Back to Info Sheets	Fertilizer and Soil Conditioner Basics   WHAT DO THE THREE NUMBERS ON THE FERTILIZER BAG MEAN ?     ie. :           5-10-15  or    6-12-12 This is a ratio of N-P-K, by percentage weight in the fertilizer mix. N - nitrogen.  This encourages leaf growth and greening. P - phosphorus.  Helps root systems, seedlings, flowers, and vegetables develop. K - potassium.  Promotes vegetable, flower, and root growth.  Builds tolerance to disease, drought, and cold.     WHAT FORMS DO FERTILIZERS COME IN? GRANULAR:  Provides even, consistent feeding as nutrients are released.  Spread around plants or directly on lawns. TIME RELEASE :   Provides consistent feeding for 2-9 months. Don't need to apply as often. Spread around plants or directly on lawns. WATER SOLUBLE : Easy application. Provides even feeding. Quickly absorbed. Mix with water and water onto plants. ORGANIC :  Made from natural products. Lower in nitrogen. Increase soil bulk and texture.  Spread by hand or dig into soil.     HOW OFTEN AND WHEN DO I APPLY FERTILIZER ? ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS :  Use a granular fertilizer like 6-12 -12, at the beginning of the growing season in May and again in June. LAWNS : Apply a time release, (or slow release fertilizer such as 21-6-12), in May and again in June.  Fertilize again in July only if the grass is well watered and the temperatures are not above 25oC. In fall, fertilize with 6-18-14, to encourage root growth and cold tolerance. TREES AND SHRUBS: Fertilize in spring with 6-12-12 for flowering trees and shrubs or 7-7-7 for leafy trees such as maples. EVERGREENS : Fertilize in spring with evergreen  food, ie. 10-3-6.     SOIL AMENDMENTS Newfoundland soils are naturally acidic.  Most soils need additional limestone to raise the pH.  Work limestone in at a rate of 10 lbs per 100 sq ft.  Alternately, get a recommendation from a soil test result by bringing a sample to the Agricultural Farm.   Vol 99 no 62
© Murray's Garden and Horticultural Services Last updated: March 8, 2008