What should I feed and when?!

[Justy]

I know about feeding tomatoes but I never know what else I should be feeding and at what stage so usually don't bother but I am thinking I would get better results if I did.  I am growing:

peas, sweetcorn, potatoes, courgettes, peppers, chillies, onions, carrots & beetroot.

I have had to fill up my beds with a lot of compost from the local recycling depot which I know is not particularly nutritious so I am keen to ensure the plants get what they need. (I have put chicken poo in when I dug them over too).

[Justy]

[Tee Gee]

You will get a  few ideas here; http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Plant%20feeding/Plant%20feeding.htm

[zigzig]

It is a good question and every one has slightly differing ideas, but one bit of advice I was given was:-

just before it rains mix some liquid feed in a watering can and put some on every plant so that they all get a good watering in of the feed. Then take in the extra rainfall to grow.

Another one told me that every week he mixes half measure of liquid feed in a watering can and gives everything a drop. Must say, the guy always has a good crop.

There are details on packs of feeds when you buy them and most of the producers of plant food are only too happy to advise because they want you to use their product, get good results and buy more. Own brand feeds seem to be as effective and often cheaper. Look out for supermarkets mark downs at the end of the season too and buy for next year.

Rats will eat dry food which is left sprinkled, they even gnaw through containers in sheds over winter to get to it so I am not convinced that it is as effective as watering in.  They say that there are rats everywhere, come out when we are not looking...