When to Apply Fertiliser: Before or After Planting?

fertiliser soil

When to Apply Fertiliser: Before or After Planting?

Do I fertilise soil weeks before planting or at planting time? 

To get the full benefit from fertiliser, it should always be applied immediately after planting - not weeks beforehand. Spreading fertiliser around your plants once they’re in the ground means the nutrients are right where they’re needed, at the right time. And don’t forget to water thoroughly after application to help nutrients wash into the soil where plant roots can access them.

Applying fertiliser well before planting can lead to an almost complete loss of valuable nutrients because of variable weather events eg: heavy rain or very high temperatures. There’s also a natural time lag between applying fertiliser and when your plants can actually take up the nutrients - usually around 3–5 weeks. That’s why timing is so important. 

Apply fertiliser after planting is completed, so your plants can make the most of it when they need it most.

Learn more about fetilisers, what types to use and when to apply in our helpful guide.
 

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