Fertilizer

By Mary Jo Baur


Although you shouldn't fertilize your perennials at this time of year, it is fine to fertilize your lawn and woody plants, such as trees and shrubs.  There are many types of fertilizers formulated for different types of plants.  Perhaps you've wondered what the 3 numbers mean that you see on a bag of fertilizer.  They represent the NPK balance, that is how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are in the mix.  Each element does something different for your plants.  


Nitrogen makes for rapid growth and dark green leaves.  The middle number, phosphorus is mainly responsible for root growth and helps in the production of flowers and fruit.  Potassium provides a balance between the other two elements.  Most fertilizers are well labeled as to what kind of plant would benefit most from that type of nutrients.  If in doubt, you can used a balanced fertilizer, that is one where the 3 numbers are the same, such as 5-5-5, or 10-10-10.  


Some fertilizers are made to use when planting bulbs, some for use specifically for azaleas and rhododendrons, some for vegetables, and others specially for trees.  Most come in granular form and some are time-released.  Before you pay good money, be sure to read the labels and pick that fertilizer that is best for your needs.