Care tips
Care Tips – Keeping Your Plants Healthy
Looking after your plants properly will make all the difference to how well they grow and how long they thrive. At Tandee & Van den Berk Nurseries Ltd, we believe that good care begins the moment your plants arrive. Whether you have chosen a young shrub, a mature tree or a selection of perennials, the right watering, feeding and maintenance will help them settle quickly and stay healthy for years to come.
Our nursery team has decades of horticultural experience, and we are always happy to share our knowledge with you. This page brings together our most practical advice on how to water, feed, prune and protect your plants throughout the seasons. With just a few simple routines, you can ensure that every plant in your garden continues to look its best and grow as it should.
And remember, if you ever need tailored advice for your specific soil, site or plant selection, our experts are always available at the nursery to help.
Watering and Feeding
Good watering and feeding habits are the foundation of healthy growth. Newly planted trees and shrubs need regular, deep watering during their first season to help roots establish. Water slowly at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the leaves. In hot or dry weather, increase the frequency, especially for container plants.
Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage strong growth and vibrant foliage. For flowering plants, choose a balanced fertiliser, and for acid-loving varieties, use an ericaceous feed. Always follow the instructions carefully — overfeeding can cause soft, weak growth rather than healthy development.
Mulching, Pruning and General Care
Adding a layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and protect the soil. Use organic material such as bark or compost, and keep it slightly away from the stems to prevent rot. Refresh the mulch each spring.
Pruning is essential for shape and health. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed, and cut back after flowering to maintain vigour. Deadhead faded blooms regularly to extend the flowering season. Checking your plants weekly for weeds, pests or disease will help keep your garden looking its best.
Seasonal Maintenance
Each season brings different care needs. In spring, feed and water regularly to support new growth. In summer, watch for drought stress and continue to water deeply. During autumn, tidy borders, remove dead foliage and apply fresh mulch. In winter, protect tender plants with fleece or a thick layer of mulch around the base.
With consistent attention throughout the year, your plants will establish strong roots, resist pests, and deliver beautiful results season after season.
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