Monty Don, the beloved BBC Gardeners' World presenter, has shared a simple and affordable tip for gardeners looking to transplant container-grown plants into flower beds. The horticulturist warns that plants in containers often exhaust the nutrients in their compost, leaving them vulnerable when moved to the garden.
Writing on his blog, MontyDon.com, Don recommends a weekly feed high in potash to promote root and flower formation. He suggests using liquid seaweed or a proprietary liquid tomato feed, both of which are inexpensive and widely available. A litre bottle of liquid seaweed, for example, costs just £3.09 at The Range and lasts a long time when diluted.
Don emphasises the importance of not overfeeding plants, as too many nutrients can cause rapid, lush growth that attracts fungal and predatory problems. He advises gardeners to follow the instructions carefully and even reduce the strength if in doubt. 'Your plants and displays will be better for it,' he adds.
However, Don notes that some plants, such as Jade Plants and African Violets, may not respond well to liquid seaweed, so it's always worth checking the instructions before application. This simple, low-cost method can help ensure that blooms stay healthy and thriving all year round.
