Spring is here and now is the time to fertilize and feed the lawn and plants. Here are the basic make up of fertilizer. On a bag of fertilizer or plant food is three numbers. The numbers translate to N–P–K on the periodic table. The first number on any bag of fertilizer is always Nitrogen (N). The second number is always Phosphate (P) and the third number is always Potash (K).
- Nitrogen (N): is used to green up foliage on grass and plants and make them grow foliage.
- Phosphate (P): is for the reproduction parts of the plants. It helps produce plant blooms, fruit and seeds.
- Potash (K): is used for general health of grass and plants.
Examples of fertilizer formulas:
15-5-10:
- 15 is nitrogen and it is going to green up and make grass / plants grow.
- 5 is phosphate and not going to do much for reproduction of flower, fruit, and seeds.
- 10 is potash and should help make grass and plants healthy and happy.
28-0-0:
- 28 is nitrogen and will make grass / plants green and grow.
- 0 phosphate means no aid in reproduction of grass / plants.
- 0 potash means there is nothing to help the health of grass / plants.
10-20-10:
- 10 is nitrogen and will make grass / plants green and grow.
- 20 is phosphate means will produce flowers, fruit, and seeds.
- 10 is potash and will aid in the health of the grass / plants.
Even on organic fertilizers the numbers N–P–K mean the same 9-2-2, 4-3-2 and 6-1-4. Just the source of N–P–K come from natural sources like poultry manure, seaweed, humate, alfalfa and more.