Organic Liquid Feed
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- SKU: 19690491-a
- Brand: John Cullen Gardens
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Organic Liquid Feed | Our own blend of organic plant feed. Great for all plants including house plants. Trace elements include magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron and nitrogen, all of which are beneficial to plants. Not only organic, but it also comes from a sustainable source and can be harvested without damaging the environment. Use 20ml per 5 gallons. 500ml bottle.
We blend these throughout the course of the year adding seasonal valuable nutrients to the mixes.
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Organic Liquid Plant Feed: The Natural Way to Feed Your Plants
There's nothing quite like watching your plants thrive, is there?
We've always believed that the secret lies not just in what you feed them, but how those nutrients work with the natural systems already in place.
Organic liquid plant feed has always been our go-to, providing all those essential nutrients - nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium - in a way that's gentle on both plants and soil.
We've always gone organic. We've researched synthetic feeds but heard that they disrupt the delicate balance of life in the soil. Those beneficial microorganisms that do so much invisible work beneath the surface often suffer when harsh chemicals come into play.
What we love most about organic liquid feeds is how they work in harmony with soil biology rather than against it. Unlike those shop-bought chemical options that need precise measuring (get it wrong, and you'll soon see burnt leaves or stunted growth!), natural feeds release their goodness gradually as soil organisms break them down.
Whether we are using a quality store-bought organic feed or something we've brewed up ourselves from comfrey or nettles from the garden, we know we are supporting not just today's growth but tomorrow's soil health too. Throughout this guide, we'll share what we've learned about why these natural alternatives often outperform their synthetic counterparts, how you can make nutrient-rich solutions in your own garden, and the best ways to apply them to different plants. Trust me, your garden will thank you for making the switch!
What Makes Organic Liquid Plant Feed So Special?
We've often been asked what exactly makes organic liquid feeds different from those bottles of bright blue or green synthetic fertiliser you see lining garden centre shelves. Well, the difference goes far deeper than simply being 'natural' versus 'chemical'.
Nature's ingredients versus laboratory formulations
In our outbuildings, you'll find various bottles and containers of organic feed. Each one contains nutrients derived directly from natural sources - whether that's plant matter like our homemade comfrey tea, animal by-products, or even kitchen scraps that have been transformed into liquid gold for plants. Unlike synthetic alternatives cooked up in laboratories, these organic feeds maintain nutrients in their natural form with minimal processing.
What we truly love about organic feeds is how they transform the actual structure of soil over time. We've witnessed this first hand in our own nursery and gardens - areas that were once compacted clay have gradually become friable and workable after years of organic feeding. This happens because you're not just feeding plants; you're building up the entire soil ecosystem, improving water movement and creating a structure that's far easier to work with.
How your plants take up food
For any plant feed to work its magic, your plants need to actually absorb it. This happens through a fascinating two-step dance. First, nutrients move from the soil to the root surface through mass flow - essentially, as leaves transpire moisture, they create a suction that draws nutrient-rich solution toward the roots. Then comes the second step, where those nutrients must cross from outside to inside the roots.
We've learned through trial and error that plants can only absorb nutrients that are dissolved in water and in simple molecular forms. Those thousands of tiny root hairs just behind the tips create an impressively dense network with an enormous surface area specifically designed for nutrient absorption. When we've accidentally damaged these delicate root systems during transplanting, we've watched plants struggle to take up both water and nutrients afterwards.
One of nature's most remarkable partnerships happens underground, where plants extend their nutrient-gathering reach by teaming up with mycorrhizal fungi. These beneficial fungi essentially act as extensions to the root network.
The unsung heroes of soil health
The secret superpower behind organic feeds lies in how they support soil microorganisms. These tiny life forms - bacteria, fungi, archaea and others - form a complex food web that breaks down organic materials into forms plants can use.
We think of soil microbes as nature's recycling system. They convert complex organic molecules into simple forms that plants can absorb. For instance, when microorganisms consume nitrogen and later die or excrete waste, they release it back as nitrates - a form readily available to your plants. Without these microscopic helpers, many nutrients would remain locked up in forms plants simply cannot access.
By choosing organic liquid plant feed for your garden, you're not just feeding the plants you can see - you're nourishing the entire underground ecosystem that ultimately supports everything growing above the soil level. In our experience, this holistic approach leads to healthier, more resilient plants that can better withstand pests, diseases and weather extremes.
The Wider Benefits of Going Organic
When we chose organic liquid plant feed we were mostly thinking about the health of our own garden. It was only later that we fully appreciated how this small choice ripples outward, creating so many positive effects. The environmental benefits of organic gardening are both immediate and far-reaching – and they're certainly worth considering if you're on the fence about making the switch.
Keeping our waterways clean
Traditional chemical fertilisers are notorious for leaching into groundwater and running off into streams and rivers.
The numbers really do speak for themselves – organic fertilisers reduce overall nitrogen leaching by 15% and runoff by 29% compared to chemical alternatives. What's even more impressive is that when you substitute chemical fertilisers with organic options containing the same amount of total nitrogen, both leaching and runoff decrease by more than 30%.
Let's look at the actual loss ratios: chemical fertilisers lose 14% through leaching and 4.5% through runoff, while organic options lose just 9.2% and 2.6%, respectively. This dramatic difference occurs because organic liquid feeds release their nutrients gradually, giving plants plenty of time to absorb them before they wash away.
We also sleep better knowing that organic standards ban nitrogen fertilisers responsible for creating those horrifying "ocean dead zones" where underwater life is deprived of oxygen. Every time we mix up our own feed, we are making a small but meaningful contribution to protecting our rivers, lakes and seas.
Treading more lightly on our planet
The carbon footprint of synthetic fertilisers shocked us when we learned about it. Together, manure and synthetic fertilisers emit 2.6 gigatonnes of carbon annually, which exceeds the combined emissions from global aviation and shipping. Just let that sink in for a moment!
There's hope, though – research suggests that carbon emissions from fertilisers could potentially be reduced to one-fifth of current levels by 2050 through sustainable alternatives. Every bottle of organic feed we choose brings us closer to that goal.
The organic liquid fertilisers we use release nutrients slowly, which minimises nitrogen loss to the atmosphere and reduces the greenhouse gas emissions typically associated with conventional fertilisers. It's a small change in our garden and nursery routine that contributes to a much larger climate-friendly approach.
Creating a haven for wildlife
Our favourite benefit of organic gardening has to be the explosion of life it brings. We believe more organic methods, brings more butterflies, bees, birds and beneficial insects.
This matches what researchers have found – organic farms have on average 30% more biodiversity than conventional ones, and this principle applies equally well to our home gardens. For every 10% increase in bee-friendly habitats typical of organic gardens, bee numbers and diversity increase by over a third. Those statistics translate into real-life buzzing, fluttering and chirping in my garden!
The benefits extend far beneath our feet too. The soil itself houses a quarter of Earth's species - from earthworms to beneficial fungi and microscopic organisms. Earthworms are nature's little soil engineers, and they thrive in organically nourished environments.
By using organic liquid plant feed in our garden, we've created a space where beneficial insects like ladybirds feast on aphids, while ground beetles and birds help control slugs and snails. This natural balance means we rarely need to resort to pest control measures – the garden manages itself in a beautifully harmonious way. It's incredibly satisfying to work with nature rather than constantly battling against it.
Using Organic Liquid Feed Without Breaking the Bank
Many gardeners shy away from organic options because they assume they'll cost the earth, but we are here to tell you that feeding your plants naturally doesn't have to empty your wallet. With a bit of know-how and some simple approaches, organic liquid plant feed can be both kind to your garden and your finances.
Shop-bought options that deliver value
When you first look at the price tags, we'll admit synthetic fertilisers do appear cheaper. Organic options typically cost between £39.71 and £75.45 for an 8,000 square foot lawn compared to £19.85 to £63.53 for synthetic alternatives. However, don't let those initial figures put you off! The long-term benefits often outweigh this upfront difference.
In our own garden, we've found that the results speak for themselves. Research backs this up too - trials comparing liquid feed with controlled-release fertilisers showed liquid feed produced larger plants with more flowers, albeit at seven times the cost - £3.20 per pot compared to just 42p for controlled-release options.
For seedlings, we've found that applying a recommended low dose once the first true leaves appear can significantly boost growth. It's like giving them their first proper meal after they've been living off their seed reserves!
If you're not ready to make your own feeds, try our Organic Liquid Feed. Our own blend of organic plant feed, and great for all plants including house plants. Trace elements include magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron and nitrogen, all of which are beneficial to plants. Not only organic, but it also comes from a sustainable source and can be harvested without damaging the environment. Use 20ml per 5 gallons. We sell 500ml bottles.
We blend these throughout the course of the year adding seasonal valuable nutrients to the mixes.
Brewing your own garden tea
Or why not try your hand at making your own plant food? Our garden has several comfrey plants specifically grown as liquid feed factories, and nettles (which grow whether invited or not!) make excellent fertiliser, too.
For a simple comfrey feed, here's our tried-and-tested method:
- Cut fresh comfrey leaves, making sure to leave some to help the plant recover (these plants are tough but not immortal!)
- Remove the coarse stems and flowers
- Pack the leaves into a container with a lid - we use an old water butt
- Weight down the material with a brick to keep it submerged
- Leave for at least two weeks until it's rotted down (warning: it will smell absolutely dreadful!)
- Drain off the resulting liquid and dilute 1:10 before use
- For nettle feed, which is brilliant for giving nitrogen-hungry plants a boost, we add approximately 1kg of nettles to 10 litres of water, leave for about two weeks (holding my nose during checks!), then use at a dilution rate of 10:1. Wear gloves when handling nettles, of course - we learned that lesson the hard way!
Getting the most from every drop
All the organic feed in the world won't help if you don't apply it properly. We've learned through trial and error that proper application dramatically improves effectiveness.
Our golden rule is to lightly water the soil before applying any liquid feed. This ensures even distribution and prevents fertiliser burn. The plant roots can then take up the nutrients more effectively when they're already in a moist environment.
For commercial feeds, we follow package guidelines to the letter. With homemade brews, where nutrient content can vary wildly, we dilute until the solution has a pale straw or tea colour. If it looks like strong tea, it's too concentrated and needs more water.
For our homemade concoctions, we are more generous with application - every few days for plants that need a boost. These homemade fertilisers contain lower nutrient concentrations than synthetic alternatives, so don't be shy about using them.
One last tip from years of watching plants respond to feeding: organic liquid feeds work best when soil is slightly moist and, contrary to what you might think, more isn't always better. Excessive application doesn't necessarily benefit plants and can sometimes do more harm than good. As with most things in gardening, finding that sweet spot takes practice but becomes second nature over time.
Matching the Right Feed to Your Plants
Just as people have different dietary needs, plants vary tremendously in what they need to thrive. Over the years, we've learned (sometimes the hard way!) that finding the right organic liquid feed for different plants can dramatically improve their health, yield, and appearance. Here's what we've discovered works best for various plant types in my garden.
Nurturing Your Indoor Jungle
Our houseplants seem to thrive with regular feeding during their active growing season. For most of our leafy indoor friends, we use our Organic Liquid Feed once or twice monthly from March through to October.
Orchids are far fussier, requiring much weaker specialist feeds, while the cacti and succulents do beautifully with monthly applications of tomato feed or specialist cacti fertiliser during their April-September growing season.
We've had tremendous success with seaweed-based organic formulas for indoor plants. These contain a wonderful spectrum of natural components, including amino acids, primary and secondary nutrients, trace elements, slow-release organic nitrogen, carbohydrates, natural plant hormones and vitamins.
For best results with our indoor plants, we dilute concentrated organic houseplant feed (typically one teaspoon per litre of water) and apply it with every other watering throughout the year. This consistent but gentle approach seems to keep them happy without overwhelming their root systems.
Feeding Your Edible Garden
Our vegetable patch demands consistent nutrition for abundant harvests. For leafy greens like kale and spinach that are hungry for nitrogen, fish emulsion (typically 5-1-1) provides an excellent boost. Meanwhile, seaweed extract has proven fantastic for enhancing overall plant resistance to those inevitable summer stresses – whether drought, disease or pest pressure.
The superstar in our homemade arsenal is definitely comfrey liquid fertiliser. It's packed with potassium, which is essential for flowering and fruiting plants like tomatoes and squash. Our preparation method has been refined over years:
- Cut fresh comfrey leaves while leaving some to help the plant recover
- Remove coarse stems and flowers (they decompose more slowly)
- Pack it into a container and weight it down with a brick to keep it submerged
- Leave for at least two weeks until thoroughly rotted
- Drain and dilute to a pale tea colour before use
We feed our vegetable plants every two weeks during the growing season we often increase to weekly applications when plants are in their prime growing phase.
Blooming Marvellous Feeds for Flowers and Shrubs
Our flowering plants show us quite clearly when their nutritional needs change throughout the growing season. Generally, potassium-rich feeds promote flowering and fruiting, improving both quality and quantity of blooms – something particularly noticeable with our roses and dahlias.
Comfrey feed works exceptionally well for flowering plants due to its natural potassium content. Comfrey roots can extract potassium from deep in the soil, and this concentrated goodness then ends up in the leaves we use for feed-making. Most of our ornamental shrubs thrive with monthly feeding during their active growth season.
During winter months, we dramatically reduce or eliminate feeding altogether as most plants enter dormancy. There's simply no point feeding plants that aren't actively growing – rather like offering dinner to someone who's fast asleep! We resume regular feeding schedules in spring when we see those first signs of fresh growth appearing.
The joy of matching the right feed to the right plant at the right time is seeing that perfect growth response – whether it's lush foliage, abundant flowers, or a bumper vegetable harvest. This kind of attention might seem fussy to some, but the results speak for themselves!
After years, we're completely convinced that organic liquid plant feed stands head and shoulders above synthetic alternatives for sustainable gardening. The benefits go far beyond simply feeding plants – they nurture the entire living ecosystem that makes a garden truly thrive.
What we love most about natural feeds is how they release nutrients gradually. This gentle approach allows plants to absorb goodness at their own pace while supporting all those beneficial soil microorganisms doing their invisible work beneath the surface. Our garden has responded with reduced disease problems, less pest damage, and plants that seem more resilient to whatever the British weather throws at them!
We've watched with satisfaction as our corner of Lincolnshire has transformed over the years. The soil texture has improved dramatically and the variety of birds, bees and butterflies visiting has increased tenfold. It's like the entire garden is breathing more easily.
Yes, those bottles of organic liquid feed sitting on the garden centre shelf might make your eyes water at the price initially. And yes, brewing smelly comfrey or nettle tea isn't everyone's cup of, well, tea!
But the long-term value becomes crystal clear through healthier soil, stronger plants and a garden that works with nature rather than against it.
Remember that just as we humans need different foods at different life stages, your plants have varying nutritional needs throughout their growing seasons.
We've found that taking the time to match the right organic feed to specific plants, coupled with proper application techniques, ensures the best results while honouring our responsibility to care for the environment.
Has your garden reached its full potential yet? Perhaps switching to organic liquid feeds might be the key to unlocking a level of garden health and beauty you hadn't thought possible. It certainly was for us.
Frequently asked questions about organic liquid feed.
What are the main advantages of using organic liquid plant feed over synthetic fertilisers?
Organic liquid plant feed offers several benefits, including improved soil health, support for beneficial microorganisms, reduced chemical runoff, and a lower carbon footprint. It releases nutrients slowly, allowing plants to absorb them more efficiently while promoting long-term soil fertility.
How do I make my own organic liquid fertiliser at home?
You can easily make comfrey or nettle feed at home. For comfrey feed, cut fresh leaves, pack them into a container, leave for two weeks until rotted, then drain and dilute the liquid 1:10 before use. For nettle feed, add 1kg of nettles to 10 litres of water, leave for two weeks, then dilute 10:1 before application.
How often should I apply organic liquid feed to my plants?
The frequency of application depends on the type of plants and the feed concentration. Generally, apply diluted organic liquid feed every two weeks during the growing season. For homemade feeds, which are less concentrated, you can apply weekly. Always follow the specific guidelines for your plants and chosen fertiliser.
Are organic liquid feeds suitable for all types of plants?
Yes, organic liquid feeds can be used for various plants, including indoor plants, vegetables, and flowering plants. However, different plants may require specific nutrient ratios at various growth stages. For example, flowering plants benefit from potassium-rich feeds, while leafy vegetables need more nitrogen.
How does organic liquid feed impact biodiversity in my garden?
Organic liquid feed supports a healthier garden ecosystem, encouraging biodiversity. It nurtures beneficial soil microorganisms and creates an environment where helpful insects thrive. This natural balance can lead to increased numbers of pollinators and beneficial predators, reducing the need for chemical pest control and supporting overall garden health.
Can organic liquid feed promote healthy growth throughout the season?
Absolutely. One of the most rewarding things about using organic liquid feed is watching plants develop strong roots, sturdy stems, and vibrant foliage through every stage of growth. Because these feeds work gradually, they provide consistent support for healthy growth rather than overwhelming the plant with a quick nutrient hit.
Is it okay to combine organic feed with additional fertiliser?
Yes – especially when plants are under stress or entering a demanding growth phase. While organic liquid feed is often enough on its own, some gardeners choose to supplement it with an additional fertiliser, particularly during fruiting or flowering. Just make sure you’re not overloading the soil – it’s all about balance.
What’s the difference between a soil improver and a liquid feed?
Great question. A soil improver works mainly on enhancing the soil structure – adding organic matter that boosts drainage, aeration and microbial life. A liquid feed, meanwhile, provides nutrients directly to support plant growth. For best results, we like to use both: improve the soil base and then feed the plants throughout the season.
How do soil conditioners help with plant health?
Soil conditioners are unsung heroes. They enrich your soil with organic matter that improves its texture and water-holding capacity. Better soil means stronger roots and stronger roots mean healthy plants. We’ve found this especially beneficial for new beds or areas with heavy clay or poor drainage.
Should I choose inorganic fertilisers for quick results?
It’s tempting, isn’t it? Inorganic fertilisers can deliver a fast nutrient boost, but often at the cost of long-term soil health. In our experience, organic options build resilience over time – creating a thriving underground network that supports not just today’s bloom but future seasons, too.
How do I support a wide range of plants with organic feeds?
Organic feeds are wonderfully versatile. From leafy greens to delicate bedding plants, a well-diluted organic liquid fertiliser can serve a wide range of plant types. Just adjust your concentration and frequency depending on whether you’re feeding a tomato vine or a pot plant on the windowsill.
Do potassium fertilisers really help with flowers and fruit?
They do – especially in the form of natural, organic feeds like comfrey tea. Potassium fertiliser is essential for helping plants set buds and produce flowers and fruit. We’ve found it invaluable for tomatoes, courgettes, roses and even hanging baskets. Think of it as the bloom-boosting ingredient in your feeding toolkit.
Can I use organic feed for lush growth in containers?
Definitely. If you’re after lush growth in containers or pots, organic feed is your best friend. It supports root health without compacting the soil – which is a risk with synthetics in confined spaces. We especially love using homemade nettle tea on containers of leafy plants like basil and parsley.
When is the best time to feed bedding plants?
Timing makes all the difference. For bedding plants, begin feeding once they’ve settled into their planting spot and show new growth. We then continue feeding every week or two through their blooming season – tailoring the nutrient mix depending on whether they need more nitrogen or potassium at that point.
Are there organic products for improving poor soil?
Plenty! From well-rotted compost to seaweed extract, there’s a host of organic products that not only feed your plants but improve soil at the same time. We often recommend using compost alongside organic liquid feed to create a nutrient-rich environment with long-term benefits for your garden beds.