Plants produce most of their annual growth over the next few weeks, so it is important to fertilise them now.
Most plants: use Dynamic Lifter, slow release fertiliser, or liquid Nitrosol (apply liquid fertilisers with a hose end sprayer).
Lawns: use a complete lawn food, an organic food such as Dynamic Lifter formulated for lawns, or a slow-release lawn fertiliser such as Scotts Lawn Builder. For an even application, Don recommends using a fertiliser spreader.
Pot plants: use slow-release fertilisers such as Osmocote or Nutricote.
Citrus, roses and hibiscus: use either rose food or citrus food – they are much the same. Feed citrus now, then again in February. Be sure to keep grass at least 1m (3′) away from the trunks of citrus trees, as grass competes with citrus roots for nutrients.
Very sandy or beachside areas: make sure that your fertiliser contains trace elements, as these are often missing in sandy soils.
Note: plants should be watered well before and after fertilising.
Further information
Fertiliser spreaders are sold at hardware stores and some nurseries. Large fertiliser spreaders are also available for hire. Small (hand held) fertiliser spreaders cost around $25 (on special at Mitre 10 for $19.35). Large fertiliser spreaders cost around $90.
To find out more about fertilising and other spring jobs, see the free 16 page spring zipout in the September issue of the Burke’s Backyard magazine, on sale at newsagents now for $4.60.