Fertilizers
What the numbers mean
The numbers on a fertilizer package are the proportion of Nitrogen,
Phosphorus and Potassium given as a percentage of the total contents.
No matter the manufacturer or the brand name, the three most important
nutrients are always given in the same order. Choosing an appropriate
fertilizer will be made easier when you consider how plants use
these nutrients.
NITROGEN promotes leafy growth
and will always be proportionately higher in a lawn fertilizer such
as 20-3-4. It is represented by the first number and produces the
rich dark green colour of a healthy lawn.
PHOSPHOROUS is essential in promoting
good root development and will always be proportionally higher in
a “Plant Start’ formula such as 5-15-5 or 10-52-10.
Fertilizers with a high phosphorous content should be used for ALL
new plantings throughout their FIRST growing season. Whether a petunia
or a potato, a rose or a radish, a new lawn, whether by seed or
sodded, all require PHOSPHOROUS to become well-established.
POTASSIUM provides overall strength
and vigor and is important for winter hardiness and root development.
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