Fertilising Perennials

Why fertilise?
Perennials are plants that have to renew themselves from the root up every year. This means that they need a good roots, light, water and plenty of nutrients readily available from the soil.
Success is at its most assured when the perennials have been planted in a manner that suits them from the beginning. This means a good soil (alkaline or acidic), the right kind of light conditions and the right kind of dampness and structure (dry, moist, wet or perhaps one of these but with good winter drainage) in the soil.

Initial Fertilising
Planting should be done in Kekkilä’s Rose and Perennial Soil which has been fertilised. Kekkilä’s Garden Soil is also suitable for many perennials and some prefer Kekkilä’s Spruce and Rhododendron Soil which have both also been fertilised. Plants in the Rockery might prefer a more free draining soil which can be provided by for example using Kekkilä’s Garden Soil and a Garden Sand. Smaller plantings can be done in the Cactus and Sowing Soil. Water and Bog Plants naturally prefer the Water Plant Soil.

To prevent evaporation from the soil it can be covered with one of Kekkilä’s Decorative Stones or Mulches. Especially the stones provide aeration and protect the growing points of the perennials from too much moisture in the winter.

Further Fertilising
Kekkilä’s Perennial Fertiliser (1 kg / 2,20 lbs) is a fertiliser in grain form. It contains a lot of potassium and less nitrogen which enhances strong stems and a beautiful bloom. It is also possible to use Kekkilä’s Garden Fertiliser, Water Fertiliser or the milder Kekkilä Chicken Manure.

Where to Fertilise
The plants are fertilised by either watering with fertilised water or spreading Perennial Fertiliser in its grain form. Fertilising should be done in such a manner that it reaches the root systems of the plants. Make sure that you don’t throw the grains on the leaves of the plants or in the folds of the leaves.