Feeding Your Garden in Summer: A Simple Fertilising Guide

Key Takeaways

• Water first, feed second. Make sure the soil is moist before you fertilise, especially in hot or dry weather.
• Slow-release feeds the soil over time: a light application every six to eight weeks suits summer.
• Liquid feeds act fast: use them every one to two weeks during active growth.
• Skip feeding during a heatwave or when plants are stressed, and wait until they recover.
• Always follow the directions on the pack for rates.

‍

Slow-release vs liquid fertiliser: what's the difference?

You don't need a shed full of products to feed your garden well. Most gardeners only need two types, and they do different jobs.

Slow-release (granular, dig-in or pellets) releases nutrients over time, so you apply it less often. Searles 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser is a dig-in organic fertiliser made from cow, fowl and sheep manures, mushroom compost, zeolite and blood and bone, plus added trace elements and minerals. It also helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool, which is handy in summer. It's BFA certified organic. If you prefer something easy to scatter, 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser Pellets are a long-lasting formula for flowers, veggies, fruit, lawns, shrubs and trees.

Liquid and soluble fertilisers are quick acting and taken up through leaves and roots. Searles' fertilising guide says warmer months are when liquid fertilisers become a key support. Options include:

• 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser Liquid, a concentrate suitable for all plants
• 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser Hose-on, sprayed on foliage and soil every 7 to 14 days
• Flourish soluble plant foods, made for specific plants such as tomatoes, veggies and herbs, or fruit, citrus and berries

A simple summer routine: a slow-release base in garden beds, plus a regular liquid top-up for hungry plants.

‍

How often to fertilise veggies in summer

Summer veggies like tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers grow fast and fruit heavily, so they're among the hungriest plants in the garden.

• At planting: plant into soil that's already been enriched. Mix one part 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser (Dig In) into four parts existing soil. Don't plant straight into the fertiliser, as it may burn the roots.
• Once they're growing: about three to four weeks after planting, when new growth appears, start a liquid feed.
• Through summer: feed every one to two weeks with a liquid such as Flourish Tomato, Vegetable & Herb, which is made to boost fruit and flower production in pots and garden beds.

Fruiting crops rely on potassium for good fruit, while leafy greens need nitrogen for strong leaves. That's why tomato and veggie foods are worth using once flowers and fruit appear.

‍

When to fertilise pots and containers

Pots dry out quickly in summer and nutrients wash through with every watering, so they need a little extra attention.

Start with a quality mix. Searles Premium Potting Mix includes controlled-release fertiliser for eight months of feeding, plus a rapid-response fertiliser that feeds straight after planting. That gives potted plants a solid base.

On top of that, a liquid or soluble feed every one to two weeks during active growth keeps flowers, herbs and veggies in pots going strong. Flourish soluble plant foods are suitable for pots and gardens.

One thing to avoid: 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser (Dig In) isn't recommended for pots or for mixing with potting mix. It's designed for garden beds and lawns.

‍

When to fertilise your lawn in summer in Australia

Lawns can look tired by mid-summer, but feeding at the wrong time can do more harm than good.

• Don't fertilise during a heatwave. Wait until conditions ease before applying any lawn food.
• Water deeply first, then feed, and follow the rate on the pack.
• Keep the grass a little longer, as taller grass shades the soil and holds moisture better.

Searles Lawn Food is an organic-based food for all lawn types, with high nitrogen, low phosphorus and added iron. For larger areas, 5 IN 1 Hose-on is an easy way to feed while you water and covers about 50 square metres. Check the pack for how often to reapply.

‍

How to feed fruit trees and citrus through summer

Fruit trees are busy setting and swelling fruit in summer, so steady feeding helps.

• Spread a slow-release fertiliser around the drip line (under the outer edge of the canopy), not against the trunk, and water it in well.
• Top up with Flourish Fruit, Citrus & Berry, a soluble plant food for lemons, oranges, mandarins, limes, mangoes, avocados, strawberries and other fruit and berries. It's suitable to apply all year round.
• Keep the soil moist, and mulch to hold in moisture and keep roots cool.

‍

Summer fertilising tips: when to fertilise your garden in Australia

To sum up when to fertilise your garden in Australia over summer:

• Water early in the morning, ideally before 8am, then feed onto the moist soil.
• Little and often beats one big dose. A light slow-release feed every six to eight weeks is enough in summer.
• Use liquids every one to two weeks for fast growers and pots.
• Hold off when plants are wilting or stressed, and feed once they recover.

You don't need to get it perfect. Start with a simple routine, watch how your plants respond and adjust as you go. For more feeding basics, read Searles' guide to fertiliser basics and when to feed, and explore the full Searles fertiliser range.

‍

FAQs

How often should I fertilise my garden in summer?

In summer, a light application of a balanced slow-release fertiliser every six to eight weeks is enough. Fast-growing plants and pots also benefit from a liquid feed every one to two weeks while they're actively growing.

‍

Is it OK to fertilise in hot weather?

Avoid fertilising during a heatwave or when plants are stressed, and wait until conditions ease and plants recover. Always water thoroughly before you feed, especially in hot or dry weather.

‍

What's the difference between slow-release and liquid fertiliser?

Slow-release fertilisers release nutrients over time, so they need less reapplication. Liquid fertilisers act quickly and are best applied every one to two weeks during active growth.

‍

Can I use 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser (Dig In) in pots?

No. 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser (Dig In) is designed for garden bed soils and lawns, and isn't recommended for pots or mixing with potting mix. For pots, use a quality potting mix with built-in fertiliser and add a liquid or soluble feed such as Flourish.

‍

How often should I feed tomatoes and veggies?

Plant into soil enriched with fertiliser, then start a liquid feed about three to four weeks after planting once new growth appears. Through summer, feed every one to two weeks with a liquid such as Flourish Tomato, Vegetable & Herb.

‍

Ready to give your garden a summer boost? Ask for Searles 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser and Flourish at your local garden centre, or find your nearest Searles stockist online.

‍