Last Updated on June 7, 2022 by Mark Brian
The main objective of fertilizer is to provide the nutrients that a plant is lacking. So, the 10 10 10 fertilizer is a perfect mix of 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. This NPK mixture is excellent for foliage plants, perennials, and turfgrass such as the bermuda grass or the zoysia grass. Moreover, most healthy evergreen gardens or lawns have timely fertilization.
Why N-P-K nutrients are important?
Nitrogen is important for turf or foliage growth and fulfills any soil deficiency. However, it is not a fertilizer of choice for fruit or vegetable plants. While nitrogen gives a lush look to grass, phosphorus stimulates root growth. So, the grass not only looks great but also has a solid root system.
On the other hand, potassium acts just as calcium for bones. It helps in the nutrient and water uptake by the grass. All that fertilizer is useless if it is not used by the grass. In addition, it makes grass cell walls thicker so they can resist drought, heat, and cold stress with ease.
How is 10 10 10 fertilizer different than other fertilizer ratios available?
Different fertilizers cater to different types and requirements of plants. For instance, 4-8-12 fertilizer is good for fruit crops but not so great for grass. However, one can also use 0-20-20 fertilizer when there is no need for a lush lawn in late fall.
A quite similar one is the 8-8-8 fertilizer, but it has less nitrogen than the 10-10-10 one. The equal ratios of 10-10-10 fertilizer not only promote root strength but also help build a lawn, greener than ever.
Turf grass is in high need of nitrogen to sustain its growth. While applying excess nitrogen to fruit or vegetable crops can cause premature falling.
Heavy Feeders Vs. Light Feeders
Some grass requires more nutrients as the present nutrients are used up fast. These are called heavy feeders. For example, rhodes grass and elephant grass. Other examples of heavy feeder plants are okra, melons, tomatoes, and celery.
Alternatively, there are some types of grass that consume fewer nutrients and thus are named light feeders. For example, bermuda grass. Some examples of light feeder crops are beans, carrots, and beans, which can be grown easily without much gardening experience.
Applying fertilizer in the right ratio and quantity is important. Overexposure to fertilizer can damage the plant, whereas, less than required fertilizer makes it prone to diseases and other environmental factors.
How to Check Nutrient Deficiency in the Soil?
Before diving into applying any fertilizer, check what the soil and plantation actually need. A simple soil test will do. However, if you don’t want to do that then picking the right season and type-specific fertilizer can do the magic.
How to choose which fertilizer ratio to apply to grass?
Usually, 1-1-1 ratio (all purpose) or 1-2-1 (rooting) ratios are used for grass growth. A fertilizer ratio determines what growth should be stimulated. So, if you are looking for the overall growth of the grass then a 1-1-1 ratio i.e. 10-10-10 fertilizer is a perfect fit for your lawn.
The best time to apply fertilizer to the lawn is late spring. Although spring is the optimum time to fertilize the grass, you can also go for early fall. However, the fertilizer ratio should be 0-20-20 if applied in near winter or dormant weather.
Can 10 10 10 fertilizer be used for growing fruit and vegetables?
Although it is mostly used for foliage greenery, this fertilizer can be used for vegetables and fruits. It is great to use if you are growing leafy vegetables such as spinach or cabbage. However, you can only apply the 10 10 10 fertilizer to fruit plants before they start to fruit. Otherwise, the plant is at risk to drop the fruit prematurely due to nitrogen overdose.
Quick Step by Step Guide to Apply 10-10-10 Fertilizer – 2022
Here is a step by step guide on how to apply 10-10-10 fertilizer to your lawn or garden:
1. Do A Soil Test
A soil test is a basic step before applying fertilizer. So, doing a soil test every 2 to 3 years can maintain and even increase soil fertility. Before the spring season kicks in, all you need to do is to collect a soil sample and send it to a nearby lab. Also, ask the lab about how much soil depth (0 to 6 inches) is required before sending samples.
If you only need to check the pH of the soil, then a DIY method with vinegar and baking soda will do. However, to know the exact amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, a lab test is recommended.
2. Plant Nutritional Requirments
Every plant has different nutritional requirements. So, research what your garden plants’ nutritional needs are, including different types of turfgrass. Some grass types do well if the fertilizer is applied in late spring, whereas others thrive with fertilizer application in the fall. Following is the nitrogen requirement by different grass types on yearly basis, as an example.
| Grass Species | Nitrogen (lbs.) / 1000 sq. ft. per Year |
| Zoysia japonica | 3 to 6 |
| Common Bermudagrass | 4 to 6 |
| Hybrid Bermudagrass | 4 to 8 |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 3 to 6 |
| Tall Fescue | 3 to 6 |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 3 to 6 |
| Annual Ryegrass | 2 to 5 |
| Poa trivialis | 2 to 5 |
3. Calculate the Amount of Fertilizer
It is such a pain if you find out midway that the fertilizer is not enough to cover the whole garden or lawn. So, to avoid it, calculate the amount of fertilizer beforehand. It varies from plant to plant so be mindful of the plants or grass to be fertilized.
Usually, soil tests indicate the amount of fertilizer required in pounds per acre or kilogram per hectare. A simple way to calculate fertilizer amount is to multiply the weight of the bag by the percentage of nitrogen. The fertilizer application rate can be calculated as:
Fertilizer Application Rate = Desired N Application Rate / (%N on label / 100)
Next, the fertilizer amount you need for your lawn can be put together as
Fertilizer Weight Required = Fertilizer Application Rate x Lawn Area
4. Wear Protective Equipment
Once you have figured out how much fertilizer is going to be used, it’s time for action. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, face masks, gloves, and closed shoes before applying fertilizer.
5. Apply the Fertilizer
Some fertilizers are spread dry while others are mixed in water. Beware that fertilizers are synthetic chemicals and have the potential to cause serious burns. Finally, follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to apply fertilizer (spread, spray or inject) and you are done.
Expert’s Recommended 10-10-10 Fertilizers
We have researched far and wide to come up with some of the best 10-10-10 fertilizers for you, given below:
The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer
Specifications
| Coverage | 5000 square feet |
| Usage Grade | Professional Grade |
| Planting Period | Spring and Fall |
| Weight | 18 pounds |
For a golf course quality lawn, the Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer is the perfect choice for you!
This fertilizer has fine size particles that spread all over the garden with ease. So, the fine size covers double the surface area as compared to any other fertilizer. In addition, it has quick release nitrogen that provides immediate nutrition to every inch of the lawn. Also, due to its fine particles, it is not washed away by heavy rains and its soil retention is high.
Another best thing about this fertilizer is its micronutrients and 2% iron that gives a deep green color to the grass and other foliage. It can also be applied to plant and flower beds for a nutritional boost.
Unlike other fertilizers, it can be blown off or swept from sidewalks easily. Once the fertilizer is spread, it requires watering to speed up absorption. For grass, it is recommended to mow first, then apply the fertilizer to the dry foliage, and water it thoroughly for maximum results.
All in all it is an amazing fertilizer in terms of coverage, deep nutrition, and price. The PGF balanced formula quick solution to nitrogen deficiency. Moreover, the micronutrients along with iron make the grass resistant to pests and certain diseases as well. However, some customers had issues with the drop spreader settings. So, it is recommended to spread 4lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. at 3.5 settings.
Southern Ag All Purpose Granular 10-10-10 Fertilizer
Specifications
| Type | Granular |
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Coverage | ½ acre |
| Additional Micronutrients | Present |
For a lush garden, Southern Ag is a great option for a fertilizer. The best thing about this fertilizer is that it is all purpose. So, not only you can have rich dark green grass but also a high rate of seed growth for flowers or vegetables.
It has a balanced amount of N-P-K along with micronutrients. The micronutrients such as sulfur, copper, zinc, and iron increase plant immunity. Many customers have claimed that the dying grass revived into a lush green after applying this fertilizer. Moreover, it covers almost a half acre which is quite affordable compared to other fertilizers available on the market.
The granular particles of the Souther Ag 10-10-10 fertilizer dissolve over time for sustained nitrogen supply. It also has the same process for application. Mow the grass first, then spread the fertilizer, and water it thoroughly. You can also use this fertilizer for growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Some people have claimed its useful benefits for cypress trees as well.
Overall, it is a good option if you have a mixed lawn. It covers the nutrient requirements along with providing micronutrients as well. The homogenous granules spread easily and do not stick to the leaf blades. In addition, some customers have found it beneficial for hydrangeas, peonies, and hostas. However, the only hitch is that it cannot be used for potted plants and may damage them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 10 10 10 fertilizer good for the Bermuda grass?
Yes, it works great for bermuda grass and provides amazing results. However, testing the soil before applying it is the key. Otherwise, the result can be counter productive. As bermuda grass is a warm season perennial grass, it requires more fertilizer. The maximum amount for applying it is four times per year depending on lawn needs.
Is 10-10-10 fertilizer good for St. Augustine grass?
St. Augustine grass grows best in sandy soil with light shade. So, 10-10-10 fertilizer is perfect for it because it offers 1 pound of nitrogen for 1000 sq. ft. of area. Moreover, it is a warm season grass for shady spots, so make sure to check the saline and moisture levels of the soil before applying fertilizer.
Is 10-10-10 fertilizer good for evergreens?
Evergreens are ornamental plants or the ones grown for foliage. For instance, pine, fit, cypress, spruce, and redwood, to name a few. 10-10-10 is a well balanced fertilizer for evergreens that can be applied once or twice a year with a thin layer of manure. It keeps the tree healthy and covers all nutritional requirements.
Is 10-10-10 fertilizer good for flowers?
It is one of the best options for perennial plants which includes a variety of flowers. It gives a fertility boost and increases the flowering in the spring season. So, 10-10-10 fertilizer can be used for peonies, hydrangeas, and other flower beds. Two doses of fertilizer before and during summer can benefit the production.
Is 10-10-10 fertilizer organic?
No, 10-10-10 fertilizer is not organic. N-P-K is a synthetic mixture of 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorous, and 10% potassium in balanced ratios. It promotes the overall growth of plants, especially the leaf formation and color. Alternatively, manure is a good organic substitute for 10-10-10 fertilizer, but it may not have a balanced ratio.
Leave a Reply