CORRECTION: Roger misstates the functions of Potassium and Posphorous in this video. Potassium helps with chemical reactions and Phosphorous helps with root growth.

Project details

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Cost

Estimated Time

Steps:

  • A soil test will determine what nutrients are lacking in your soil and need to be augmented.
  • Follow all manufacturer’s instructions to ensure plants are overly fertilized and susceptible to burning.
  • The three main nutrients a plant needs are Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium, and these are noted as ratios on fertilizer containers.
  • Nitrogen-heavy fertilizers encourage green top growth on lawns.
  • Phosphorous-heavy fertilizers help with root growth (this is mis-stated in the video).
  • Potassium-heavy fertilizers help with chemical reactions (this is mis-stated in the video).
  • Liquid based fertilizers are good for establishing planters like a window box because they work quickly, then a granular slow-release fertilizer can be used over time.
  • Organic fertilizers have less nutrient density and are better for slow release applications like trees and shrubs.

Resources:

Fertilizer can be found at garden centers or home centers.