In our sun-drenched country, where gardening presents unique challenges, finding the right fertiliser can make all the difference between a flourishing garden and one that merely survives. 

Enter: guano, nature’s own super-fertiliser that’s been enriching soils for centuries. This seemingly humble substance, derived from seabird and bat droppings, holds the key to unlocking your garden’s full potential. Who knew? 

Unlike synthetic fertilisers, guano is completely natural and packed with essential nutrients that your garden or indoor plants crave. Its high nitrogen content promotes lush, green growth, while phosphorus supports strong root development and flowering. 

The balanced mineral content, including calcium and trace elements, makes it particularly well-suited to our often mineral-depleted soils.

Perfect for our growing conditions

Our climate, with its intense sunshine and variable rainfall patterns, demands special consideration when it comes to fertilising. Guano excels in these conditions because:

• It releases nutrients gradually, preventing the shock that can often come from chemical fertilisers.
  
• It improves soil structure, helping retain moisture during dry spells.
  
• It’s particularly effective in our typically alkaline soils.
  
• It supports beneficial soil microorganisms that thrive in our warm climate.

Environmental benefits

Using guano supports sustainable gardening practices. It’s renewable, biodegradable, and helps reduce our reliance on chemical fertilisers. 

Moreover, many local suppliers source their guano from carefully managed coastal areas, supporting conservation efforts.

How to use guano in your garden

For vegetable gardens: Apply a handful of guano around each plant at planting time, working it gently into the soil. For established vegetable patches, sprinkle guano between rows every six weeks during the growing season. Your tomatoes, peppers and leafy greens will reward you with abundant harvests.

For ornamental gardens: Mix guano into planting holes for new shrubs and perennials. For established flower beds, apply a light scattering around plants in early spring and again in midsummer. Roses particularly benefit from this treatment, producing more blooms with richer colours.

For container plants: Add one tablespoon of guano per five litres of potting soil when planting up containers. For maintenance, sprinkle a small amount on the soil surface every eight weeks during the growing season, watering well afterwards.

Top tips for success

• Always wear gloves when handling guano
• Apply guano in the cool of the morning or evening
• Water thoroughly after application
• Start with smaller amounts and observe your plants’ response
• Store unused guano in a dry, sealed container

Making the most of your investment

While you may notice that guano can cost more initially than synthetic fertilisers, its long-lasting effects and multiple benefits make it cost-effective over time. 

Plants grown with guano develop stronger root systems and better resistance to pests and diseases, reducing the need for additional treatments.

Be careful about too much of a good thing

Despite its many benefits, guano is highly concentrated. 

Over-application can lead to nutrient burn, particularly in young plants or seedlings. Always follow package instructions and err on the side of caution. If you’re growing acid-loving plants like proteas or ericas, use guano sparingly, as it can alter soil pH over time.

The natural choice

By choosing guano as your fertiliser, you’re not just feeding your plants – you’re building healthier soil, supporting sustainable practices, and working in harmony with nature.Whether you’re tending a small herb garden or managing extensive flower beds, guano offers a natural, effective solution that’s perfectly suited to our growing conditions. Visit your local Stodels garden centre to learn more about our range of guano products and start transforming your garden today.