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Proper fertilizing is one of the most important things a gardener can do for all their plants regardless of whether they are new transplants or old, well established plants, flowering, non flowering, evergreen or deciduous. There are always 3 numbers listed on the label of all fertilizers and they represent the three major nutrients that plants need. These nutrients are always listed in the same order: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
NITROGEN: Stimulates strong leaf and stem growth. Good for lawns, evergreens, deciduous trees, leafy vegetables and most foliage houseplants. Over application can result in lanky, tender growth that can be susceptible to disease.
PHOSPHOROUS: Stimulates strong root growth and flower development. It stimulates root growth on young plants and hence is used when transplanting. On mature plants, it stimulates flower production and therefore is used in all flowering plant fertilizers. It helps lawns to be more drought tolerant and is necessary for all root and flower crops.
POTASSIUM: Necessary for strong stems and branches. Helps to tie in the other two elements and provides for increased disease resistance in plants. Stimulates seed production and development |
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