Synthetic fertilizers, unlike their organic counterparts, immediately supply essential nutrients to soil. In addition to being an ideal top dressing for salad crops and ornamentals, Q4 is the perfect base fertiliser for use in both loam-based and soil-less composts. For roses Vitax Q4 should be mixed with the soil prior to planting and then used as an annual dressing every Spring.

Not sure about synthetic fertilisers causing toxic build up, Bathgate, or plants flopping over because of undeveloped root systems. However, if Richierich wants to feed specific plants, and he/she does, then the answer is as Bamboo has given. Often those synthetic fertilizers will cause an unnatural growth spurt (like taking hormones) but will flop over because of undeveloped root system.A good layer of organic compost will supply your plants with everything your plants need to grow strong and healthy. Use 140 g/m2 (4 oz/sq yd) before sowing and planting, or for established plants as an annual dressing in the spring.

By and large, we don't - but that doesn't mean you shouldn't think about soil conditioning as well as chemical fertilizing!These fungi develop into a mycelium which forms an association with the plant’s roots increasing the roots’ ability to absorb water and nutrients, so aiding establishment.

You will undoubtedly be planting some new shrubs and perennials too; these need the right nutrients in the soil to get them going, so using the best fertiliser at the time of planting is important. Yes, if they look as though there is a deficiency in your soil that is affecting them, then as the plants come from all over the world with different soil conditions, then you might need to rectify this. But I wonder if the average gardener can tell the difference between a plant that looks fine and one that looks something slightly better, then do we need to feed for feeding's sake? As well as using Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser for flowers and vegetables, it is also ideal for fruit, tomatoes and chrysanthemums.

What I usually do is broadcast growmore in the latter half of March or early April, turning it in lightly to provide a readily available 'fix' for the plants, then apply composted materials as a mulch over the top - no need to dig it in (though you can if you prefer) it gets taken down into the soil anyway over time, to take care of longer term plant and soil health.