How do you use granular fertilizer? Spread it on moist soil around the plant, not against the stem, work it into the surface and water straight away. Small repeated doses beat one heavy dose that burns the roots.
What is granular fertilizer?
Solid granules placed in the soil that dissolve gradually with irrigation. It differs from water-soluble fertilizer, which goes in the irrigation water, and foliar fertilizer, which is sprayed on leaves.
| Type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-release granules | Feeds within days | Vegetables and lawns in active growth |
| Slow-release granules | Feeds over weeks or months | Pots, trees and gardens |
| Compound NPK granules | Three nutrients in one granule | General base feeding |
Ways to apply it
- Broadcasting: spread evenly over the whole area. Suits lawns and beds.
- Banding: a line of fertilizer beside the crop row, about a hand span away. Suits vegetables.
- Ring around a tree: spread under the edge of the canopy, not at the trunk.
- Pre-plant: mix into the soil before planting.
Step by step
- Moisten the soil a day before if it is dry.
- Measure the dose with a scale or a known spoon. Do not guess.
- Keep it off the stem by at least a palm's width.
- Work the granules into the top 2 to 5 cm of soil.
- Water immediately so the granules start dissolving and do not burn.
How much?
These figures are approximate. The label on the bag is the reference:
| Where | Approximate amount | How often |
|---|---|---|
| 20 cm pot | Half to one teaspoon | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Vegetable bed | 20 to 30 g per square metre | Every 3 to 4 weeks in growth |
| Lawn | 20 to 30 g per square metre | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Young fruit tree | 100 to 200 g | Split across the season |
Which formula?
- High nitrogen: for leafy growth.
- Balanced, such as 20-20-20: for general feeding.
- High potassium, such as 12-12-17: at flowering and fruiting.
- Potassium sulphate: for fruit size and flavour.
Mistakes that burn plants
- Piling fertilizer at the stem.
- Feeding dry soil with no watering afterwards.
- Spreading on wet leaves, where granules stick and scorch.
- Raising the dose hoping for faster growth.
- Feeding at midday in summer. Early morning or late afternoon is better.
Storage
- Dry, shaded place, out of the sun.
- Seal the bag well. Moisture cakes the granules.
- Keep it off the floor on a pallet.
- Away from children and animals.
Products from Orkida
- Harvest 20-20-20 balanced granular fertilizer 2 kg
- Harvest 12-12-17 high-potassium granular fertilizer 25 kg
- SAF granular 12-12-17, 1 kg pack
- Lovo 10-20-10 granular fertilizer 10 kg
- KALI SOP granular potassium sulphate 25 kg
Granular fertilizer FAQs
Should I dissolve granules in water?
No need. They are made to sit in the soil. For feeding through irrigation, use a water-soluble fertilizer.
When does it show results?
Quick-release in about a week. Slow-release shows gradually over weeks.
Does it suit indoor pots?
Yes, in very small amounts. Slow-release granules suit pots best.
Granular or liquid?
Each has its job. Granular for long base feeding, liquid for quick correction.