We Explain What 10-10-10 Fertilizer Is and How to Use It in Your Garden (2024)

FAQs

We Explain What 10-10-10 Fertilizer Is and How to Use It in Your Garden? ›

It contains three plant macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and is “balanced” because the fertilizer contains the nutrients in an equal percentage of 10%. The fertilizer is added to plants that benefit from an overall general fertilizer boost and don't have a high need for any specific nutrient.

Liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer is typically a concentrate that you dilute and spray onto large areas with a garden hose or sprayer or pour directly onto the soil in a container.

When broadcasting fertilizer before planting, the proper amount of fertilizer is spread evenly over the garden and mixed with the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches before rows are made. This method is the least likely to cause plant damage and usually is best for home gardeners.

On most fertilizer bags, there are three numbers listed on the package in the format X-X-X. These are percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (as P2O5), and potassium (as K2O) within the bag. That means a bag of 10-10-10 contains 10% N, 10% P2O5 and 10% K2O (or a ratio of 1:1:1).

With granular you also have to water immediately to break it down and put it to work whereas with liquid, you are watering it in at time of application. We recommend that you water after application to soak it in even more, but if you forget or do not have time that day, not a big issue.

If only one type of formulated fertilizer is used, it's best to choose a balanced product such as NPK 10-10-10. When should I fertilize my tomato plants? You should fertilize your tomato plants just before or during planting, around two weeks before bloom begins, and again when the first tomatoes are small.

There are several ways granular and powdered fertilizer can be applied. On our beds we amend with plenty of compost at the beginning of the planting season, work in, smooth out and sprinkle fertilizers over the surface and lightly work into the top 2" of soil.

If you would rather not waste your time and the money you've invested, it's best to fertilize when no rainfall is expected for two days, or spread the fertilizer before it rains if you're anticipating only light rainfall. The light rainfall can substitute for watering in the fertilizer after application.

You should water granular fertilizer immediately after it is applied to your plants. Granular fertilizer needs the help of water for it to activate, so it will have no effect on your garden if you forget to water after adding it. For liquid fertilizer, you should wait longer before watering your plants.

What is the best fertilizer for all around gardens? ›

How Long Does it Take Fertilizer to Work? Most fertilizers start showing results within one to five days after it's been fully absorbed by your lawn. Slow-release formulas often take a bit longer, but you'll still likely see a difference in your lawn's health within a couple of weeks.

One application every four to six weeks after planting is typically enough. Crops growing in organic soils may need little additional fertilizer—again, just use foliage color and plant vigor as guides.

10-10-10 is called an all-purpose fertilizer because it can be used on almost any type of outdoor plant, including vegetables, shrubs, trees, flowers, lawns, and houseplants. Generally, it can be applied to any plant that doesn't need one of the three macronutrients in higher amounts.

For example, NPK 20 20 20 is excellent for hanging baskets due to the increased nutrient leaching that occurs. It is also appropriate to use NPK 20 20 20 in poor-quality soil.

For instance, if you've recently planted grass seed, a slow-release fertilizer like 10-10-10 can provide sustained nutrients, helping to establish a lush, green lawn. The goal is to feed your lawn with the right amount of nutrients at the right time to achieve the best lawn possible.

A common recommendation for vegetables is to apply 1 pound of a 10-10-10 fertilizer or 2 pounds of a 5-10-5 (or 5-10-10) fertilizer per 100 feet of row.

Too much fertilizer (applied too often or too much) can burn or desiccate roots, ultimately killing the plant. Too much fertilizer can also be harmful to the environment. But, fertilizers do a lot of good by providing macro and micronutrients that enhance the health and performance of plants.

Late afternoon or early evening (when there's still light, of course) is the best time of day to apply lawn fertilizer. Applying it in the heat of a scorching afternoon can cause the sun's rays to burn your grass—and when your goal is "lush and green," burned grass blades simply won't cut it.