Find out exactly what 10-10-10 fertilizer does for your plants and how to properly apply it.
But what do those numbers actually mean?
What Is 10-10-10 Fertilizer?
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These are the three primary macronutrients needed for healthy plant growth.
The numbers separated by dashes are the percent by weight of each nutrient in the product.
The guaranteed analysis label commonly lists the N-P-K components as total nitrogen, available phosphate, and soluble potash.
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A general-purpose fertilizer might also contain magnesium, boron, iron, zinc, or other micronutrients.
A fertilizer with 4-4-4, 5-5-5, or 20-20-20 is the same ratio, just different concentrations.
They are excellent for multiple uses, fromfeeding houseplantstoboosting vegetable gardens.
Thus, a balanced fertilizer will support all of these plant needs.
A 10-10-10 fertilizer is also a great choice forplants growing in containers.
We dont get soil tests on our potting mix, and the nutrients in a pot can quickly deplete.
Choosing a balanced fertilizer takes some guesswork out of providing supplemental nutrition to yourpatio plants.
Get a Soil Test
The soil in regular out-in-the-yard gardens can be a mystery.
Fill dirt is often brought in during home construction and may be anything fromgood topsoilto sand and stones.
Subdivisions are often built on old, exhausted agricultural fields.
Even gardens in the country may yield a surprise.
Arrange for a soil testand know what your garden needs before reaching for the fertilizer.
Contact your states extension service to find out how and where to send a soil sample.
The cost is nominal, and you could save yourself fertilizer and time.
Products specify a volume per area, like half a cup per 10 feet of row.
Dont give in to the temptation that more is better.Excess fertilizer can burn plantsand cause water quality problems downstream.
Choose Slow-Release for Nitrogen
Of the three primary macronutrientsN, P, and Knitrogen is most often deficient.
