Fertilizer
N, P & K (Nitrogen Phosphorus & Potassium)

Nitrogen: Encourages vegetative growth ‚ Important in making chlorophyll ‚ It is fast acting with a short soil life		Potassium: Winter hardiness - in the autumn ‚ Strong stems ‚ Better root system ‚ Has a long residual time in the soil
Phosphorus: Increases flowering and fruiting ‚ Flower colour is more intense ‚ Flowers last longer ‚ Shorter internodes		Micronutrients: ‚ Eliminate micronutrients deficiencies. ‚ Work as a catalyst for the macronutrients (N, P & K) ‚ Holds well in the soil in a form that can be readily available to the plant

pH

pH is the relative acidity or alkalinity of the soil

This scale is logarithmic: a soil with a pH of 4 is 100 times as acidic as one with a pH of 6 and 10 times as acidic as one with a pH of 5.

All plants have a soil pH requirement. This pH is determined by the plants ability to maximize food uptake. If the pH of a soil is too alkaline or too acidic a plant can starve, even in the presence of sufficient food. Also, incorrect pH can result in a build up of nutrients to toxic levels. Examples of pH requirements Vegetables - 5.0 to 7.0 Residential Turf Grass - 6.5 to 7.0 Rhododendron, Azalea, Blueberry - 5.0 to 6.0 Clematis - approx 7.0 pH Control To change a soil pH Sandy soils - They are easier to change the pH but the changes last a shorter time. Clay soils - They are harder to change, but the changes last longer Horticultural lime is used to raise the pH.  The finer the horticultural lime, the faster acting it will be. Peat Moss - Pine needles have a pH of about 6.0 to 6.5 Finished compost usually has a pH of 6.5 Garden sulphur is used to make a soil more acidic and is quick acting.  Use caution Always follow the label directions

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0              Acidic          7        Alkaline   10