AS THE summer progresses, most plants start to run out of steam and need a boost.

Once they have completed that early flush of growth, they really benefit from a good feed.

Powder, granules or liquid feeds will all do a very good job and keep your plants growing, but remember - plants drink their food (they can’t chew!) so water well before feeding and again afterwards to help your plants use the food you have given them.

For a quick response, use a foliar feed applied to the leaves.

The plants often respond within days, but don’t overdo it or you can scorch the leaves and cause quite a bit of damage.

Rather than just a one-off feed, it is worth planning a regular pattern so your plants continue to grow evenly throughout the summer.

Top tips

1. Apply food evenly around the base

2. Wash the food down to the roots

3. For large areas, feed through a dilutor

4. Wash any fertiliser off the leaves