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fertilizing
What do those numbers mean?
- Have you ever scratched your head and wondered what those
three numbers on a bag, box or package of fertilizer
mean? Well we will do our best to explain just that!
- These numbers analyze the amount of: Nitrogen, Potash and
Phosphate. These nutrients are what all plants, trees,
flowers and shrubs need.
- Nitrogen- Is the first number on the product and
referred to by the symbol N. This is a naturally occurring
element in our air. It is needed by plants to produce green
healthy growth. A higher number on the bag means MORE nitrogen.
If your plant, shrub or tree is turning yellowish color, it
probably needs nitrogen.
- Phosphate- The second number and referred to by the
symbol P. Plants need phosphate to stimulate healthy root
development for flowering and to help in the prevention of
disease and stress. The phosphate process combines phosphate
rock with sulphur and produces phosphoric solution. Phosphate
helps in root stimulation and flowering of plants. When planting
trees, or shrubs be sure to use a fertilizer with a HIGH
phosphate number.
- Potash- Or sometimes referred to as potassium. This
is usually the last number and is referred to by the symbol K.
This contains minerals and potassium which are mined from
naturally occurring ORE bodies. All plants need this nutrient,
potash regulates water balance, enzyme activity, starch and
protein synthesis and nitrogen uptake.
- Why do your plants need these nutrients? Because in your
area these nutrients may be missing and are needed for
continuous growth on your plants, trees and or shrubs.
- Here in the lower elevations of the southwest, your soil is
probably missing the above minerals needed for growing plants,
trees, or shrubs.
- A good all purpose fertilizer will usually have numbers with
16-8-8 printed across the product. This type of fertilizer no
matter what brand name will have all the nutrients needed for a
healthy plant.
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