I for one, have always been perplexed about the numbers listed on the front of a bag of fertilizer. I have tried to read the tiny print on the back of the bag and all it did was confuse me more...I felt like telling the bag "Hey, I don't have a degree in chemistry".
After some research, I found that it is not as complicated as it seems - it's quite simple.
The three numbers stand for N-P-K and that is Nitrogen, Phosophorous and Potassium, sometimes called Potash. On a bag, these are represented by numbers, for example, 4-4-2, 10-10-10 or 12-15-20.
The numbers vary based on the proportions of N-P-K in a bag of fertilizer.
The N - Nitrogen
Stimulates top growth, stems, leaves and plant stalks. It makes a plant greener, providing more foliage, color and density. Nitrogen leaches from the soil quite rapidly, therefore it is necessary to apply it more frequently than the P or K.
The P - Phosophorous
Stimulates cell building and root growth. It also helps seedlings develop and is beneficial in flower and fruit production. Phosophorous is retained in the soil for a longer period, so it is not necessay to apply it as frequently as the N or K.
The K - Potassium (Potash)
Assists plants in forming starches and proteins which promotes plant hardiness, disease resistance and a higher tolerance to drought and cold conditions. Promotes general overall health for the plant. The Potassium also leaches from the soil quickly.
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