Which Fertilizer is Best for Your Yard?

Which Fertilizer is Best for Your Yard?

Plants need 17 essential nutrients in the soil to grow. The most important nutrients for plants are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Each nutrient promotes different growth benefits so the advantage of fertilizer is that you can choose one that promotes root development, flowering or foliage growth.

Fertilizers have 3 numbers on the front label, separated by dashes. For example: 5-10-5. This is the fertilizer analysis or percentage by weight of the 3 major nutrients plants need: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These are often abbreviated to N-P-K.

Nitrogen encourages foliage growth and green colour. If your plants turn light green it means they need nitrogen.
Phosphorous contributes to many fundamental plant processes such as rooting and setting flower buds. It is especially important at the beginning of the growing cycle.
Potassium contributes to the overall health and vigour of plants. It strengthens resistance to disease and stress.
Other Ingredients: Any additional ingredients will be listed on the side label. This may include other nutrients like sulphur, calcium, magnesium, iron and other micronutrients. The label will also list the percentage of organic matter.

4Rs of fertilizer use: the right source at the right rate, the right time and the right place.