How to Feed Plants: Fertilizer Types, Nutrient Numbers, and Application Methods

Well-fed plants grow vigorously, shade out weeds, and resist disease. But fertilizer aisles are confusing—specialty blends for camellias, lawns, roses, tomatoes, plus all-purpose and organic options in liquids, granules, pellets, tablets, stakes. Most contain N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) plus micronutrients. Nitrogen (green growth) is usually the best value—lawns need lots (e.g., 29-3-4). Phosphorus aids rooting, flowering, fruiting (e.g., 5-10-10 for flowers/veggies). Potassium fuels metabolism, root development, fruit/nut quality; balanced fertilizers usually supply enough.

Labels show N-P-K percentages in order: e.g., 12-4-8 = 12% N, 4% P, 8% K.

Four Easy Fertilizer Types

Granular

Least expensive; lasts 1–2 months; reapply. Standard for lawns and general beds.
Apply: Broadcast on lawns; sprinkle on beds, scratch/rake/dig in. Mix into tilled soil before planting veggies, or band alongside rows. Water thoroughly after each application.

Liquid

Concentrates or water-soluble powders. Immediate uptake via leaves and roots. Great for containers.
Apply: Dilute per label to avoid burn. Apply near roots with watering can or hose injector every 1–2 weeks.

Controlled-Release

Beads release nutrients over months (3–9 months depending on formulation). Apply 1–2×/year. Higher cost for convenience.
Apply: Incorporate at planting or scratch into surface. Feeds annuals, perennials, container ornamentals.

Organic

Natural products in boxes. Bat guano (8-5-1.5), fish pellets (8-5-1) supply all three. For nitrogen: blood meal, cottonseed meal, poultry waste. For phosphorus: bone meal. For potassium: kelp, granite meal.
Apply: Scatter above roots, work in, water well.

Feed regularly during growing season for lush results.