Fertilize perennials with horn shavings

Why perennials need organic long-term fertilizers

The greatest advantage of perennials is that they sprout again in spring year after year. It goes without saying that this process takes a lot of strength. According to this, the plants need support in the form of nutrients every year. You can ensure this by adding fertilizers.

For the supply of nutrients to perennials, preference is given to organic fertilizers that work over a longer period of time and stimulate the soil to release nutrients. The following fertilizers are recommended for the annual basic fertilization:

• compost
• Blood meal
• Bone meal
• animal crap
• Horn shavings

Horn shavings as the preferred fertilizer

Organic slow release fertilizers such as Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) provide your perennials with constant nutrients over a relatively long period of time. They are among the traditionally used fertilizers in agriculture and are primarily characterized by their ability to optimize the fertility of the soil.

Horn shavings and other slow release fertilizers are slowly broken down by microorganisms. This creates organic substances that sustainably enhance the soil. The process usually takes a long time, which is why one gift per year is usually sufficient.

The most important property of Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) is that they increase the nitrogen content in the soil. Nitrogen is one of the main nutrient elements for perennials and also for other plants. It is considered to be the "engine of plant growth".

Extra: Do not use mineral fertilizers

Do not use mineral fertilizers for the annual basic fertilization.

• make the plants grow too quickly
• Perennials become unstable and can break
• Plants' need for water increases enormously

Fertilize perennials with horn shavings - step by step

1. Remove any weeds completely - carefully weeding them without tools so as not to damage the shallow roots.
2. Loosen the soil only superficially - with a cultivator or one Digging fork. Under no circumstances loosen deeply (many perennials have shallow roots)!
3. Work horn shavings into the soil around the perennials. Lightly rake them in.
4. Water the soil thoroughly.

Basic advice on fertilizing perennials

Apply the slow release fertilizer once a year - in the spring, preferably at the beginning of March, after you have used the Cut back perennials and weed the bed.