What do the Numbers on Fertilizer Mean?

Want to know what the numbers on fertilizer mean? We'll show you what the fertilizer numbers stand for, and how to decide which fertilizer is best for you!

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For a strong and healthy yard, you’ll want to apply fertilizer throughout the year. And one of the most common questions asked is, “what do the numbers on the fertilizer bag mean?”

Well, the numbers represent the fertilizer’s “guaranteed analysis;” it tells you the percentage of three key elements by weight of the bag. These numbers are also referred to as the N-P-K ratio.

The first number is Nitrogen. The second is Phosphorus. And the third is Potassium.

These three essential ingredients are used in all fertilizers. It gets the term “N-P-K ratio” from the each element’s symbol on the periodic table of elements. And it will always be arranged in that order.

So, what does that really mean for you?

It’s important to know that each element serves a specific function for your lawn or ornamental plants.

The Nitrogen is responsible for the greening of the plant and shoot growth.

The Phosphorus helps with root growth and the establishment of new plants.

And the Potassium is for overall strength and health of the plant. Potassium will help toughen up the plant’s cells and water absorption to help keep your lawn or plants strong.

When picking out a fertilizer for your lawn, it’s important to know what your lawn needs or what nutrient it is lacking. It is generally recommended that you perform a soil test to know what your turf might need. And keep in mind that regional climates, time of year, and grass type will also factor into what kind of fertilizer you will need.

For instance, say you’re in California or Georgia and have a fescue lawn. Then you’ll probably want something high in Nitrogen such as 34-3-3.

Or maybe you are going to do an application of fertilizer during the Fall season. Then you will want something high in Phosphorus because it will nourish the turf as it goes dormant. Don’t use a fertilizer high in Nitrogen because that could feed fungus or weeds.

The good news is that most fertilizer labels will give you information on what you’ll need for your lawn. It will also tell you how much fertilizer you need to apply to get one pound of Nitrogen per thousand square feet. This info will also help you calculate how much fertilizer you’ll need depending on how many applications you’ll make. So make sure you always check that label.

This should be a good launching point for knowing and deciding which kind of fertilizer you will need for your lawn. But remember, lawn care is more than just putting down fertilizer. You will also need to combat weed growth with pre and post-emergent weed killers.

If you have any questions, leave a comment in the comment section below. Also don’t hesitate to reach out to us by stopping by one of our stores, sending us an email, giving us a call, or visiting our website. If you’re new to the channel, subscribe for more how to and product videos.

Thanks for watching!

[kylemish]

I wish all videos were this precise and informative. Excellent work and thank you

[garfieldnelson.]

Excellent information for DIYERS. Thanks.

[vishnubhave]

Thanks for sharing great information sir. Thanks again

[dexterousx]

*Thank you for this great in-depth explanation. Im working on some lawn repair and was curious on what the numbers meant .*

[emmyhusfloen]

This video is so informational, THANK YOU!!

[shocker]

what type of fertilizer should I use for new laid Bermuda SOD grass. I live in West Texas. Planted my new SOD on March 16, 2022. Some of the grass has already changed from green to yellow. Probably got some fungs going on which I will treat but what type of Fertilizer should I get?

[shabbirshaik]

I want the information about 15:08:35. Fertilizer uses

[seatime]

Hello I've been using blue powder Grow more 20 20 20 in my injector tank for my yard bushes and trees. Can I use 10 52 10 instead and will it hurt?.TY

[troymcconnell]

i live in california ... been in the commercial game a long time ... grow it 3-4 inches .. watch out for rust ... if you see mushrooms back off water just a tad.... enjoy... AND ALWAYS DEEP WATER so long as you start in spring.... if not good luck .. roots on top will fry

[tupai]

Hi .

what is Npk 15-15-15 meaning..it stands for n-p-k or n-p2o5-k2o?

Tq

[BadAssEngineering]

It's also important to note that Phosphorus has to be applied under the plant. Nitrogen an Potassium can be applied around on top of the soil and will permeate down with time, but phosphorus will no. Applying phosphorus on top of the soil is pretty much a waste

[benchamingabriel]

What fertilizer could be used in plants to sustain the drought? Please tell me.

[buggadugg]

This says percent of - non equals 100%. So how do I understand the difference in 0-0-5 vs 0-0-63? If -5 is recommended, what damage -63 do?

[thanhtruong]

Many sites explain these numbers similarly. I am not sure if I missed something that everybody knew. For example 18-24-12, that make up to 18+24+12 = 54% in the bag. My question is, what is in the other 46%. Thanks.

[bcworkman]

Great video, butt I have a question. you said that each number represent their % "in a 50lb bag" Does this mean that the numbers represent their % per bag, OR per 100lbs? (I would assume per bag) Secondly, If you have a 50lb bag of 15-15-15, that only makes up 45% of the bag, SO... what else is in the bag?

[kumarashok]

Sir lam lndia, kerala state . Sir how to use npk 5 10 18, is good for vegitables, how much? Pls. Reply.

[-Phil]

'Dark city' lesson: There's no way out. You can use nitrogen ... but that may be too beneficial for clover. Phosphates my help rooting, but all is vain when Armyworms destroy your well-fertilized Bermuda. Mine was 'almost' the most beautiful grass in yuppy-ville. Now, after years of this fastidious travail, I have the ugliest grass anywhere ... there's no way out!