What do the numbers on fertilizer sacks mean?
The first number is the amount of nitrogen, which affects above-ground growth and aids in foliage color. The second number is the amount of phosphorus, which affects rooting and blooming. It aids in vigor of the plant and quantity of foliage and fruit. The third number is the amount of potash, which boosts the output of the plant. However, soil along the Front Range is naturally high in potash, so this is not a significant factor. Potash is a scarce mineral which occurs naturally in the ground. It is principally used as a source of potassium, which all cultivated plants need to be able to grow.
