What Do The Numbers Mean On Fertilizers?
When you see a fertilizer
product, there will be three numbers boldly listed on the front of the package.
These numbers are very important and tell a great deal about what this
fertilizer will do.
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and
Potassium (N,P,K) are what the three numbers refer to, in that order. Those
numbers refer to the percentage of each element contained in the product. For
instance, if purchase a 50-pound bag of fertilizer with a 15-5-10 ration, that
means there is 7.5 pounds (15% x 50) of Nitrogen, 2.5 pounds (5% x 50) of
Phosphorus and 5 pounds (10% x 50) of Potassium. The remaining ingredients are
fillers, used to help distribute the elements.
Top, Bottom and All Over
A good way of remembering
how each element works is “top, bottom and all over.” Remembering this will
help you recall that Nitrogen (N), the first element listed, aids
in the lawn growing above the ground. Nitrogen does a fantastic job greening up your
lawn and provides the necessary nutrients for a lush yard. Many fertilizers
will frequently have a high first number for this reason.
Phosphorus (P), the second
number, is very good at establishing the root systems. Phosphorus is also most
responsible for fruit production and flower blooms. Fertilizers designed for new
lawns and flower beds have a larger middle number.
Potassium (K), the final
number listed on the label, it is responsible for maintaining a healthy lawn.
This is because Potassium helps to build strong cells within the plant. Lawn
have to endure stress, heat, cold, pest and diseases, Potassium is the element
that helps yards with these challenges. Winterizer fertilizers will have high levels
of potassium.
When buying a fertilizer,
think about what you are trying to accomplish. General purpose fertilizers usually
have equal numbers of N,P,K. Katy Lawn Service recommends a 15-5-10 in late
February and early March for a quick green up. Some people will be tempted to put down a weed
and feed during this period but if you read our article about Pre-EmergentHerbicides, you know that this is not necessary nor good for your lawn. Quick
fixes will not fix the problems. A planned-out strategy and patience always wins.
Summer Lawn Schedule
We recommend you apply
fertilizer two more times before the winter months start. The next time is late
March or early April and then in late June or early July as a lawn care routine.
A ratio of 3-1-2 works best in Katy, TX. Formulation we recommend are 19-5-9,
19-4-10, 18-4-6, 15-5-1. Make sure to use a slow release fertilizer. During mid-October
or early November, apply your winterizer, with a formulation of 18-6-12,
8-12-16, 10-5-14, this will ensure a hardy winter grass. Here is a great fertilization schedule from on of Houston Texas’ best experts, Randy Lemmon.
Finally, whenever you
apply fertilizers, more is not better. You can burn your lawn by using too much
and over fertilizing. You might also damage your soil. Just remember that if
you have a healthy and well maintained lawn, then less is better. If you want
the lawn care experts of Katy to take care of your lawn, just call us and set
an appointment. One of our experts will come out and give you a quote. You can
have a lawn you have always dreamed of and be the envy of all your neighbors!
Call us today!
Katy Lawn Service
30702 Falcon Trace
Fulshear, TX 77423
281-784-0330
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