Hermanus Landscaping 101: Fertilization (Organic Fertilizers)

Picking up from my post last week on the importance of compost, this week I will discuss the fertilization of Hermanus gardens and landscaping.

Organic Fertilizer in Pellet Form

Create a living soil

         

Adequate composting is essential for a successful Hermanus garden or landscaping project due to its ability to improve the structure, texture, drainage and water holding capabilities of Hermanus garden soils (especially with our very hydrophobic soil).
Compost however also provides essential micro organisms which are needed to break down the minerals that naturally occur in our soil or  which are provided by supplementary fertilization, from a form that cannot be used by plants (inorganic) to a form that plants can use(organic).

The advantages of organic feeding

It is for this reason that we should be looking to use fertilizers that best stimulate micro organism activity whilst leaving very little or no harmful residue behind.
Organic fertilizers do just this, they are a slow acting natural solution made from animal byproducts and provide a myriad of benefits:

• Slow Release ensuring a gradual release of nutrients as needed.
• Stimulate micro organism activity improving the health of ones soil
• Improve the health and pest resistance of garden plants
• Improve soil structure and texture
• Leave no or very little residue behind
• Safe to use and leave no harmful traces in fruit/veg/herb gardens

Organically produced for a healthier environment

Choose a way of life that benefits future generations

       

Recommended application rates:

• New Landscapes –  Apply at 100-150 grams per m²  of newly planned planting areas and work into the top 300 mm soil layer together with compost.
• Planting – Bone meal is ideal for planting as it stimulates root growth and provides a slow sustained release of nitrogen. DO NOT USE WITH ANY FYNBOS PLANTING. Organic 3.1.5 is another fantastic option either on its own or together with bone meal.
• Established gardens: Apply at 70-100 grams per m² for beds. Remember to remove all fertilizer from plant foliage and to water well. It can still burn despite being organic.
• Lawns – Apply the meal form of organic fertilizer to your lawns, not the pellet form. Apply at 100 grams per m²  and water well.
• Re apply organic fertilizers every 3 months.