Plant Food & Fertilisers

What's the difference between plant food and fertiliser?

Plant food is an all-encompassing term that refers to any substance or product that nourishes your plants by providing essential nutrients. Think of it as the plant equivalent of a green super smoothie for your garden – a blend of essential macronutrients that plants crave. Popular plant foods include everything from rich compost and nutrient-packed organic matter to trusty synthetic fertilisers. In short, if it feeds your plant, it’s plant food.
Fertiliser falls under the plant food umbrella because it provides plants with a high concentration of nutrients. Fertilisers are engineered for precision and tend to address specific garden needs or shortfalls – it's more of a targeted vitamin rather than an all-rounder solution. Fertiliser comes in different forms such as liquid, granular and pellet varieties to give your plants everything they need to grow healthy and bloom.

What can plant foods be used for?

Plant foods are a must-have in any garden shed; they're a handy tool that can be used to:

Give your soil a boost: Sprinkle some love on your soil with plant food or by mulching with organic matter once a year in mid-to late spring. It works wonders to enrich the soil, helping plants thrive like never before. Healthy soil = happy plants + happy you!

Give your plants a pick-me-up: Noticing your plants look a little off? A dose of fertiliser can work wonders to fix nutrient deficiencies and give them an instant wellness boost. Just make sure to do a little homework first – understanding what’s missing will help you choose the perfect fertiliser to get your plants back on track.

Spruce up your lawn:
We told you plant food was adaptable, didn't we? Yes, it can even be used on your lawn! Give your grass a nutrient hit with an organic pellet or granular lawn feed that'll banish lawn brown spots .

FAQs about plant food

What does the NPK ratio on fertiliser packaging mean?

NPK stands for the key nutrients that make fertilisers:

1. Nitrogen: An essential chemical in the photosynthesis process, meaning without it, plants can't grow to their full potential. Nitrogen helps give plants that iconic lush green growth.

2. Phosphorus: Helps promote root development and growth – like the way a charger boosts your phone, phosphorus gives your plants the energy to create a strong root system.

3. Potassium: The K in NPK is the chemical symbol for potassium. This nutrient keeps your plants' overall health topped up, helping them resist disease and enhancing nutrient uptake, boosting their resilience.

What's the difference between organic and chemical fertilisers?

Organic fertilisers are derived from natural sources, typically from animal waste or plant matter. Manure, compost and bone meal are all examples of organic fertilisers, which, understandably, are much better for the environment (and your garden!) than man-made chemical fertilisers.

Also known as synthetic fertilisers, chemical fertilisers are specifically produced to contain concentrated forms of NPK. Often combining supplements and chemicals, these fertilisers are highly concentrated and effective at targeting your garden's issues. Be mindful though, as if used incorrectly or too frequently, you can risk soil depletion and nutrient imbalance.

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How can I tell if my plants need plant food?

Signs that your plants are lacking in plant nutrients are typically obvious to spot:

• Yellowing leaves
• Lacking flowers or fruits
• Noticeably slow growth
• Discolouration or brown spots on the leaves
• Wilting despite correct watering

Why choose us when buying plant food and fertiliser?

• Get answers to questions: You can chat to us five days a week, even on bank holidays! Call us between 9am-4pm to make sure you buy the right plant food for your garden.
• Quick delivery: Speedy next day dispatch on all orders! Any in-stock plant foods will be shipped out the day after we receive your order, so you can get cracking on your garden.
• Trusted retailer: Marshalls is a name you can trust. We have a 'Great' rating on Trustpilot and thousands of 5-star reviews.
• Community focus: We've created a community of gardeners who support and help one another. Check out our growing guides and blog to help you grow your skills.