Hydrangeas have little competition in gardens when it comes to bold, lush blooms. There’s something about their enduring beauty that completes a green space.

While hydrangeas don’t need too much care and attention to survive, for them to thrive there are a few things to focus on – one of which is fertiliser.

Fertilising is an essential part of caring for hydrangea plants, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need to produce those stunning blossoms we all adore.

Taking to Facebook, the gardening page Garden Oasis shared a “homemade feed” to use on hydrangeas to keep them “blooming all summer”.

They said: “How to keep your hydrangea flowers thriving and blooming all summer with simple homemade feed.

“Hydrangeas grace gardens with their colourful blooms, but nurturing them for year-round splendour requires care and attention. Here’s a simple homemade feed recipe to keep your hydrangeas thriving.”

Homemade hydrangea feed recipe

Ingredients

One gallon water

One tablespoon of baking soda

One tablespoon of Epsom salt

Half a teaspoon ammonia-free liquid dish soap

One teaspoon seaweed extract (optional)

Method 

Start by mixing water, baking soda, Epsom salt, washing-up liquid and seaweed extract, if desired.

Apply this solution around the base of hydrangea plants every two to four weeks.

Aside from using this fertiliser, the experts recommend watering the plant deeply when the soil is dry, mulching to retain moisture and regulate temperature, pruning selectively to encourage new growth and ensuring proper sunlight and soil pH.

Additionally, it is also advised to use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser as needed.

The gardening expert added: “With this homemade feed and proper care, your hydrangeas will bloom vibrantly, adding beauty to your garden in the coming weeks.”

According to the gardening experts at Backyard Boss, baking soda is “surprisingly effective at helping perk up plants and brighten blooms”.

It essentially helps the plant retain more moisture in the roots. When this happens, the result is “bigger blooms” with “more vibrant colours that last longer than they would otherwise”.

They also claim that Epsom salt is great for the plant as not only is it a “superb choice for improving soil fertility” and “helping your plants thrive”, but it also “provides essential nutrients” that help combat common gardening woes.