Bone Meal

Fertilisers supply the nutrients plants need to grow, flower and crop. The category also includes grass seed for new lawns and repairs.

Nutrients and types of feed

The pack gives an NPK ratio: the proportions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Nitrogen mainly drives leaf and stem growth, phosphorus supports root and shoot growth, and potassium helps flowering, fruiting and cold hardiness.

• Dry feeds: powders, pellets and granules spread onto soil or lawn.
• Liquid feeds: concentrates or soluble powders mixed with water.
• Slow and controlled release feeds: let nutrients out gradually, some over several months.
• Organic or inorganic: organic feeds, such as pelleted chicken manure and seaweed, come from living things; inorganic feeds are synthetic or mined minerals.
• Crop feeds: tomato feeds carry extra potassium for flowering and cropping, and there are feeds for roses, potatoes and onions.

Lawn feeds and grass seed

Autumn lawn feeds are made to build roots over winter rather than leafy growth. Feeds combined with moss killer often contain iron sulphate: rake out the dead moss a week or two after treating, and brush stray granules off paving, decking and footwear straight away, as they can stain. Do not hose them off.

Sow grass seed in early autumn or mid-spring, when the soil is warm and moist. Pick a hard-wearing, fine or shade mix to suit the site. Prepare a firm, weed-free seedbed, sow half the seed one way and half across it, rake lightly and water if no rain is due. Seedlings usually appear after a week or so.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data for rate and timing, and wear gloves when handling manure-based feeds. For even spreading, see lawn spreaders and rollers; for potting mixes, see compost.