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What do those numbers on the package mean?
Fertilizer is comprised of three primary nutrients;
Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. The symbols for these nutrients,
respectively, are N - P - K. The numbers on fertilizer packages
represent the ratio of the nutrient to the total weight of the
package. So a 50 lb. bag labeled as 25-5-10 is 25% nitrogen, 5%
phosphorous, 10% potassium. By multiplying the weight of the package,
by the percentage of the nutrient, you can determine the number
of pounds of each nutrient. So in the example above, .25 * 50
lbs = 12.5 lbs. of nitrogen, 2.5 lbs. phosphorous and 5 lbs. potassium.
So what is the rest of the bag contain? Mostly
inert fillers. Why not make the bay lighter and leave those fillers
out? Those fillers help with even distribution of the nutrients
and in the slow-release of nutrients over time.
When should you fertilize?
The weather is the chief influence on when to
apply nutrients. The beginning and end of the growing season are
the two most important times to fertilize the lawn. These two
applications will be adequate to sustain a healthy lawn. However,
also preparing for the winter and fertilizing prior to the appearance
of weeds will give you the best results.
Where you live influences the timing for each
of these applications. If you live in a warmer climate, then the
early and late summer are ideal for pre and post growth season
applications. In colder climates, spring and fall are the best
times to apply nutrients. Early summer is the time to apply nutrients
to aid in the prevention of weeds.
For winter protection you should apply fertilizer
prior to the first frost or in warmer climates, when the grass
stops growing.
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