What do the three numbers on the bags and boxes of fertilizer mean?
They represent the percentages of plant nutrients by weight. Just remember, “up, down and all around.” The first number represents the nitrogen, the second represents the phosphorus and the last one represents the potassium. These numbers are always expressed in the same order. Nitrogen is the “up.” It promotes plant growth and greening. Phosphorus is the “down” number. It stimulates cell building and root growth and is particularly beneficial in helping seedlings, flowers and vegetables to develop. Potassium is the “all around” number. It assists plants in forming starches and proteins, this promoting plant hardiness, disease resistance and a tolerance to drought and cold.
