A gardening expert has claimed all gardeners should be doing one task every single week that will help plants grow – and many of us don’t do it
Gardeners must do one thing with their plants every week (stock photo)(Image: monkeybusinessimages via Getty Images)
A garden expert has warned that neglecting one weekly chore could be the undoing of your plants. We all want our gardens to thrive. Whether you’re growing fruits and vegetables for the kitchen or a bounty of beautiful blooms, the ultimate goal is to get them to grow into stunning plants rather than wither away prematurely.
Most gardeners will regularly water and prune their plants when needed, but there’s one crucial step that you might be missing, according to one gardening expert. Jonny Hincks, better known as GardenWithJonny online, took to TikTok with advice encouraging keen gardeners to adopt “a few small tweaks” in tending to their flora.
He argues that using plant food is a vital change that cultivators of crops or flowers should not overlook.
Stressing the importance of nourishment for plant growth and development, Jonny compares it to human dietary needs: “Tell me, would you go months without food? No? Neither should your plants. Feed your plants once a week. A general multi-purpose fertiliser is great for most flowering and fruiting plants.”
According to Gardener’s World, without adequate feed, garden plants may suffer from poor growth, lacklustre colour, and an unsatisfactory yield of blossoms or produce.
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Plant foods are often brimming with three essential nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – which are crucial for the healthy growth of leaves and shoots, robust root development, and enhanced flower and fruit production.
In his video, Jonny also highlighted a common error many make while watering gardens, particularly when we water our plants daily “just in case.”
He advised: “There are a lot of plants that hate wet feet. Let the top inch of soil go dry before you go in again – trust your fingers, not your hose.”
However, it’s important to note that during extremely hot weather, some plants may require daily watering. It’s always best to check the soil moisture before watering your garden to make an informed decision.
Lastly, Jonny encouraged gardeners to deadhead spent blooms to prompt their plants to produce more. He suggested that leaving dead flowers can signal to the plant that it’s “done for the year”, but removing them can extend the blooming period.
How to care for garden or potted flowers
Water Properly: Most flowers prefer consistent moisture but not soggy soil. Water early in the day and at the soil level, not on the leaves.
Sunlight: Ensure your flowers get the right amount of sunlight for their species – some need full sun, others partial shade.
Fertilise: Use a balanced fertiliser as recommended for your flower type. Over-fertilising can harm plants.
Deadhead: Remove faded or dead flowers to encourage new blooms and keep the plant tidy.
Mulch: Apply mulch around your flowers to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool.
Pest Control: Watch for signs of pests or disease. Remove affected leaves or use appropriate treatments if needed.