Fertilizer 101: How I Feed My Plants for Long-Term Success
Why regular feeding makes all the difference — and how I do it at Broad Meadow
One of the most common things I hear from customers is:
“My plants looked great when I bought them, but then they just kind of... fizzled out.”
And almost every time, the reason is simple: They needed more food.
Plants in containers grow fast, bloom hard, and use up nutrients quickly — much faster than plants in the ground. That’s why consistent feeding is one of the most important things you can do to keep your garden, baskets, and planters thriving all season.
What I Use at the Greenhouse
At Broad Meadow, I keep my fertilizer routine simple but effective. I use:
✅ Nature Source Fertilizer – a water-soluble fertilizer I apply 1–2 times per week
✅ Alpaca manure – a natural, slow-release option that gently feeds plants over time
The liquid feed gives plants a quick nutrient boost, while the manure builds long-term root strength and supports healthy, steady growth.
Peat Moss Holds Water — But Not Nutrients
Most potting soils (including the kind I use in my baskets and containers) are made primarily of peat moss. And while it’s great for holding water, it doesn’t contain any nutrients on its own.
That’s why you have to feed your plants. Without added fertilizer, they’ll run out of energy fast — especially in containers.
And here’s another important tip:
Don’t let your pots dry out completely. Peat moss is tricky to re-wet once it dries out, and your plants will suffer for it. Keeping your soil consistently moist helps roots absorb both water and nutrients.
What I Offer for Home Gardeners
You don’t need a commercial-sized setup to feed your plants like I do!
🪴 Nature Source Fertilizer is available here in a handy homeowner-sized container.
A little goes a long way — you really don’t need much, and one container will last longer than you expect.
💩 Alpaca manure is available too, sold in 5-gallon buckets.
It’s safe to use “fresh” because it doesn’t contain weed seeds like other manures, and it won’t burn your plants. Perfect for garden beds, containers, and anyone wanting to give their soil a gentle boost.
Why Consistent Feeding Matters
Container plants:
Can’t pull nutrients from the ground like in-ground plants
Are often watered daily — which flushes nutrients out
Use lots of energy to bloom and grow
Need regular feeding to stay full, healthy, and colourful
That’s why I recommend fertilizing once or twice a week — even more often in hot weather or with fast-growing baskets.
And don’t wait to start. When you plant your containers, give them a drink of clear water to settle the roots, and then start your fertilizer routine right away. It’ll make a huge difference in how well they grow on.
Bonus Tip: Save Rainwater
If you have a rain barrel or way to collect rainwater, use it!
Plants love it, it’s free, and it’s often gentler than chlorinated tap water. It’s a small change that adds up — especially if you’re watering every day.
Quick Tips for Feeding Your Plants
Start fertilizing right away after planting — don’t wait!
Use a liquid feed once or twice a week
Feed in the morning so plants can take up nutrients during the day
Watch for signs of hunger: pale leaves, slowed growth, fewer blooms
Keep soil evenly moist so nutrients can be absorbed
Supplement with alpaca manure for long-term support
Final Thought
If your plants start to stall or fade mid-season, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong — they just need a little boost.
Feeding consistently is one of the best ways to keep your containers lush and blooming right into fall. And the best part? It’s easy once it’s part of your rhythm.
If you ever have questions about how or what to feed, or want to grab a small container of fertilizer or a bucket of alpaca gold — just ask. I’m always happy to help.
Happy Gardening,
Heidi
