What is a good lawn and garden fertilizer?
There have been many answers over the years, but from the frequency of weed-choked lawns, dead trees and shrubs, disease, and insect problems, not all have proved completely satisfactory.
The 10-5-5 Formula
Recently, scientists have come up with a new answer, and so far, it is the right one. The magic formula is 10-5-5, the first figure representing nitrogen, the second phosphate, and the third potash.
Recent tests show that virtually all growing things require twice as much nitrogen as phosphate or potash (conventional 5-10-5 fertilizers—except for certain specific soil problems —overdo the phosphate, give starvation rations of nitrogen).
A minimum of 8% percent and preferably more (50% to 75% percent of this nitrogen must come from a solid, long-lasting material like urea) is needed for satisfactory results.
Urea-form is the USDA’s name for solid materials resulting from a combination of urea and formaldehyde containing at least 38% percent nitrogen.
Fertilizers containing the minimum 50% percent urea-form derived nitrogen will continue to feed plants for a long, long time with no resulting burns. But, it is slow-acting, and hurry-up gardeners want fast results.
That is why the 75% percent maximum limit leaves room for quick-acting soluble nitrogen sources. They please the impatient.
Blue Chip Fertilizers
Experts and home gardeners have proved the desirability of the 10-5-5 formula in and out of the laboratories. Used on lawns, golf course fairways, highway slopes, athletic fields, and for most woody plants, these “blue chip” fertilizers have shown their superiority.
The blue-chip tag brings a slightly higher cost (they contain twice as much of the most expensive plant food) and longer-lasting, safer results. Several of the largest fertilizer manufacturers are now making and marketing blue chip fertilizers in large quantities for general use.
Directions and application rates for lawns, gardens, shrubs, and trees are printed on each bag. The 10-5-5 flows easily through your spreader and will not cake even if stored in a damp place.
For best results, use the recommended amount—the new life and beauty in your lawn and garden will more than makeup for your added expense.
44659 by Fred V. Grad