FAQs


What does the three numbers on a fertilizer bag represent?

The three numbers on the bag represent the amounts or percentages of Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potash contained in the fertilizer. Most plants require large amounts of these nutrients in order to flourish. For example the fertilizer 8-8-8 contains 8 percent Nitrogen, 8 percent of Phosphate, and 8 percent Potash.

Which type of fertilizer is best for my plants?

Determining the best type of fertilizer to use can depend on a lot of different factors. The analysis on the bag is the largest indicator of what the fertilizer is best used on. For example, lawns fertilizers usually contain high levels of Nitrogen (first number), which brings out leafy growth and vegetation. Lawn fertilizers are great for your grass, but not necessarily the best for annual flowers because the high levels of nitrogen promotes vegetative growth rather than promoting flowering. Our fertilizers are generally complete, meaning that they have the same amount of all three nutrients which is good for a wide range of plants in your garden, landscape, or containers.

What is the best form of fertilizer?

Gardeners most often use liquid or granular forms of fertilizers. One type of fertilizer is not necessarily better than the other, it just depends on what the products is being applied on. Liquid fertilizers are fast acting as well and should be applied when watering. There are two types of granular fertilizers, a water soluble fertilizer is normally best put out before a light rain and will allow you to see results more quickly. The second type is a slow release fertilizer and will generally last all year long because they do not break down as quickly.

How often and how much fertilizer should put on my plants?

The quantity, rate, and frequency of when you apply fertilizer depends on many different factors as well, such as the fertilizer analysis, plant species, soil, and nutrients present. For outdoor and garden plants a soil test is highly recommended. Here are some general guidelines for fertilizing.

Granular fertilizer is often applied to vegetable gardens during planting or it can be incorporated into the soil before planting. Annuals may require a more persistent fertilization throughout the season. Perennials tend to need fertilizer once every other spring and trees and shrubs very rarely need fertilizing if they are already established. Houseplants or plants in container will need fertilizer more often mainly in the spring, summer and fall. Watching your plants is the best way to determine if they need nutrients. Yellowing or slow growth is a common sign that plants need more nutrients than what they’re getting.

Can you fertilize too much?

Yes, over fertilization can cause a lot of problems with plants and can result in stunted growth or burnt leaves. When fertilizing, less is more, is a great motto to use while applying. Knowing the product and reading the labels is a very important while determining how much product to apply.

Should I fertilize my plant if it looks sick?

One of the worst things to do is to over fertilize a plant that is not doing well. The main thing is to first diagnose the problem. Many things such as water, sunlight, pest, or funguses can very well be the reason your plant is not doing so good. Fertilizer will not fix unrelated problems and has the capability of making it worse.

Why are some fertilizers dyed different colors?

Dyes are commonly used in fertilizer as a tool more than anything. For one they give immediate information upon first glance, darker dyes are normally used on a more concentrated fertilizer where as a lighter dyed solution wouldn’t contain nearly as many nutrients. As well, many landscapers and homeowner can benefit from dyed fertilizer because it gives them a visual on where fertilizer has been applied.

Are fertilizers harmful to pets or kids?

To be safe, fertilizers should be kept away from kids and pets. Products labels will normally have procedures if an accident were to occur.

What spreader setting do I use?

TO BE CONTINUED

How do I determine how many bags of fertilizer I will need on my lawn?

Most every fertilizer bag will include how many square feet 1 bag will cover. To determine how many square feet your yard is, take the width (in feet) and multiply that by the length (in feet) and that will be the total square feet that needs to be covered.