Fertilizer 101

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 The essential nutrients required by all plants are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) (sometimes referred to as potash). These nutrients are generally abbreviated as N-P-K and this is the same order they will appear on fertilizer bags or containers. 

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Fertilizer numbers are written as a ratio, so it is the proportion of Nitrogen to Phosphorus to Potassium in a fertilizer mixture, not an exact measurement like grams or kg. Due to the, the ratio and spread rate determine how strong or weak the application can be. 

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For this reason when fertilizing lawns especially, make sure to see how far your broadcast spreader is throwing.

If you crossover an area it will get extra fertilizer and can become greener than the rest of the lawn or potentially burn up if it receives to much fertilizer. Neither of these, especially the burning up of lawns is ideal and are easily avoided. 

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Special Considerations with Nitrogen:

 If testing soil nutrients early in the year the tests may show low Nitrogen.

Unlike other nutrients that remain in the soil, Nitrogen is a process that requires the soil microorganisms to have left dormancy to test accurately.

While Nitrogen is important, excess can leach into waterways and cause environmental damage, thus it’s best to be Nitrogen conservative.

For Lawns: planting white clover in your grass mix can help add nitrogen organically as clover fixes nitrogen into the soil and limit the amount of nitrogen you need to add to have a nice lawn. 

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Types of Fertilizers:

Complete Fertilizers: These contain all three primary nutrients (N, P, K).

Incomplete Fertilizers: These provide only one or two of the primary nutrients.

Organic Fertilizers: Derived from living organisms or their byproducts, such as compost, manure, and bone meal.

Inorganic or Synthetic Fertilizers: Manufactured chemically, providing nutrients in specific concentrations.

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We carry synthetic complete fertilizers in certain ratios and organic fertilizers and amendments. We have limited options for incomplete fertilizers. See Fertilizer We Carry and Other Lawn & Garden Items for stock that we have. It does change year to year. 

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What Do Primary Nutrients Do for Plants:

Nitrogen (N): Essential for leaf and stem growth.

Phosphorus (P): Important for root development, flowering, and fruiting.

Potassium (K): Aids in overall plant health, disease resistance, and the development of fruits and seeds.

 

What are the Important Secondary Nutrients for Plants in NL:

Calcium (Ca): Necessary for cell wall formation and root development.

Tomatoes especially may need extra calcium during the growing season. 

We have some water soluble fertilizer in the store that contains secondary nutrients and trace elements. 

Magnesium (Mg): Involved in chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Important additive for potatoes in NL soil. 

Our 6-12-12 fertilizer contains added magnesium for this reason.

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Trace Elements:

Required in smaller quantities, including iron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and boron.

*Boron needs to be added for turnip and beets in NL soil.* 

Be extra careful adding heavy metals such as iron to the soil. These can build up and make soil unsuitable for growing. Always add in trace amounts.​

 

Application Methods:

Broadcast: Spreading fertilizer evenly over the soil surface. *MOST COMMON IN LAWNS* Most available seeders are broadcast and are what people use for spreading fertilizer.

Side-Dressing: Applying fertilizer along the side of plant rows during the growing season. Used in gardening. 

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Storage and Handling:

Store fertilizers in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets.

Follow safety guidelines when handling fertilizers, unsafe handling may result in harm.

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