I’ve spent years getting my hands dirty with feeding plants. Using products for all the reasons and all the seasons.
I've learned that keeping things simple makes all the difference—especially when it comes to feeding in the Spring and Summer.
I often get asked how I keep Jasmine so green, or how I stop Camellias from dropping their buds.
It really comes down to a simple routine and great timing. My philosophy is "Root-First." The root system is the engine room. Then, we focus on the blooms with light, liquid feeds.
Phase 1: The Root Foundation
One of the biggest challenges for plants is extracting phosphorous—which strengthens roots—from the soil.
I always start the season by focusing on the roots because I’ve seen plants thrive in summer heat simply because they had a strong start in spring.
I wait for the first sign of life, usually in March.
I look for that "tiny bit of growth" when soil temperatures hit 7-10°C. I don't watch the calendar; I watch for that green movement.
I don't believe in over-applying granules.
I only bring it back if leaves lose their deep colour.
My Jasmine are hungry plants and often need that extra boost, but most other plants are happy with just one application.
The Continuous Drip-Feed
Phase 2: Reading the "Popping" Cues
I love the moment a plant is about to perform. Take Camellia japonica—I watch the buds closely as they get plump and round. They look ready to burst, but haven't "popped" yet. That is the perfect window.
I hit them with Relentless Gardener Potash Liquid Feed. Potash is brilliant for flower quality and colour. This surge of energy helps them open fully and gives the plant exactly what it needs for a big display.
Once spring is moving, I switch to maintenance using our Liquid All-Purpose Plant Feed x Seaweed every 4-6 weeks. This isn't about forcing the plant; it’s a steady "drip-feed" of nutrition. The high potassium helps towards better blooms and fruit yields, while the seaweed acts as a tonic to help plants handle stress and dry spells.
The Acid-Lovers' Important Extra
I treat my Camellias, Rhododendrons, and Azaleas with an additional tonic: Relentless Gardener Ericaceous Tonic. I keep the acidifier separate from the feed so I only use it when required. Soil doesn't need acidifying every 4 weeks like some mass-produced products suggest.
How do I know it's required? I apply it at the start of the season to recover from winter, but I also watch for these signs:
- Leaves turning red (common on Blueberries).
- Dark green leaves being eaten (common on Rhododendrons).
- Leaves shrivelling or dropping off your Camellia.
The Feeding Record Secret
Here is my best practical tip: Write it down if you like. I keep a one-page A4 sheet for the garden. I record what I fed and when. I don't use fancy apps; I just use a pen. It takes thirty seconds and ensures no corner of the garden is forgotten or double-fed.
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