Date Posted:24 March 2025
A
ustralia’s unique climate and soil conditions mean that fertilisation isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re maintaining a Buffalo, Couch, or Zoysia lawn, growing native plants, or cultivating a veggie garden, understanding fertilisers can make all the difference in keeping your plants thriving.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything Australian gardeners need to know about fertilisers—including how to choose the right one for your conditions and how to get the best results using Plant Doctor’s Australian-made products.
A fertiliser is any substance that provides essential nutrients to plants, helping them grow strong and healthy. Australian soils, especially in coastal regions and arid areas, can be low in nutrients and highly sandy or compacted, making fertilisation essential for healthy plant growth.
Fertilisers come in different forms, including:
| Fertiliser Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Granular | Slow-release, long-lasting nutrients. |
| Liquid | Fast-acting, easy to apply. |
| Organic | Natural, soil-improving. |
| Manufactured | Highly concentrated, quick results. |
For Australian gardens, Plant Doctor’s Champion Lawn and Fairway Fertiliser is a top choice for feeding lawns, while Seaweed Secrets and Activ8Mate offer natural, organic nutrition for all plant types.
Most fertilisers contain a mix of three main nutrients, often listed as NPK on the packaging:
Different plants have different needs. For example, lawns love nitrogen, while native Australian plants prefer lower phosphorus levels (as they’ve evolved in low-phosphorus soils).
For a well-balanced approach, Plant Doctor’s Lawn Lovers Pro Pack contains a mix of products that provide essential nutrients without overstimulating growth. Made famous by lawn expert Ben Sims from Lawn Tips, this bundle combines premium liquid nutrients, bio-stimulants, and soil enhancers to help your lawn thrive through the hottest summers and coldest winters.
| What's Inside the Lawn Lovers Pro Pack? | Why Choose the Lawn Lovers Pro Pack? |
|---|---|
| Seaweed Secrets – A powerhouse of 77 minerals, 17 amino acids, humic and fulvic acids, designed to reduce heat, moisture, and cold stress, unlock bound nutrients, and enhance microbial activity in the soil. | Year-round resilience – Keeps your lawn healthy through all seasons. |
| Activ8Extra – A balanced NPK liquid fertiliser (16-2-5) enriched with seaweed, fish, blood and bone, humic and fulvic acids. | Balanced feeding – No excessive growth spurts, just steady, strong development. |
| Quantum H – A premium humic acid solution that improves soil structure, detoxifies contaminants, and promotes beneficial microbes. | Deep-green colour – Liquid Iron + Stimulizer create that rich, professional look. |
| Liquid Iron – 7% Iron + 3% Sulphur to enhance chlorophyll production, correcting iron deficiencies and delivering deep green colour to your lawn. | Better soil health – Humic and fulvic acids improve nutrient absorption. |
| Stimulizer – A bio-stimulant designed to accelerate nutrient uptake and support beneficial microbes. | Perfect for all lawn types – Buffalo, Couch, Zoysia, Kikuyu, and more. |
Ideal for: Homeowners who want a professional-quality lawn without needing a degree in horticulture! With easy application and long-lasting results, this pack is the ultimate shortcut to a greener, stronger lawn.
Both organic and manufactured fertilisers have their place in Australian gardening, and often, the best results come from using a mix of both. While organic fertilisers improve soil health and encourage long-term plant resilience, manufactured options deliver fast, targeted nutrients when needed.
Derived from natural materials like seaweed, compost, fish, and minerals, this formulation enhances soil health by feeding beneficial microbes, improving soil structure, and increasing nutrient retention. Its slow nutrient release helps prevent over-fertilisation, ensuring a steady supply of essential elements for plant growth.
| Best Organic Options | |
|---|---|
| Seaweed Secrets | Packed with 77 minerals, amino acids, and natural growth stimulants, this seaweed-based fertiliser improves plant resilience, stress tolerance, and overall health. |
| Quantum H | A premium humic acid that enhances nutrient uptake, detoxifies soil, and stimulates microbial activity, making nutrients more available to plants. |
| Stimulizer | –A bio-stimulant rich in humic and fulvic acids, perfect for improving nutrient solubility and uptake, especially when used alongside other fertilisers. |
Man-made formulations are designed for rapid nutrient absorption, making them ideal for quick greening, fast recovery from deficiencies, and immediate plant growth. However, overuse can lead to nutrient runoff, so application rates should be carefully managed to maintain soil and environmental health.
| Best Manufactured Options | |
|---|---|
| A powerful granular fertiliser that boosts lawn growth, enhances colour, and strengthens root systems. | |
| Liquid Iron | A highly available iron and sulphur blend that quickly corrects iron deficiencies, deepening the green colour of lawns and plants. |
For sustainable, long-term plant health, organic fertilisers are essential. They feed the soil, build resilience, and improve overall nutrient efficiency. However, manufactured fertilisers provide quick fixes when your lawn or plants need an extra push, such as seasonal growth spurts, colour enhancement, or rapid deficiency correction.
| Best Hybrid Fertiliser | Description |
|---|---|
| Activ8Mate |
Why Choose Activ8Mate? It’s a one-step solution that nourishes both your plants and soil, delivering instant and long-term benefits. |
The Verdict: A balanced mix of organic and manufactured fertilisers gives you the best of both worlds—sustainable, long-term soil health with the immediate benefits of rapid nutrient availability.
When you see a fertiliser bag with numbers like 10-5-10, you're looking at the NPK ratio, which stands for:
These three nutrients are the key players in plant growth. The NPK ratio indicates the percentage of each nutrient in the fertiliser.
What Does Each Number Mean?Nitrogen (N): This is the first number in the ratio, and it plays a crucial role in promoting lush, green leaf growth. Nitrogen is responsible for the overall health of your plant's foliage and is especially important for lawns and leafy vegetables.
Phosphorus (P): The second number in the ratio supports root development, flower formation, and fruiting. It also plays a role in overall plant energy transfer and is essential for the establishment of young plants and new lawns.
Potassium (K): The third number helps with overall plant health by enhancing drought tolerance, disease resistance, and the ability to photosynthesize. Potassium also supports strong cell walls, helping plants cope with stress.
Example Ratios:
|
A Versatile Option: Activ8Mate Liquid Fertiliser |
|
|---|---|
| 8% Nitrogen | Supports strong leaf and lawn growth. |
| 1% Phosphorus | Safe for native plants. |
| 4% Potassium | Boosts overall plant health. |
|
In addition to its NPK content, Activ8Mate is a soil inoculant, meaning it enhances soil microbial activity, leading to long-term soil health and fertility. Activ8mate is perfect for all types of plants, turf, and grass like buffalo, kikuyu, and couch lawns. The formula combines organic and traditional fertiliser elements, including fish liquid concentrate, blood and bone, and seaweed (kelp), making it a highly effective, eco-friendly option for both established lawns and new plantings. The trace elements and humic acids in Activ8mate ensure nutrients are stabilised, available to plants over time, and safely absorbed into the soil. This gradual, slow-release feeding creates lush, green lawns while strengthening turf against common diseases. |
|
Special Considerations for Australian Plants: In Australia, you'll often find fertilisers with a low phosphorus content, especially for native plants like Grevilleas, Banksias, and Kangaroo Paw. These plants are sensitive to high phosphorus levels, and too much can harm their growth. Look for products marked with a P ratio below 3 to ensure you're giving your natives the right balance of nutrients. Activ8mate’s 1% phosphorus makes it a suitable option for native plant care, ensuring you’re providing essential nutrients without overloading your plants with excess phosphorus.
Understanding the NPK ratio helps you choose the right fertiliser for your plants' specific needs. Whether you're growing lush green turf or nurturing delicate native plants, knowing the purpose of each nutrient allows you to give your plants exactly what they need to thrive.
So next time you’re standing in the garden centre, take a moment to read the NPK ratio on the fertiliser label—it’s the key to making informed decisions and giving your plants the best care possible!
Knowing when and how to fertilise your plants is just as important as the fertiliser you choose. The right schedule depends on your climate and plant type, but incorporating the right products can make all the difference in achieving lush, healthy growth.
For lawns like Kikuyu, Couch, and Buffalo, regular feeding during the growing season is key.
| TYPE | Lawns | Vegetables | Flowers | Trees & Shrubs | Indoor Plants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
For lawns like Kikuyu, Couch, and Buffalo, regular feeding during the growing season is key. |
Veggies need steady nutrient supply for continuous growth. |
Outdoor flowers need consistent feeding to promote healthy blooms. |
Trees and shrubs prefer slow-release fertilisers that provide a steady supply of nutrients over time. |
Indoor plants, including succulents, ferns, and ornamental varieties, thrive on a lighter, more frequent feed. |
|
| Feeding Schedule: |
Apply fertiliser every 2–4 weeks in spring and summer for that vibrant, thick lawn you desire. In cooler months, reduce the feeding to help the lawn conserve energy and avoid unnecessary growth. |
Fertilising every 2–4 weeks helps keep them strong and productive. |
Apply fertiliser monthly to encourage strong growth and vibrant blossoms |
Apply fertiliser twice a year to ensure strong roots and healthy growth. |
Feed every 4–6 weeks with a mild liquid fertiliser to keep them healthy and vibrant. |
| Recommended Product: |
Activ8mate (8-1-4 NPK) – For all-season care. Its NPK ratio of 8-1-4 ensures your lawn stays green and healthy, while its organic ingredients promote soil health, aeration, and moisture retention. Plus, it’s safe for the environment and pets, so you can feed your lawn with peace of mind. |
Roots, Shoots & Leaves (16-2-10 NPK) – For outdoor vegetables. With its 16-2-10 NPK ratio, this granular fertiliser is high in nitrogen, which promotes healthy leaf and root development. Its slow-release formula ensures a steady supply of nutrients for your vegetables, and it’s packed with beneficial microbes that boost disease resistance. For best results, apply every 2-3 months or as required, depending on the season. |
Liquid Fertiliser for Flowers, Fruits & Roots – With its high Potassium (K) content, which supports healthy flower and fruit development. Its carefully formulated blend of nutrients, including Phosphorous and Iron, provides the perfect balance for blooming plants. It also improves seed germination and promotes stronger roots and trunks. As an added bonus, the powerful microbial stimulant in this fertiliser helps protect against disease, making it an all-around great option for flowering plants and fruiting trees. |
Stimulizer – A bio-stimulant and soil conditioner that works year-round. It contains over 75 minerals, humic acid extracts, and natural stimulants, improving nutrient availability and encouraging strong root growth. Stimulizer also enhances soil structure and microbial activity, making it perfect for trees and shrubs needing that extra boost.
Roots, Shoots & Leaves (16-2-10 NPK) – For shrubs and trees that require a granular approach. Its rich NPK blend (16-2-10) offers a high nitrogen boost that promotes rapid growth and strong root development. It also contains added zeolite, which helps reduce nutrient leaching, making it a more sustainable choice for long-term tree care. |
Indoor Plant Rescue Remedy & Multi-Vitamins (500ml) – This seaweed-based solution offers vital micro-nutrients that your indoor plants crave, improving soil structure and moisture retention. It’s a rescue remedy for plants that need a boost and helps to optimise root absorption for overall better plant health. |
Australian Tips:
Choosing the right products for your local conditions can make all the difference. For year-round, sustainable plant and soil health, Stimulizer is a great option. Whether you’re working with turf, trees, or garden beds, Stimulizer works harmoniously with other fertilisers, promoting nutrient uptake and boosting plant growth while improving soil conditions. It’s perfect for Australian gardeners looking to create healthy, balanced soil for long-term success.
For gardeners who prefer granular fertilisers, Roots, Shoots & Leaves is an excellent choice for its high nitrogen content, which helps boost leafy growth and supports stronger roots. It’s particularly effective for vegetables, shrubs, and lawns, and its slow-release formula ensures nutrients are available over time, reducing the need for frequent applications. With added silica and sulphur, it helps improve soil structure and nutrient availability, making it ideal for Australian conditions.
For those focused on flowers and fruiting plants, Liquid Fertiliser for Flowers, Fruits & Roots provides the perfect nutrient boost, with a high potassium content to support bloom and fruit production, along with beneficial microbial protection. It’s a fantastic addition to any gardener’s toolkit.
By aligning the right fertilisation schedule with the correct products, you’ll keep your plants and garden thriving throughout the year. Make sure to choose wisely, and your plants will thank you for it!
Maintaining a healthy garden or lawn requires understanding your plants' needs. One of the most common challenges faced by Australian gardeners is nutrient deficiencies. The symptoms often show up in your plants' leaves, stems, and flowers, providing clear clues about what’s lacking in the soil. Here’s a deeper look into common nutrient deficiencies in Australian plants and how to address them.
One of the most frequent signs of nitrogen deficiency is yellowing leaves, particularly in the lower parts of the plant or grass blades. Nitrogen is crucial for leaf growth and overall plant vitality, and a lack of it can result in poor growth, stunted plants, and yellow foliage.
| What's Happening? | Nitrogen is vital for chlorophyll production, which gives plants their green colour. Without it, plants can’t photosynthesise effectively, leading to weakened growth. |
|---|---|
| Common Offenders | Lawns, leafy vegetables like spinach, and plants in high-traffic areas or poor soil conditions. |
| How to Fix It | Apply high-nitrogen fertilisers like Roots, Shoots & Leaves, which is tailored to promote healthy, green growth. Additionally, Stimulizer, with its mineral-rich formula, can help improve soil health and boost nitrogen availability for your plants. |
If your plants have a purple or reddish hue on their leaves, especially the older ones, you might be dealing with a phosphorus deficiency. Phosphorus is essential for energy transfer, root development, and flowering.
| What's Happening? | Phosphorus plays a crucial role in root development and flowering. Without it, plants struggle to establish strong roots and may not flower or fruit properly, which is especially problematic for fruiting crops like tomatoes and capsicum. |
|---|---|
| Common Offenders | Tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting plants. |
| How to Fix It | Use fertilisers with a high phosphorus content like Liquid Fertiliser for Flowers, Fruits & Roots, which supports robust flowering and fruiting. Phosphorus is often less mobile in the soil, so it’s important to apply it directly where it’s needed and avoid overwatering, which can leach away this essential nutrient. |
Brown edges on leaves, particularly on the tips or margins, often signal a potassium deficiency. Potassium is essential for overall plant health, including water regulation, disease resistance, and fruit development.
| What's Happening? | Potassium helps plants manage water uptake, photosynthesis, and protein synthesis. Without enough potassium, plants may show signs of stress, such as browning leaf edges, especially in fruit-bearing trees. |
|---|---|
| Common Offenders | Fruit trees like apples, citrus, and tomatoes. |
| How to Fix It | Apply a potassium-rich fertiliser to support fruit and root development. Liquid Fertiliser for Flowers, Fruits & Roots has a high potassium (K) content and can help promote healthier fruiting and flowering plants. It also provides a microbial stimulant that can enhance soil structure, which helps retain potassium. |
When you notice yellowing between the veins of leaves, but the veins remain green, it's typically a sign of iron deficiency. This condition is common in alkaline soils where iron becomes less available to plants.
| What's Happening? | Iron is essential for chlorophyll production, just like nitrogen. However, iron deficiency doesn’t affect overall plant growth as much as nitrogen does. It does, however, result in poor chlorophyll production, leading to the characteristic yellowing between leaf veins. |
|---|---|
| Common Offenders | Plants in alkaline soils, including acid-loving plants like camellias, azaleas, and magnolias. |
| How to Fix It | For quick results, apply a liquid iron supplement, such as Plant Doctor's Liquid Iron Fertiliser. For longer-term soil improvement, consider using Fulvic Acid Concentrate, which helps to improve nutrient uptake and unlock iron from the soil. Fulvic acid also helps adjust soil pH, making it easier for your plants to access other nutrients. |
Nutrient deficiencies often indicate imbalanced soil. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to diagnose the issue and treat it promptly with the right products.
By paying attention to your plants' signs, you’ll help them grow stronger, healthier, and more resilient.
While fertilisers can be a game-changer for plant health, overdoing it can lead to several problems. It's crucial to strike the right balance when feeding your plants. Too much fertiliser, especially high-nitrogen products, can cause harm to both plants and the environment.
Here’s a closer look at the potential consequences of over-fertilising:
Excess nitrogen can burn your plants' roots, causing them to become weak, discoloured, and unable to take up water properly. This is particularly common when fertiliser is applied too heavily or too frequently. High nitrogen levels create an imbalance in the soil, leading to a high osmotic pressure that dehydrates the roots, causing them to suffer.
How to Spot It: Plants showing signs of root burn often have brown, crisp edges on their leaves or wilting despite regular watering. The growth may also become stunted or leggy, as the plant struggles to absorb the nutrients it needs.
While it may seem like a boost of fertiliser would result in a thriving garden, too much fertiliser can actually weaken your plants over time. Excess nutrients, especially nitrogen, can lead to rapid, excessive growth, resulting in soft, spindly plants that are more susceptible to diseases, pests, and environmental stress.
How to Spot It: Over-fertilised plants may have large, soft leaves, but they lack strength and vigour. They may also be more prone to pest attacks and may even collapse under their own weight, especially if they have been over-fertilised during their early growth stages.
One of the most serious consequences of over-fertilising is the pollution of local waterways. Excess nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, can wash off the soil and into rivers, lakes, and streams during rainstorms or watering. This runoff leads to eutrophication, a process where excessive nutrients cause algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels, harming aquatic life.
How to Spot It: If you notice excessive algae growth in local ponds, lakes, or streams, it could be a sign of fertiliser runoff from surrounding gardens or agricultural areas. This can cause long-term damage to ecosystems.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Always Measure Fertiliser Carefully | It’s essential to follow the recommended application rates on the fertiliser packaging or guidance from your plant care instructions. Overestimating the amount of fertiliser can be more harmful than helpful. Using a measuring spoon, scale, or applicator ensures that your plants get the correct amount of nutrients without overloading the soil. |
| Apply Before Rain, But Not During Heavy Storms | Applying fertiliser before rain can be beneficial, as it allows the nutrients to be absorbed into the soil efficiently. However, avoid applying during heavy storms as rainfall can wash away excess fertiliser, causing runoff and nutrient pollution. A light, steady rain is ideal for helping fertiliser seep into the soil without excess loss. |
| Use Slow-Release Fertilisers for Long-Term Feeding | Instead of relying on quick-release, manufactured fertilisers that give an instant nutrient boost but can easily leach away, opt for slow-release or granular fertilisers that break down over time. This way, your plants will receive a consistent feed without the risk of nutrient overload. Fertilisers with natural ingredients, such as Plant Doctor’s Roots, Shoots & Leaves, are designed for steady, sustained release, improving plant growth and preventing over-fertilisation. |
One of the best ways to maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich soil environment is by using Micronised Gypsum. This powerful soil conditioner helps to improve soil structure, ensuring that nutrients are absorbed more efficiently and preventing the build-up of excess fertiliser in the soil.
How It Works: Micronised Gypsum works by breaking up compacted soil, increasing water infiltration, and enhancing nutrient uptake. It also helps to reduce nutrient leaching, ensuring that your plants have the right balance of nutrients over time.
Why It’s Ideal: Unlike manufactured fertilisers, which can be harsh on the soil, Micronised Gypsum provides gentle, long-term feeding, without the risk of over-fertilisation. It’s an ideal product for gardeners who want to maintain healthy, thriving plants while promoting sustainable gardening practices
Balance is Key: While it’s tempting to add extra fertiliser for a boost in growth, over-fertilising can have long-term negative effects on both your plants and the environment. By measuring your fertiliser carefully, choosing slow-release options, and using products like Micronised Gypsum, you can promote healthy soil and plant growth without causing damage. Remember, healthy plants start with healthy soil, and moderation is the key to success.
Australia’s ecosystems are incredibly diverse, but they are also vulnerable to the impacts of excess fertiliser runoff. When too much fertiliser is applied, especially during heavy rains, nutrients can wash off the soil and into rivers, lakes, and streams, leading to algal blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen in the water, causing harm to marine life and disrupting delicate aquatic ecosystems. The effects can be devastating, with fish kills, loss of biodiversity, and the long-term degradation of water quality.
It’s critical to adopt responsible fertilisation practices that not only support plant health but also protect Australia’s waterways and marine environments. By following a few simple yet effective tips, we can all do our part to maintain a healthy balance between plant growth and environmental preservation.
Tips for Responsible Fertilising
Use Organic Fertilisers for Slow, Steady Feeding: One of the best ways to fertilise responsibly is by choosing organic fertilisers that release nutrients slowly over time. Organic products like Quantum H and Seaweed Secrets are fantastic options for steady feeding. These natural products are less likely to leach into the soil and water, providing a gentle nutrient boost to plants without the risk of excess runoff.
Why it’s important: Slow-release, organic fertilisers ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need over an extended period, reducing the likelihood of nutrient leaching that can contaminate water sources.
Apply Fertiliser When Rain Isn’t Forecast for the Next 24 Hours: Timing is key when applying fertiliser. Always check the weather forecast before fertilising, and apply fertiliser when rain isn’t expected for the next 24 hours. This allows the fertiliser to be absorbed into the soil before heavy rains can wash it away.
Why it’s important: If you apply fertiliser just before a rainstorm, it can lead to runoff that washes the fertiliser into storm drains, rivers, and lakes. Giving it time to settle before rainfall helps reduce the potential for water pollution.
Avoid Fertilising Near Waterways or Storm Drains: Be mindful of where you’re applying fertiliser. Avoid spreading fertiliser near storm drains, rivers, lakes, or wetlands, as these areas are directly connected to the broader ecosystem. Fertiliser that enters these waterways can contribute to the harmful effects of eutrophication, which leads to algal blooms and oxygen depletion in aquatic environments.
Why it’s important: Even a small amount of fertiliser runoff can have a large impact on local waterways, especially in areas that are already stressed by urban development. By keeping fertiliser away from sensitive areas, you can help protect marine life and water quality.
Choose Low-Phosphorus Fertilisers for Australian Natives: Many Australian native plants are adapted to low-phosphorus soils, and applying fertilisers with high phosphorus content can actually harm them by altering the soil’s natural balance. Opt for low-phosphorus fertilisers that cater to the specific needs of native plants.
Why it’s important: Overuse of phosphorus-based fertilisers can lead to nutrient imbalances in the soil, causing harm to native plant species that are adapted to lower nutrient levels. It can also contribute to the build-up of phosphorus in the soil, which can then be washed away into local waterways, contributing to algal blooms.
Fertilise with Care: Protecting Australia’s Natural Beauty: Australia’s unique ecosystems, from the Great Barrier Reef to the vast inland deserts, rely on careful stewardship and responsible practices. By fertilising wisely and adhering to these simple guidelines, we can ensure that our gardens and landscapes thrive without causing harm to the environment. Opting for organic, slow-release fertilisers, timing applications carefully, and respecting natural habitats near waterways are all simple yet effective steps that contribute to a healthier planet. Through responsible fertilising, we protect the waterways that sustain both plant life and marine ecosystems, helping to preserve Australia’s natural beauty for future generations.
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden, and enriching it naturally is a great way to maintain long-term plant health while reducing your environmental impact. There are many sustainable methods you can use to nourish your soil, all of which contribute to a healthier garden and a more vibrant ecosystem. Whether you're looking to improve soil structure, enhance moisture retention, or add essential nutrients, these natural soil-boosting techniques are effective and eco-friendly.
Composting is one of the most eco-friendly and effective ways to enrich your soil. By recycling kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and even yard waste, you can create a nutrient-rich organic matter that will work wonders for your garden.
| Why It’s Important | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| Composting not only recycles waste, but it also improves soil texture, helps with drainage, and introduces a host of beneficial microbes that support plant growth. Compost enriches the soil with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essential nutrients that plants need to thrive. | Simply spread a layer of compost on your garden beds, mix it into the soil, or use it as mulch around plants. It works well for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and lawns. |
Cover cropping is the practice of planting specific crops—such as clover, legumes, or vetch—to naturally improve soil health. These plants are known as nitrogen-fixing plants because they help convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb and use.
| Why It’s Important | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen is a vital nutrient that plants need for healthy growth, and cover crops reduce the need for manufactured fertilisers. By planting legumes or other nitrogen-fixing plants, you can boost soil fertility and maintain a balanced nutrient profile without relying on chemical fertilisers.. | Simply sow cover crops in your garden during the off-season or between main crops. Once the cover crops have grown, they can be tilled into the soil to add organic matter and nutrients. These plants also help prevent soil erosion and improve soil structure over time. |
Mulching is the process of covering the soil with a protective layer of organic or inorganic materials such as leaves, straw, bark, grass clippings, or even newspaper. Mulch helps to regulate soil temperature, reduce water evaporation, and prevent weeds from taking hold.
| Why It’s Important | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| By adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds, you’re not only improving soil health but also conserving moisture, which is especially important in dry Aussie climates. Mulch decomposes over time, slowly adding nutrients to the soil and enhancing its structure.. | Apply a thick layer of mulch (about 2–4 inches) around plants and on garden beds. Avoid piling it up against plant stems or tree trunks, as this can cause rot. Replenish mulch as it breaks down over time to maintain its benefits. |
If you’re looking for products that can further improve your soil’s structure, moisture retention, and nutrient availability, Plant Doctor’s Nature’s Soil Wetter and Humic Acid Concentrate are two excellent options. These products are especially beneficial in dry climates like those found across much of Australia, where soil moisture retention is key to healthy plant growth.
Why it’s important: Both products help create a healthier, more sustainable growing environment, reducing the need for excessive watering and chemical fertilisers. They work harmoniously with the natural processes of composting, cover cropping, and mulching, boosting the overall health of your soil and plants.
By incorporating these natural soil enrichment techniques into your gardening routine, you can ensure that your garden flourishes while also contributing to a more sustainable, eco-friendly landscape. Whether you’re composting, using cover crops, or mulching, you’re making choices that benefit both your plants and the environment. Ready to give your soil a natural boost? Try Plant Doctor’s Nature’s Soil Wetter and Humic Acid Concentrate today and see the difference it can make for your plants and garden health!
Fertilisers are essential for keeping Australian gardens healthy, but using the right type at the right time is key. Whether you're feeding your lawn, growing native plants, or tending a veggie patch, Plant Doctor has a fertiliser solution to suit your needs.
Got questions about fertilising in Australia? Drop them in the comments below!
First time owning lawn. Gave the team at plant doctor a ring and they supplied me with a wealth of information. Products turned up quickly.
Will definitely be getting more 8 weeks difference been using stimulizer, activ8mate, soil wetter, seaweed secrets and champion fertiliser. Was super fast delivery.
Only have great things to say about Plant Doctor. Organic products and a competitive price, fast shipping and easy to contact with questions. Have had great results with the special mix for lawns, and my plants (indoor and outdoor) love the seaweed secrets. I am excited to test out some of the animal products soon!
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