feeding containers plants once a week.
Imagine instead if feeding the container plant 1 time during the growing season and then forgetting about it. You can if you use a slow release fertilizer once in spring. Remember to feed your container plants at the recommended dosage as written on each package.
The Advantages are:
• Plants get the nutrients when they require it.
• Only feed one time a year in spring during the growing season.
• Can be stored for use over a number of years
• As less feed is required, you will save money in the long run.
• A wide range of choice available.
The Disadvantages are:
• If your plant is already sick the nutrients will not be absorbed quickly. You will still need to use liquid fertilizers in this case until the plant recovers.
• You can overdose plants, as you can add too much feed to the containers. This will not only waste money but can damage the plants and is because overfeeding can make plants more susceptible to diseases and pest attacks. Overfeeding is as dangerous as underfeeding.
What follows is my top 5 slow release fertilizer for use in container gardening.
1) Gro-sure All Purpose 6 months Feed
Product: Gro-sure All purpose 6 months Feed
Best Place to buy: www.amazon.co.uk
Size of the compost package: 22.8 x 16.8 x 11cm
Shipping Weight: 2.26kg
My score: 9.5/10
Gro-sure slow release plant feed has been specially formulated to grow healthy plants. This ready to use granules are ideal for pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets, where it will provide enough nutrients for 6 months.
The granules are activated by increasing warmth in the compost, where plant roots are able to absorb the nutrients. It contains more potassium for extra blooms and extra fruits, with added trace elements for green, healthy leaves and root development.
• One application feed plants for 6 months continuously. Will provide plants with their nutrients requirements over the whole growing season.
• Can be used for all non-ericaceous plants.
• Can be used in pots, beds, borders, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
• Contains 12% nitrogen 7% phosphorus and 19% potassium, with added micronutrients.
2) ChemPak Slow Release Feed+ Forget Garden Plant Year Long Fertilizer
Product: ChemPak Slow Release feed+ forget Garden plant year long fertilizer
Best Place to buy: www.amazon.co.uk
Size of the package: 18 x 10.6 x 5.6cm
Shipping Weight: 0.798kg
My score: 8.5/10
This is a once a year feed and forget fertilizer that continuously releases its nutrients to the root system of the plants.
It is ideal for trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals, both acid-loving or not. Recommended for long term feeding of container plants to ensure that they flourish during the growing season.
• It is ideal for feeding your container plants for those who are forgetful at home or for professional gardeners.
• Perfect for all types of plants in ericaceous or non-ericaceous compost.
• Long lasting fertilizer. As it comes in a large 750g pack and you only need to use a small amount.
• Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with the product, the seller will either replace the product or give a total refund.
• Has a composition of 15% nitrogen, 6% phosphorus and 12% potassium, and plus micronutrients.
3) Osmocote Controlled Release Plant Feed
Product: Osmocote Controlled Release Plant feed
Best Place to buy: www.amazon.co.uk
Size of the package: 16 x 6 x 23.5cm
Shipping Weight: 0.750kg
My score: 8.5/10
The granules used in this product is coated with a unique outer shell that controls the release of nutrient, so that plant in containers get the nutrients at the right time when they need it the most. It feeds container plants for up to six months.
Osmocote comes with a composition of 14% nitrogen, 14% phosphorous and 14% potassium, so giving balanced requirements to the plants, ensuring good top growth and a strong root system.
Suitable for growing trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials. This slow release fertilizer is also suitable for growing vegetables and fruits, to increase yields
• Produces stronger and healthier plants.
• Feed annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees in containers for six months.
• It is a controlled release formula, so will only feed plants when they require it and not before.
• Can be used for all plant, both acid loving or not.
4) Miracle-Gro All Purpose Continuous Slow Release Plant Food
Product: Miracle-Gro All Purpose Continuous Slow Release Plant Food
Best Place to buy: www.amazon.co.uk
Size of the package: 20 x9.6 x 8.6cm
Shipping Weight: 1.08kg
My score: 8/10
It is claimed that using this slow released fertilizer can result in plants that are twice the size of unfed plants. Miracle-Gro has a unique mix of 10 nutrients that are carefully balanced to provide plants with the required amount of these nutrients for better top growth, blooms, and fruits.
The fertilizer is ideal for all plants-apart from ericaceous plants, where an alternative feed needs to be used- both indoor and outdoor, in pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
• Feed plants up to 6 months.
• Temperature controlled coating to release nutrients when the growing conditions are right for feeding.
• Ideal for all non-ericaceous plants, including fruits and vegetables.
• Excellent for all pots, containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
• Feed up to 40 containers of standard size.
5) Slow Release Fertilizer Tablet
Product: Slow Release Fertilizer Tablet
Best Place to buy: www.amazon.co.uk
Number of tablets: 200
Shipping Weight: Unknown.
My score: 9/10
This slow release fertilizer comes in a convenient tablet form that contains 14% nitrogen, 7% phosphorous and 14% potassium with added magnesium and trace elements. As with all slow release fertilizers it works by temperature increases in the compost, where nutrients are slowly released to where the plant needs it the most, the roots.
It is excellent for annual hanging baskets and pots. The slow release tablets can also be used in permanent containers, where perennials, shrubs, and trees can be fed by using these tablets in early spring.
• Feed plants up to 6 months
• Temperature controlled coating release nutrients when the growing conditions are right for feeding includes added magnesium and trace elements.
• Ideal for all plants, including fruits and vegetables.
• Excellent for all pots, containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
WHY SHOULD YOU BUY SLOW RELEASE FERTILISER?
I have been using slow release fertilizers for a number of years in my containers full of shrubs, annuals, and perennials. I have used it to grow my tomatoes, peppers, soft fruit, and my summer bedding plant.
My plants did very well in producing better blooms, more fruit, and healthier plants, all with one feeding per year.
If you want to replicate my results in your container garden, then I would recommend using one of these slow release fertilizers. I have chosen the best 5 and now it is up to you to decide which one to choose.
If you have any questions or any remarks you want to make, please do so in the comment box below, where I look forward to receiving them.
Why not try some today.
