In Victorian times, the flowers around cottage houses were typically fertilized using a variety of methods. The most common method was the use of organic fertilizers, which included naturally occurring substances such as manure, bone meal, compost, seaweed, and wood ash. These organic materials were often mixed into the soil around the flowers or applied as a top dressing.
Additionally, Victorian gardeners often utilized "liquid manure," which involved steeping manure in water to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. This liquid manure was then applied to the flower beds or sprayed directly onto the plants.
Another popular technique during that era was the use of "growbags" or "compost heaps." Gardeners would collect organic waste, such as kitchen scraps, leaves, and grass clippings, and create a compost heap. This compost heap would then be used as a natural fertilizer, as the decomposed matter provided essential nutrients to the surrounding plants.
Some gardeners also incorporated bonemeal or fish meal into the planting holes while transplanting or replenishing the soil around the flowers. These substances provided long-lasting nutrients and helped promote healthy growth.
Overall, Victorian gardeners relied heavily on organic and natural methods of fertilization to maintain the flowers around their cottage houses.
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