What do the Numbers on Fertilizer Mean?

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Want to know what the numbers on fertilizer mean? We'll show you what the fertilizer numbers stand for, and how to decide which fertilizer is best for you!

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For a strong and healthy yard, you’ll want to apply fertilizer throughout the year. And one of the most common questions asked is, “what do the numbers on the fertilizer bag mean?”

Well, the numbers represent the fertilizer’s “guaranteed analysis;” it tells you the percentage of three key elements by weight of the bag. These numbers are also referred to as the N-P-K ratio.

The first number is Nitrogen. The second is Phosphorus. And the third is Potassium.

These three essential ingredients are used in all fertilizers. It gets the term “N-P-K ratio” from the each element’s symbol on the periodic table of elements. And it will always be arranged in that order.

So, what does that really mean for you?

It’s important to know that each element serves a specific function for your lawn or ornamental plants.

The Nitrogen is responsible for the greening of the plant and shoot growth.

The Phosphorus helps with root growth and the establishment of new plants.

And the Potassium is for overall strength and health of the plant. Potassium will help toughen up the plant’s cells and water absorption to help keep your lawn or plants strong.

When picking out a fertilizer for your lawn, it’s important to know what your lawn needs or what nutrient it is lacking. It is generally recommended that you perform a soil test to know what your turf might need. And keep in mind that regional climates, time of year, and grass type will also factor into what kind of fertilizer you will need.

For instance, say you’re in California or Georgia and have a fescue lawn. Then you’ll probably want something high in Nitrogen such as 34-3-3.

Or maybe you are going to do an application of fertilizer during the Fall season. Then you will want something high in Phosphorus because it will nourish the turf as it goes dormant. Don’t use a fertilizer high in Nitrogen because that could feed fungus or weeds.

The good news is that most fertilizer labels will give you information on what you’ll need for your lawn. It will also tell you how much fertilizer you need to apply to get one pound of Nitrogen per thousand square feet. This info will also help you calculate how much fertilizer you’ll need depending on how many applications you’ll make. So make sure you always check that label.

This should be a good launching point for knowing and deciding which kind of fertilizer you will need for your lawn. But remember, lawn care is more than just putting down fertilizer. You will also need to combat weed growth with pre and post-emergent weed killers.

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