What Do the Fertilizer Numbers Mean?

Fertilizer labels have three numbers.  Each of these numbers represents  the amount of a certain nutrient found within a bag of fertilizer.  The first number represents the amount of nitrogen.  The second number represents the amount of phosphate.  The third number represents the amount of potash.  Together, these numbers represent the primary nutrients of the fertilizer: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.

What Do Each of the Nutrients Do?

According to The Fertilizer Institute, there are 17 nutrients that plants need to function and flourish.  Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potassium are the most critical of these nutrients.  Nitrogen is essential for plants’ overall health.  It is required for the production of protein.  Phosphorous is important for how a plant uses and stores energy.  Potassium helps plants strengthen, resist disease, and increase overall crop yield.

It’s important to note that certain areas have a natural abundance of these nutrients.  This often results in restrictions for specific types of fertilizers, which makes looking at the numbers very important.  For example, much of Florida has naturally occurring phosphorous.  So, some areas have restrictions that prohibit the use of phosphorous-containing fertilizer.  In this case, the numbers tell you which mix works best in your area.

Fertilizer Numbers for Specific Needs

At 1 Stop Landscape Supply, we carry custom fertilizer blends for specific plants and specific local requirements.  For example, our 1 Stop Ornamental & Shrub blend is 8-0-10.  Our 1 Stop Palm blend, on the other hand, is 8-08-14.  You’ll notice these blends take into account specific plant needs and local requirements for phosphorous.  At 1 Stop, we’ve got you covered.  Click here to view our fertilizer selection.