Home	Site Map	MV Weather
	Island Lawn & Garden		Lawns	MV Plants	Misc. Landscaping

					What The Numbers Mean Fertilizer bags will show numbers like 20-5-4, 10-18-10, or 5-4-2. The numbers are the percentages of the total product that are available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In the spring when lawn denseness and greenness are to be maximized, one might use a product with a high nitrogen percentage. In fall feedings when building up the plant after a long growing season may be more important, a product with a high phosphorus percentage is a better choice.
			In the summer, do not use a product with high nitrogen content. Despite what manufacturers say, fertilizer can burn and one should use care in its application. Similarly don't over fertilize with any product at any time of year. If an application rate calls for 5 lbs./1,000 sq. ft, using 10 lbs. won't be twice as good - it may be quite harmful.
				For additional lawn fertilization topics, see What The Numbers Mean Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizers Costs