Video: Fertilizer Basics

I am frequently asked questions about fertilizer: which kind to use for plants, how different types impact plant growth, and when one should use them. I knew this would be a great topic for a video!

You’ll learn what the numbers mean on a package of fertilizer and how the nutrients benefit the crops we grow. It makes a BIG difference! I hope you’ll find this really useful.

I should add that I’m not trying to promote any particular brand of plant nutrients in this video. They just happen to be what I have on hand at the moment!

What do the numbers mean?

• Nitrogen – The first number, promotes leafy growth
• Phosphorus – The middle number, promotes flowering and fruit-setting or large root growth
• Potassium – Aids plant growth, facilitates water movement, helps plants fight disease

I also wanted to mention something you might find interesting. Have you ever jumped the gun in planting warm-season crops and the leaves look quite yellow? If the soil is still cool, that means the microorganisms aren’t very active yet. And it’s those little beings that make nutrients available to our plants. So don’t worry: once the temperatures improve, your plants will start looking much better!

Above all, remember to always follow the label directions. My motto is “more is NOT better!” So don’t use any more than what is recommended.

Looking for a short-and-sweet explanation: I also have a YouTube short video on this very topic.