Frequently Asked Questions About Fertilizing

What do the three numbers on the bags and boxes of fertilizer mean?

They represent the percentages of plant nutrients 3 major elements, the basic "N-P-K" by weight. The first number represents the nitrogen, the second represents the phosphorus and the last one represents the potassium. Each major element has its own growing characteristic consistent to all growing things. The three numbers indicate the nutrient value (as a percent of total weight of the contents of the bag) of the 3 major elements (guaranteed by the manufacturer and listed on the bag) and allow for the listing of other minor elements as well. These numbers are always expressed in the same order. Just remember "up, down and all around." The combination of these three combined elements will affect aspects like the speed of growth, the size of flower blossoms, the shade of green, the strength of the stalk/vine, the amount of fruit it will bear, etc. However, the N-P-K guaranteed analysis does not indicate how long the effects of the N-P-K will last.
In fertilizer what is nitrogen needed for? It's the up number. It promotes the plants top growth and greening, thus providing more foliage, and improving density.
In fertilizer what does phosphorous do? This is the "down" number. It stimulates cell building and root growth and is particularly beneficial in helping seedlings, flowers and vegetables get started to develop to there fullest. It is very often used as the “Starter Fertilizer” and “Root Stimulator”
In fertilizer what does potassium do? It's the "all-around" number. It assists plants in forming starches and proteins, thus promoting plant hardiness, disease resistance and a tolerance to drought and cold.
What are micronutrients? These are nutrients, such as sulfur and iron that plants need in small amounts. Generally, micronutrient deficiencies are not a very common problem because organic matter and fertilizers usually contain sufficient amounts.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of organic fertilizers? The word "organic" means that nutrients contained in the product are derived from a once-living organism. Their major advantage is improving the soil. Except for manure, the organics generally release their nutrients slowly over a fairly long period. However, the potential drawback is that when organic material is first applied to weak infertile soil they may not release enough of their principal nutrient at a time to give a plant what it needs right away for best growth. Therefore it is necessary to use more initially. When you purchase a 40 lb bag of chemical fertilizer with a NPK value of 29-2-4 you are getting 35% synthetic chemical nutrients and 65% or 26 Lbs. of inert ingredients that contribute nothing. When you purchase a bag of Organic Fertilizer 8-2-4 NPK you get 14% all natural usable nutrients and 86% organic matter that enriches and restores the microbial activity in the soil. Use of organic matter improves the soil itself. The improved soil will contain all the nutrients the plant needs and the plant will be able to sustain itself. It reduces the need for frequent use of synthetic fertilizers, which are only effective for a very short period of time. Organic matter also increases the soils water retention reducing the need for additional watering. Within a short time, any hard-packed soil (previously treated with chemical synthetic fertilizers) that has been treated with Organic Fertilizer will become 'soft' when you walk on it, and you will see signs of returning earth worms, which allow for better health of your plant and lawn root systems due to better drainage, more aeration, and a better natural irrigation environment. Organic fertilizers work in harmony with nature and will not contaminate ground water, the source of our drinking water. Organic fertilizer is not only safe, it is also beneficial to the environment.
More information about the use of Organics will be available on another page in the near future.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of water-soluble fertilizers? These dry or liquid concentrates must be diluted in water before application. They are applied with a hose-end sprayer or a watering can. They are relatively expensive, but they are easy to apply and provide even feeding. They are easy to use, especially on container plants. As long as you follow label directions for dilution, and the nutrients, in solution, are available to plant roots immediately and there is no risk of burning a plant. They are less practical than the solids for large-scale use because of their greater cost and because they must be reapplied more often (their nutrients in solution leach through the root zone very quickly).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic fertilizers? They're stronger and faster acting than organic fertilizer making them a good choice for aiding plants that are in severe distress from nutrient deficiencies and also for annuals that are heavy feeders and need frequent applications. These fertilizers, which come as dry, granular pellets or water-soluble products.
What are the advantages of synthetic granular pellets? They are usually less expensive than their organic counterparts. They can be applied by simply spreading them around plants or using a spreader to apply them to a lawn.
What are time-released granular pellets? These controlled-release fertilizers provide consistent feeding for three to nine months, depending on the product. The fertilizer granules are coated with a permeable substance. With each watering, a bit of fertilizer diffuses through the coating and into the soil. Advantages include the need for fewer applications and less of a chance of burning the plant. However, they do not provide as quick a boost and they cost more.
When should I apply fertilizers to plants and trees? We recommend Root Stimulator liquid fertilizer combined with Organic fertilizer such as Pro-Grow mixed into the soil at the same time you plant. Thereafter apply granular fertilizers to plants at the beginning of the growing season. For deciduous trees, and shrubs fertilize when leaves first appear.
Can I spray my fruit trees from the ground? Yes, a hose-end tree sprayer will do the job, but will often end up applying the chemical to other surrounding plants and the lawn. Consider using a ladder and a regular hose-end sprayer or pump sprayer.
Can I spread lime when seeding and fertilizing my lawn? Yes, lime can be applied at any time of the year. It will have no adverse effect on seeding and fertilizing your lawn. Lime is used on lawns to raise the ph. Lawn grasses grow best in soils that are close to a neutral pH. It is also important to establish the proper pH in your lawn to insure that the other products work to their best effect. For more information on the importance of pH, please refer to the information about pH on this website.
I’d like a nice lawn but I am concerned about the safety of my children and our pets. Do you offer a natural or organic lawn fertilizer that is safe to use? Yes, we do, it’s called, Jonathan Green’s all Organic Lawn Fertilizer. It is fortified with natural ingredients like feather meal, bone meal, blood meal, kelp meal, wheat shorts, amino acids and humic acid. These natural organic compounds increase soil microbial activity resulting in improved soil structure and enhanced turf performance. Jonathan Green Organic Lawn Fertilizer, will green up your lawn for up to ten weeks as it fortifies and strengthens the grass plants in your lawn. It does this without causing excessive top growth, even in the early spring.
What are special-purpose fertilizers? Some fertilizers are designed for certain uses or types of plants such as vegetable food, rose food or flower food. For example, Holly-Tone fertilizer has been specifically formulated to acidify the soil, which Holly, many evergreens and other plants require to thrive.
Why wont my shrub produce flowers?

Many, many environmental conditions could be preventing flowering. First, poor soil conditions may be stressing the plant leaving it without nutrients it needs. Improving the soil with organic matter will reduce plant stress. New England soil is lacking in phosphate, which promotes root development overall plant health and flowering but can be easily added. Fertilizing yearly in the spring with high quality slow release fertilizer promotes over plant health. Second, there may not be enough sunlight reaching the shrub for a long enough period of the day, or too much if the plant prefers shade. Third, New England soil is naturally on the acidic side, the soil ph may need to be adjusted for the uptake of natural nutrients in the soil or fertilizer you have added. Fourth, pruning at the wrong time can eliminate future flowers. (Flowering shrubs should be pruned AFTER they are done flowering)

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