Frequently Asked Questions
Help & support
These are the questions growers ask us most often, covering products, ordering and delivery. Everything we formulate is handcrafted in small batches in Stockport, and the full range is trusted by growers with more than 4,300 reviews across our shop, eBay and Amazon. If you can't find your answer below, email Joe directly at joe@drforest.co.uk and you'll get a personal reply.
Products and usage
What makes Dr Forest different from shop-bought brands?
Dr Forest blends are multi-input formulations built to release nutrients steadily over weeks, not days. Each one combines slow-release organic nitrogen with calcium-rich Yorkshire polyhalite, cold-processed Scottish seaweed, volcanic rock dust and humic acid — a broad spectrum of major and trace nutrients in a single application. Calcium sits at the heart of every formulation: it strengthens cell walls, supports disease resistance and produces more resilient plants from root to fruit. The focus is on flavour and nutrient density, not just size — by feeding the soil biology that drives both. Every blend we make is handcrafted in small batches in Stockport, developed from peer-reviewed research and real growing experience, in compostable or recyclable packaging.
Are your products organic?
They're made with organic ingredients — natural plant and mineral inputs chosen to feed soil biology rather than force quick growth. The fertilisers themselves don't carry an organic certification mark, but every input is either organic or a naturally occurring mined mineral. Our blends are vegetarian rather than vegan: each contains a small amount of insect frass as a natural source of chitin and slow-release nitrogen. There are no slaughterhouse by-products of any kind — no blood, bone, hoof, horn or feather meal — which sets us apart from most mainstream UK fertilisers.
Which fertiliser should I use for my garden?
It depends on what you're growing. Our All-Purpose Fertiliser (6-6-6 NPK) is a balanced feed and a good starting point for most gardens. If you're focused on one crop, the crop-specific blends in our Premium range are tuned to the feeding pattern of a single plant family — high potassium for tomatoes, repeat-flowering support for roses, and so on.
How do I use dry fertilisers?
Our dry fertilisers are slow-release granules. Scatter them around the base of your plants or mix into the top layer of soil, then water in well — they release nutrients gradually over several weeks, feeding steadily without the risk of scorching. Full application rates are on every product page, and our feeding schedule gives step-by-step guidance.
How do I use liquid fertilisers?
Dilute with water at the ratio shown on the product label, then apply to the soil around your plants or as a foliar spray. To work out exact amounts, use our liquid fertiliser calculator.
How much fertiliser do I need?
It depends on the size of your growing area and the product. Our fertiliser calculator does the maths for you — enter your bed or pot dimensions and it returns how much to apply (including tablespoons per plant) and which bag size to order. It includes a small buffer so you don't run short.
Can I use Dr Forest products on my lawn?
Yes. Our All-Purpose Fertiliser works well on lawns, giving a balanced feed that encourages healthy, even growth. Apply evenly across the lawn and water in afterwards.
Are your products safe to use around children and pets?
Our fertilisers are made with organic ingredients and contain no synthetic chemicals or plant protection products, so they're well suited to family gardens. As with any garden product, store them out of reach of children and pets and avoid direct ingestion.
What is the shelf life of your fertilisers?
Our dry fertilisers keep for at least two years when stored in a cool, dry place in their sealed packaging.
What are biostimulants, and do I need them?
Biostimulants such as our Brix+ liquid seaweed work alongside fertilisers to support soil biology, root development and overall plant resilience. They aren't essential, but they can make a noticeable difference if you're after the best possible results.
Ordering and payment
How do I place an order?
Browse the shop, add items to your basket and proceed to checkout. We accept all major credit and debit cards, plus other secure payment methods through Shopify's checkout.
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
We process orders quickly, usually within one to two working days. If you need to make a change, email joe@drforest.co.uk as soon as you can and we'll do our best to help before it's dispatched.
Do you offer gift cards?
Get in touch at joe@drforest.co.uk if you'd like to gift Dr Forest products and we'll arrange something for you.
Delivery and shipping
How much does delivery cost?
UK delivery is priced by order value: orders under £22 are £2.00, orders from £22 to £59.99 are £3.00, and orders of £60 or more qualify for free UK delivery.
How long does delivery take?
Orders are usually dispatched within one to two working days. Delivery then typically takes one to three working days depending on the carrier and your location. You'll receive tracking by email once your order ships.
Which couriers do you use?
We ship via FedEx and Royal Mail, depending on the size and weight of your order. If you have a preference, let us know and we'll try to accommodate it.
Do you deliver internationally?
Not at the moment — we currently serve UK customers only.
My order hasn't arrived — what should I do?
First, check the tracking link emailed to you when your order was dispatched. If there's a problem or your parcel seems lost, email joe@drforest.co.uk and we'll sort it out.
Returns and refunds
What is your returns policy?
We offer a 30-day returns policy: you have 30 days from receiving your order to request a return. Items must be unused and in their original packaging, and you'll need your receipt or proof of purchase. Return postage is at the customer's cost.
How do I return an item?
Email joe@drforest.co.uk to start a return and we'll guide you through it and provide the return address. Please note return postage is paid by the customer.
When will I receive my refund?
Once we've received and inspected your return, we'll refund your original payment method. Please allow a few working days for it to appear in your account.
About Dr Forest
Who is behind Dr Forest?
Dr Forest was founded by Joe in 2020, with his wife Keleigh joining the business in 2023. The name is a tribute to Joe's grandfather, Dr Forrest — spelled with two Rs — a GP who kept a vegetable plot all his life and made piccalilli from his home-grown runner beans for family and friends. It's that hands-in-the-soil, grow-it-properly spirit the brand still runs on.
Where are your products made?
The blends we formulate ourselves are handcrafted in small batches in Stockport, England, using UK-sourced ingredients wherever possible — including Yorkshire polyhalite and Scottish seaweed. Where something sits beyond our own expertise, we source the highest-quality products we can from respected specialists in the organic and regenerative agriculture sector — often making professional-grade materials available in the retail market for the first time. The quality bar is the same either way.
How can I get in touch?
Email Joe at joe@drforest.co.uk — he answers every enquiry personally. You can also follow us on Instagram at @drforest_uk for growing tips and updates.
Reviewed by growers
Dr Forest Reviews
Dr Forest reviews and customer ratings, gathered in one place. We are a small-batch organic fertiliser brand, handcrafted in Stockport, and every rating below is from a verified purchase on Shopify, Amazon, eBay or Google. The live average sits just below. Search by product, keyword or reviewer, filter by rating or platform, and sort however you like.
Tip: you can search by product as well as by word. Try “polyhalite”, “clay soil” or a reviewer’s name.
Our star rating is calculated from all one-to-five star ratings on Shopify, Amazon and Google, including star-only ratings. eBay buyer feedback (Positive, Neutral, Negative) is shown here too and counted in the total, but is not mixed into the star average. All entries are from verified purchases.