Fish, Blood and Bonemeal

Novice23

I use fish blood and bonemeal as a fertilizer, but think i need to use it more widely.  So plan to use it everywhere, well almost!  Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts about whether one brand is better than any other.   Have used Westland in the past.  But want to make sure I use one that is chemical free - or is that a silly question?   Any advice would, as ever, be very welcome. Thanks

Pete.8

I buy a 25Kg bag every 2-3 years and just get the cheapest I can find - usually on Amazon.
It takes a few weeks to start breaking down to provide nutrients for plants so I use it early Spring and maybe again in June, and just scatter handfuls over all the borders at about 1/2 the suggested rate. My soil is mostly quite good, so it's just a top up.
If you have a dog (as I do) they will have a nibble here and there...

I also buy seaweed meal and use that in the same way - smells wonderful

Fire

I would say brands of FBB is much of a muchness

Novice23

Many thanks for that, will just carry on with my usual brand.   My soil is heavy clay and despite digging in anything and everything to loosen it, it is still like concrete in the hot weather, so will use the FBB liberally next spring.  Perhaps along with some clay breaker.   

Pete.8

FBB won't help break your soil down.
Best thing for clay is organic matter - e.g some sort of rotted manure - best of all is composted bark fines which I used on my heavy clay.
Just turn it in roughly before winter sets in and the frosts will start the process that will be carried on by worms etc in the Spring.

This is a good article from The RHS
https://www.rhs.org.uk/soil-composts-mulches/clay-soils

Fairygirl

It won't help clay in any way, as @Pete.8 says. It's simply a general, slow release food. Clay is the best type of soil as it's high in nutrients, but it's about improving it sufficiently to get the best results for all sorts of plants. Extra organic matter is what's needed, and you can add that regularly throughout the year. Rotted manure,compost and leaf mould are all excellent soil improvers. 
I've never gardened on anything but clay, and improving it is vital to counteract the weather. Our soil never dries out completely, because of our weather here, so those additions mean the drainage is improved considerably. It does the opposite for poor, or very dry soil, so keep adding it - you really can't overdo the amounts. 
Choosing the right plants for your climate is also important. If you're in an area that's getting long periods of drought, there's no point trying to grow plants which need consistent moisture. 

bédé

Novice23 said:

want to make sure I use one that is chemical free - or is that a silly question? 

Define "chemical".

Novice23

Thanks for all the information.  I will use blood, fish and bonemeal next spring, and perhaps liquid seaweed during the summer.   Does that sound like a plan?

Pete.8

It's fine to do, but overuse of BFB can cause plants to grow tall and straggly, then they fall over.
Seaweed extract now and then is fine as is seaweed meal.

I use BFB at 1/2 the suggested dose, or less and use seaweed now and then.
It will do nothing though to help break up your clay soil.

Novice23

No I know that, so use Compost, bark, leafmould etc as a Mulch and dig stuff in when I plant anything. 

Pete.8

👍