Are Your Native Plants Looking Unhealthy? Could Bush Tucker Be the Perfect Fertiliser?

April 2, 2025

Native Plants Looking a Bit Sad? Here's What Might Be Going On

We've all been there. You finally get those gorgeous grevilleas or bottlebrushes into the ground, you’re watering regularly, giving them sunshine, and yet—ugh—they’re not looking great. Maybe the leaves are turning yellow or the flowers aren't as showy as you’d hoped. It can be frustrating, especially when you’re still learning the ropes with your garden. But before you second-guess your green thumb, it could be something as simple as… the wrong fertiliser.

Why Native Plants Are a Bit Fussy About Food

Here’s the thing: most native plants don’t like rich, heavy fertilisers. They’ve evolved in pretty lean soils, so when we feed them generic garden fertiliser, the phosphorus especially can overwhelm their roots. It’s a bit like giving a toddler espresso—it just doesn’t end well.

While your intentions are gold, your natives might be silently saying, “No thanks, mate.” What they really need is a fertiliser designed with their quirky preferences in mind.

Bush Tucker to the Rescue

That’s exactly why Bush Tucker exists. This organic-based fertiliser has been specially created for native Australian plants (yes, even the finicky ones). It offers just the right balance of nutrients to support hearty roots, lively foliage, and blooming flowers—without overpowering your garden beds.

With its easy-to-apply granules, Bush Tucker makes gardening beginner-friendly and feel-good. No guesswork, just wholesome nourishment for your waratahs, banksias, kangaroo paws, and more—whatever you've lovingly placed in your patch.

Newbies, You’re Not Alone!

If you're new to gardening, let me assure you—you’re not supposed to know everything straight off the bat. It's totally okay if you've been applying the fertiliser you had in your shed from three tenants ago (we’ve all done it). Bush Tucker is great because it's forgiving, pet-safe once watered in, and well-suited to all kinds of native shrubs and trees. That means fewer worries… and more happy dances when the flowers start popping.

How to Use Bush Tucker at Home

Spreading Bush Tucker is as easy as tossing breadcrumbs to chooks—scatter the granules around the base of your plant (not directly on the stem), water it in well, and you’re sorted. Apply in early spring and autumn, or anytime your plants are calling for support.

Here’s where Bush Tucker really shines:

In gardens with poor, sandy or low-nutrient soil
When native plants are newly planted or establishing
For an extra burst before flowering seasons

What People Notice Right Away

A customer told me just last week that her correas looked like they'd had a holiday after just one round of Bush Tucker. The yellowing leaves perked up and even the bees seemed more excited. Not scientific proof, perhaps, but an excellent sign.

Beginner gardeners say it reduces the fear of “doing something wrong.” There’s less stress about overfeeding or damaging plants, and more moments spent just enjoying your peaceful space.

Still Wondering If It's Right for You?

Look, if your native plants look tired or unmotivated, it could be that they’re just not getting what they need. Bush Tucker offers a gentle approach—sort of like giving them a warm cuppa instead of a double espresso.

You don’t need to figure it all out on your own. Remember, we’re here at Strathalbyn H Hardware's Garden Centre to lend a hand with tips, tools, and real answers… without the pressure.

So if something's not quite right in your garden beds this season, don’t panic. A little Bush Tucker might just be the pick-me-up your natives are craving.

Happy planting,

– Candeece