What Is The Best All Round Fertiliser?
Compare Growmore and Fish, Blood & Bone for general garden feeding, and discover when specialist fertilisers suit vegetables, flowers, shrubs and lawns.
For routine feeding across a mixed UK garden, Elixir’s Growmore General-Purpose Balanced Fertiliser is a practical all-round choice. Its 7-7-7 formulation supplies the three main plant nutrients in equal declared proportions, making it useful for many flowers, vegetables, shrubs and borders. Keeping a general feed available can simplify garden maintenance, especially when several different plants need nutrition. However, the most suitable fertiliser still depends on the plants, soil fertility and time of year, so a versatile product should be the starting point for your feeding programme rather than an automatic treatment for every area.
Fish, Blood & Bone Fertiliser is another useful general garden option, particularly if you prefer an organic-based feed. Specialist products can be more appropriate for lawns, individual vegetable crops or a confirmed nutrient requirement. This guide compares the main choices and explains how to select a feed without adding nutrients your garden does not need.
Quick Answer
Choose Growmore 7-7-7 for straightforward general feeding across suitable flowers, vegetables, shrubs and borders. Choose Fish, Blood & Bone 5-5-6 if an organic-based general fertiliser suits your gardening approach. For lawns, specific crops or identified nutrient deficiencies, consider a product formulated for that purpose. Check the nutrient analysis and application instructions, account for previous feeding and assess soil conditions before applying.
What Makes a Useful All Round Fertiliser
An all round fertiliser supplies a range of nutrients for several common garden uses. It is convenient where you are maintaining mixed planting and do not need a highly specific nutrient programme. Its value comes from being appropriate for a broad range of ordinary jobs, with clear instructions for the intended application.
General-purpose does not mean every plant needs the same amount or should be fed at the same time. A productive vegetable bed, an established shrub border and a container of flowering plants can have different requirements. Some areas may already contain sufficient nutrients, while others need more attention because of repeated cropping or limited growing medium.
Understanding NPK Before You Buy
NPK describes nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the three main nutrients displayed on fertiliser packaging. Nitrogen supports leafy growth, phosphorus is involved in root development and energy transfer, and potassium contributes to water regulation and flowering and fruiting processes. Plants need an appropriate supply of all three, alongside other essential nutrients.
On UK fertiliser labels, the analysis normally expresses nitrogen as N, phosphate as Pâ‚‚Oâ‚… and potash as Kâ‚‚O. A 7-7-7 feed therefore has equal declared percentages of these components; it does not mean equal amounts of elemental nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The analysis helps you compare formulations, but the product rate and the needs of the growing area determine how much nutrient is actually applied.
Higher numbers do not automatically make a feed better. A concentrated product used at an unsuitable rate can supply more nutrients than the plants require.
Why Growmore Is a Practical General Garden Choice
Growmore General-Purpose Balanced Fertiliser and Feed has a 7-7-7 analysis and provides a straightforward option for general garden nutrition. It is useful where suitable flowers, vegetables and shrubs need a broad NPK feed, rather than a targeted addition of one nutrient.
It can simplify feeding across mixed beds, but use the instructions for the particular plants and application. Do not scatter the same quantity everywhere without checking the rate, and account for compost, manure and fertilisers already added. Healthy, established plants in fertile soil may need less supplementary feeding than intensively cropped ground.
Growmore is a good choice when you want a versatile mineral fertiliser and the soil does not call for a different nutrient balance. Where plant performance is poor, investigate watering, drainage, light and root conditions before assuming that another application will solve the problem.
When to Choose Fish Blood and Bone
Elixir’s Fish, Blood & Bone Fertiliser provides a 5-5-6 general-purpose formulation made from fish, blood and bone materials. It is a useful alternative for gardeners who prefer organic-based nutrient sources for suitable flowers, vegetables, shrubs and general soil preparation.
Organic-based feeding still needs careful measurement. It does not remove the risk of overapplication or mean that a plant can use nutrients effectively in poor growing conditions. Follow the product guidance for incorporating it before planting or applying it around established plants, and water in as directed.
Because the ingredients are animal-derived, this product is unsuitable for a vegan gardening approach. Its smell may also attract pets or wildlife, so follow the handling, storage and access instructions. Choose it for its nutrient contribution and suitability for the job rather than assuming that organic-based automatically means appropriate for every plant.
Growmore or Fish Blood and Bone
The main decision is between a balanced mineral general feed and an organic-based general feed. Growmore supplies a 7-7-7 formulation, while Fish, Blood & Bone has a 5-5-6 analysis. Both can be useful across a mixed garden when the application is appropriate.
Compare the intended use, nutrient analysis, recommended rate and your preferred gardening method. Do not compare the numbers alone or apply both at their full rates simply to obtain a wider range of ingredients. Choose a main feed and adjust the programme only where the plants or soil give you a reason to do so.
Choosing Fertiliser for Vegetables
General purpose feeds can be useful when preparing vegetable beds or maintaining suitable crops. Growmore and Fish, Blood & Bone provide broad nutrition, but vegetables differ in their nutrient demand and the timing of that demand. Consider what has already been incorporated into the soil and whether the crop needs a particular feeding programme.
For potatoes, Spuds Galore Blended Potato Fertiliser provides a 15-9-20 formulation with added magnesium and sulphur components. It is a relevant option for a planned potato crop where its nutrient balance suits the soil and growing conditions. Follow the instructions for the application method and avoid adding a full general-purpose feed on top without reviewing the total nutrient input.
For onions, leeks, garlic and shallots, Bumper Crop Onion, Leek & Garlic Food offers a crop-focused 5-19-10 formulation with added magnesium. Its application guidance distinguishes between preparation and top dressing. A specialist product can make a crop programme easier to follow, but the product name does not establish that every bed needs additional nutrients.
Choosing Fertiliser for Flowers and Fruiting Plants
Mixed flower beds and borders may be maintained with a suitable general-purpose fertiliser, depending on existing fertility. Flowering and fruiting plants also need an appropriate nutrient balance as they develop. Excessive nitrogen can encourage leafy growth where that is not the main aim, so avoid choosing a feed solely for its nitrogen content.
Where additional potassium is specifically required, Bumper Crop Granular Sulphate of Potash supplies potassium and sulphur without additional nitrogen. It is a targeted nutrient source, not a complete NPK feed. Use it where the feeding programme calls for extra potassium rather than routinely adding it to every flowering plant already receiving a general fertiliser.
For pots and containers, check how long the growing medium’s initial fertiliser is expected to last. A feed suitable for garden soil may have different directions for containers, where the root volume is restricted and salts can accumulate if feeding is excessive.
Feeding Established Shrubs
Suitable established shrubs can often be fed with Growmore or Fish, Blood & Bone when supplementary nutrients are needed. Assess growth and soil conditions first. Shrubs in fertile, well-managed borders may not require frequent feeding, while plants competing with surrounding roots or growing in poor soil may need a more considered programme.
Yellowing or weak growth can also result from waterlogging, drought, unsuitable pH, compaction or damaged roots. These problems are not reliably corrected by adding general fertiliser. Identify the likely cause, improve the growing conditions and then choose nutrition that suits the plant. Check species specific requirements, particularly for plants with specialised soil or feeding needs.
Using the Right Feed for Lawns
General garden fertilisers can supply nutrients to grass, but a lawn-specific product gives you directions intended for turf and its seasonal maintenance. Spring & Summer Compound Lawn Fertiliser provides a 12-3-9 formulation for established grass during the appropriate growing period. Use it according to the current product instructions and the condition of the lawn.
In the colder season, Autumn & Winter Lawn Fertiliser with Sulphur & Magnesium provides a dedicated 3-15-15 option. Complete Winter Lawn Fertiliser with Iron & Calcium is an alternative seasonal 4-3-8 feed. Choose a suitable programme rather than applying multiple lawn feeds together, and avoid frozen or waterlogged ground. For seasonal application advice, see How to Use Autumn & Winter Lawn Feed.
A lawn’s poor colour or thin coverage may also reflect shade, moss, wear or drainage problems. Feeding can form part of maintenance, but it should be coordinated with the work needed to improve those conditions.
When Individual Nutrient Fertilisers Are Useful
Straight fertilisers primarily supply one of the main NPK nutrients, sometimes alongside secondary nutrients. They allow more targeted adjustments than a general-purpose feed, but are useful only when the additional nutrient is justified. Check the soil and existing feeding programme before combining them with other products.
Sulphate of Ammonia
Bumper Crop Sulphate of Ammonia has a 21-0-0 analysis with added sulphur. It supplies nitrogen where extra leafy growth nutrition is appropriate. It does not supply a balanced NPK feed, and its potential acidifying effect should be considered where soil pH matters.
Sulphate of Potash
Granular Sulphate of Potash supplies potassium and sulphur for situations that need additional potassium without nitrogen. Use it as a planned nutrient addition, following crop-specific guidance, rather than an automatic companion to every general feed.
Triple Super Phosphate
Triple Super Phosphate Fertiliser has a 0-46-0 analysis and provides a concentrated phosphate source. It is relevant where phosphorus is required, but adding it without a demonstrated need can create an unnecessary excess. The figure 46 refers to declared Pâ‚‚Oâ‚… rather than 46% elemental phosphorus.
Kieserite
Kieserite Plant Fertiliser supplies magnesium and sulphur and is relevant where additional magnesium is needed. Magnesium is part of chlorophyll, but yellow leaves alone do not confirm a deficiency. Check possible causes before treating. Kieserite does not replace a complete NPK feed.
Granular or Liquid Fertiliser
Granular products are often convenient for bed preparation, borders and larger areas, while liquid feeds can suit plants fed through watering. Choose the format according to the growing system and the individual product’s directions. Granular does not automatically mean slow release; release behaviour depends on the formulation and conditions.
For gardeners who prefer a general feed applied through watering, Elixir’s Liquid Growmore Fertiliser offers another format. It has its own formulation and dilution instructions, so do not substitute the application rate from granular Growmore. Check suitability for the plants, growing medium and stage of growth before feeding.
Fertiliser and Compost Have Different Roles
Fertiliser supplies specified plant nutrients, while well made compost adds organic matter and contributes to soil structure, moisture management and nutrient cycling. Compost can also contribute nutrients, so take it into account when deciding how much supplementary fertiliser is needed.
For many gardens, combining appropriate soil improvement with measured feeding produces a more useful programme than relying on either alone. Fertiliser cannot remove compaction or correct waterlogging, and compost should not be assumed to provide the exact nutrient supply required for every crop.
When a Soil Test Is Worthwhile
Testing is particularly useful where plants repeatedly perform poorly, soil pH is unknown, intensive cropping has taken place or substantial fertiliser has been applied over several years. A pH test helps assess acidity or alkalinity, while a nutrient analysis provides different information about fertility. One should not be treated as a substitute for the other.
Use the findings to target feeding rather than repeatedly adding a general product in the hope of improvement. A suitable test can also show when a nutrient-specific product is unnecessary. Assess watering, drainage and plant health alongside the results so nutrition is considered within the wider growing environment.
How to Choose and Apply a General Fertiliser
- Identify the plants and whether a general or specialist feed suits the job
- Check the soil, previous feeding and any nutrients already present in the growing medium
- Read the NPK analysis and the instructions for the intended use
- Measure the area or container requirement and calculate the quantity needed
- Apply evenly, keeping material off foliage where the instructions require this
- Incorporate or water in as directed and avoid unsuitable weather or soil conditions
- Record the application and wait for the appropriate interval before considering another feed
Do not estimate by adding a handful to every plant. Rates vary between products and applications, and a more concentrated fertiliser may require a smaller quantity. Monitor growth after feeding and adjust future maintenance according to plant response and the product guidance.
Prepare for Spring Without Rushing the Lawn
As daylight and temperatures increase, assess grass density, moss, weeds, worn areas and drainage again. Resume more frequent mowing as growth requires it and schedule aeration, scarification and seeding only when conditions allow recovery. Early spring can still bring frost and wet soil, so a change of month alone is not a reason to begin every renovation job.
For established grass that needs feeding once active growth returns, Elixir’s Spring & Summer Compound Lawn Fertiliser provides a seasonal 12-3-9 option. Use it according to its directions and take previous winter feeding into account. Seeded areas may need a different programme, so plan established-turf feeding and new-grass nutrition together rather than overlapping applications unnecessarily.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing the highest NPK numbers without considering the plant or rate
- Using a general feed for every crop and every season
- Applying more product to try to speed up growth
- Combining several feeds without calculating the total nutrient input
- Treating pale leaves as proof of a nutrient deficiency
- Ignoring waterlogging, unsuitable pH or compacted soil
- Using a straight fertiliser as though it were a complete NPK feed
- Assuming organic based products cannot scorch or overfeed plants
Growmore General Purpose Fertiliser
A versatile feed for routine nutrition across mixed garden planting.
Best for:
Flowers and borders
Vegetable beds
Shrubs and general garden feeding
Why choose this product?
Elixir’s Growmore General-Purpose Fertiliser provides balanced 7-7-7 nutrition, supplying nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to support healthy growth.
Recommended when:
Several garden plants need feeding
Preparing beds before planting
A general feed suits your plants and soil
Routine feeding can be repeated monthly during the growing season. When preparing beds, apply 7–10 days before planting or sowing. Use the product instructions for full application guidance.
Fish Blood and Bone Fertiliser
A versatile organic based feed for flowers, vegetables and established garden plants.
Best for:
Flowers and borders
Vegetable beds
Shrubs and soil preparation
Why choose this product?
Elixir’s Fish, Blood & Bone Fertiliser provides 5-5-6 nutrition from animal-derived ingredients, supplying nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to support healthy growth.
Recommended when:
Preparing beds before planting
Feeding suitable established plants
You prefer an organic-based general feed
Application rates: use 70g per m² for established plants and top dressing, or 140g per m² before planting and when establishing a new lawn. Apply evenly and water after application.
Spring & Summer Compound Lawn Fertiliser (12-3-9)
Best for
- Spring and summer feeding
- Encouraging greener growth
- Routine lawn maintenance
- Helping create a stronger, healthier lawn
Why choose this product?
If your lawn is looking tired after winter or lacks colour and density, we believe a balanced spring and summer lawn fertiliser is one of the best ways to encourage healthy growth.
Elixir’s Professional Spring & Summer Lawn Fertiliser (12-3-9 + Iron & Magnesium) is formulated to promote strong root development, greener grass and improved lawn vigour throughout the growing season. The added iron helps enhance colour while also creating conditions that discourage moss, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn.
Recommended when:
- Your lawn needs feeding after winter
- Grass is thin, pale or growing slowly
- You’re repairing a lawn after overseeding or scarifying
- You want to encourage thicker, greener grass
Summary
For straightforward general garden feeding, Growmore 7-7-7 is a useful product to keep available. Fish, Blood & Bone 5-5-6 offers an organic-based alternative for suitable beds and borders. Both can simplify maintenance when their nutrient supply matches what the plants and soil require.
Use specialist crop or lawn feeds where there is a clear reason to choose a different formulation, and reserve individual nutrient products for a justified requirement. Check the growing conditions, measure each application and account for previous feeding. A suitable product used carefully is more useful than trying to find one fertiliser that performs every job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best General Purpose Fertiliser
Growmore is a practical option for many mixed gardens because it provides broad 7-7-7 nutrition. Fish, Blood & Bone is another useful choice where an organic-based feed is preferred. Suitability depends on the plants and soil.
Is Growmore Suitable for Most Plants
It can suit many ordinary garden flowers, vegetables and shrubs, but check individual plant requirements. Specialised plants, containers and specific crops may need a different formulation or application method.
Is Fish Blood and Bone Better Than Growmore
Neither is universally better. Compare the nutrient analysis, intended use and rate, then choose the product that suits your plants and gardening approach. Fish, Blood & Bone uses animal-derived ingredients.
Can I Use Growmore on My Lawn
Grass can use the nutrients, but a purpose designed lawn feed offers a formulation and application guidance intended for turf. Match the product to the growing season and lawn condition.
Do Vegetables Need a Specialist Feed
Not always. General feeds can be useful where their nutrient balance suits the crop and soil. Specialist potato or onion feeds are relevant options when planning a more targeted programme.
Do I Need Fertiliser if I Use Compost
Possibly. Compost contributes organic matter and some nutrients, but the crop may still require supplementary feeding. Account for its contribution instead of automatically applying a full fertiliser programme.
Follow the Instructions
Every gardening product is designed to be used in a specific way. Always read the product label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before use. Correct preparation, application and timing help ensure the best possible results while promoting safe and responsible use.
Wear Appropriate PPE
Some products may require suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) during handling or application. Depending on the product, this may include gloves, eye protection or protective clothing. Always check the product label to determine the recommended safety precautions before use.
Application Rates
Using more product than recommended will not usually improve performance and may lead to unnecessary waste or undesirable results. Measure accurately, apply evenly and follow the recommended application rates and guidance provided on the product label.
Rhys Nield
As one of our resident product experts, Rhys has spent the last 2 years helping keen gardeners and growers from within our customer services department. Remember to save this page, or visit the Advice Centre, for the latest tips, articles, and expert knowledge, to help you make your garden the best it can be.
Growmore General-Purpose Balanced Fertiliser & Feed (7-7-7)
£4.38 £33.13Price range: £5.25£4.38 through £39.75£33.13 incl. VATex. VAT
Fish, Blood & Bone (5-5-6) Multi Purpose Organic Fertiliser & Plant Food
£4.99 £46.66Price range: £5.99£4.99 through £55.99£46.66 incl. VATex. VAT
Spuds Galore! Blended Potato Fertiliser (15-9-20+9.5%SO3+1.8%MgO)
£4.99 £43.33Price range: £5.99£4.99 through £51.99£43.33 incl. VATex. VAT
Spring & Summer Blended Lawn, Grass & Paddock Fertiliser (9-7-7)
£7.29 £34.99Price range: £8.75£7.29 through £41.99£34.99 incl. VATex. VAT
Bumper Crop Onion, Leek & Garlic Food (5-19-10+8%MgO)
£4.22 £39.99Price range: £5.06£4.22 through £47.99£39.99 incl. VATex. VAT
About Elixir Gardens Supplies
For over 35 years Elixir Garden Supplies have been providing gardeners with all the essentials they need to achieve growing.
Our online store makes sure that all our customers have access to the information they need to make the right decisions when choosing the products they need for their gardens. We know from experience that gardening means many different things to our customers. Whether you have a balcony, patio, lawn or allotment, Elixir Gardens are proud to supply both amateur and professional gardeners alike.
We regularly use our many years of experience to developed our exclusive formulations in specialist fertilisers. Many of these have stood the test of time and have become firm favourites with amateurs and professionals alike.  In fact our knowledge of fertilisers, feeds and garden care is well known within gardening circles. But don’t just take our word for it, why not check out the thousands of fantastic reviews on Trustpilot.
