Organic composts and soil improvers
Organic composts and soil improvers add organic matter to garden soil, helping to improve soil structure, moisture retention and nutrient availability. They can also encourage beneficial soil microorganisms and earthworm activity. These products are best suited to garden beds, raised beds and areas where existing soil needs refreshing.
How often to apply: Apply when preparing new garden beds or refreshing established soil, following the directions on the product label. The amount and frequency required will depend on the product, soil condition and plants being grown.
How to apply: Spread the recommended amount evenly over the soil. Work it gently into the top layer of soil where directed, then water thoroughly. Mulch can be added afterwards to help protect the soil and retain moisture.
Benefits: Organic matter can improve soil structure, support beneficial soil life and help soils hold moisture and nutrients. It is particularly useful for tired, sandy or heavily cultivated garden beds.
Things to consider: Compost and soil improvers can be bulky to spread and work into the soil. Some products may also have a natural earthy or manure-like smell. They may supply some nutrients, but additional plant food may still be needed depending on the product and the needs of your plants.
Suitable Scotts products: Scotts Organic Soil Improver, Scotts Osmocote® Compost Premium Soil Improver, and Scotts Osmocote® Plus Organics All Purpose Plant Food & Soil Improver.
Slow-release fertiliser
Slow-release fertilisers provide nutrients gradually rather than delivering them all at once. This helps provide steadier feeding over an extended period and reduces the rapid surge of growth that can occur with some conventional fertilisers.
How often to apply: Feeding time varies between products. Always follow the application rate and reapplication timing shown on the label.
How to apply: Measure the correct amount for the area being treated and spread it as evenly as possible. Follow the product label to determine whether the fertiliser needs to be watered in.
Benefits: Slow-release fertilisers provide more gradual feeding and generally need to be applied less frequently than fast-acting fertilisers. They can be a convenient option for maintaining steady plant or lawn growth.
Things to consider: Nutrient release can vary depending on the product and environmental conditions. Applying too much or distributing it unevenly may damage plants or create uneven growth, so the label rate should always be followed.
Suitable Scotts products: Scotts Lawn Builder™ All Lawn Types Lawn Food and Scotts Lawn Builder™ Extreme Green Lawn Food. These products are formulated specifically for lawns and should not be used on garden plants.
Controlled-release fertiliser
Controlled-release fertilisers contain nutrient granules designed to release nutrients gradually over a set feeding period. With Scotts Osmocote® products, nutrient release responds to temperature, providing more nutrients during warmer conditions when plants are actively growing and less during cooler periods when growth slows.
How often to apply: The feeding period varies by product, with Scotts Osmocote® controlled-release fertilisers feeding for a specified number of months. Check the label and reapply only at the recommended time.
How to apply: Measure the label-recommended amount and distribute it evenly over the soil or potting mix. For established garden plants, apply around the root zone rather than directly against the stem or trunk. Lightly mix into the surface where directed and water thoroughly after application.
Benefits: Controlled-release fertilisers provide steady, targeted feeding over an extended period. Plant-specific formulations make it easier to select a nutrient balance suited to garden beds, pots, vegetables, citrus, flowering plants or Australian natives.
Things to consider: Controlled-release fertilisers may cost more upfront than some conventional fertilisers. The correct formulation and application rate must be selected for the plants being fed. Existing potting mixes may already contain controlled-release fertiliser, so check the bag before adding more.
Suitable Scotts products: Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release Fertiliser: Garden Beds, Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release Fertiliser: Native, Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release Fertiliser: Citrus & Fruit, and Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release Fertiliser: Tomato, Vegetable & Herb.
Liquid fertilisers
Liquid fertilisers provide nutrients in a form that plants can take up readily. They are a practical option for regular feeding during active growth and can be especially convenient for plants growing in pots and containers.
How often to apply: Liquid fertilisers generally need to be applied more regularly than slow-release or controlled-release products. Always follow the application frequency provided on the product label, as this will vary between formulations.
How to apply: Dilute concentrated products with water according to the label directions, or apply ready-to-use and hose-on products as instructed. Distribute the fertiliser evenly and only apply it to foliage when the label specifically recommends foliar feeding.
Benefits: Liquid fertilisers act quickly and are available in convenient concentrate, ready-to-use and hose-on formats. Different formulations are available for general garden plants, edible plants and lawns.
Things to consider: Liquid fertilisers generally require more frequent application than slow-release or controlled-release products. Applying more than the recommended amount will not provide better results and may damage plants, so always measure carefully and follow the label.
Suitable Scotts products: Scotts Organic Plant Food Concentrate, Scotts Organic Plant Food Hose On, Scotts Organic Plant Food Ready to Use, Scotts Osmocote® Pour+Feed Cacti & Succulents, and Scotts Osmocote® Pour+Feed Orchid Liquid Fertiliser
