SteadyGro – Six Month Slow Release Granular Fertiliser

*For best results from the new NZGA range, use SteadyGro as your base fertiliser across the garden, then rotate through the four liquid products weekly, applying them as either a soil drench or foliar spray.

One application at the start of the season covers your base nutrition through 2 seasons! The coated urea releases nitrogen gradually as soil temperature rises, which means plants get a consistent supply rather than a short spike followed by nothing. That steady release also means no burn risk and minimal nutrient loss through leaching.

The NPK is genuinely balanced for general garden use: 18% nitrogen for growth and colour, 6% phosphorus for root establishment, and 12% potassium for plant strength and stress tolerance. The secondary nutrients round it out well: 0.5% magnesium, 6.8% sulphur and trace iron, manganese, and zinc.

Description

SteadyGro is a coated slow-release granular fertiliser designed to be the base layer of a garden feeding programme. The NPK is 18-6-12, which is a solid general-purpose ratio that covers the main nutritional needs of most garden plants through the growing season.

The nitrogen is where the technology sits. Coated urea releases based on soil temperature and moisture rather than all at once, so instead of a quick flush of nitrogen followed by a drop-off, plants get a consistent supply over six months. That matters for a few reasons: it reduces the risk of burn, cuts down on leaching losses after rain, and means you’re not scrambling to reapply every few weeks.

The phosphorus at 6% supports root development, which is particularly useful at the start of the season when plants are establishing or coming out of winter. Potassium at 12% builds cell strength and helps plants handle stress from heat, drought, and disease pressure through summer.

The secondary nutrients are worth attention too. Sulphur at 6.8% is high by granular fertiliser standards, which is actually well matched to New Zealand conditions where sulphur deficiency is common, particularly on lighter soils. Magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc cover the trace element bases.

Use SteadyGro as the foundation of your season. Apply once or twice a year, then top up monthly with NZGA liquid fertiliser to support active growth and keep soil biology moving. That combination of granular base plus liquid top-up is how professional programmes run, and it works equally well in the home garden.

How to use

Garden beds and general planting areas

Spread evenly across the soil surface and water in, or mix lightly into the top few centimetres of soil. Apply at the start of the growing season. A second application mid-season is optional for heavy-feeding plants.

New plantings, fruit trees, and shrubs

Apply at the lower rate and mix lightly into the soil around the root zone. Do not place directly under the root ball. Water in thoroughly after planting.

Potted plants and planter boxes

Apply to the surface and water in. Pots heat up faster than garden beds, which can accelerate the release rate slightly, so stick to the lower end of the application rate.

Pairing with liquid fertilisers

SteadyGro handles the base nutrition. Top up monthly with a compatible liquid fertiliser to support active growth and maintain soil health through the season. This is where the programme really performs.

Application rates

Garden beds and general planting
Apply 50–100 g per m²

New plantings, fruit trees and shrubs
Apply 50–75 g per m², lightly mixed into the root zone