Learning the fundamentals of fertilizer doesn't mean you have to be a chemist. By understanding that different types of plants require varying amounts of three basic elements (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (p) and potassium (K)) and examining which products are best suited for your situation and level of convenience, you can make decisions about which fertilizer to use.
This is the most common type used for lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs. All three primary elements make up the formulation for general use or Specialty plant use (like azaleas & rhododendrons, roses, fruit trees, evergreens, tomatoes, etc.).
Only one of the three major elements (N,P or K) is contained in this type. Examples would be ammonium nitrate (33-0-0) or superphosphate (0-20-0). Generally, these are used by experienced gardeners when only a specific nutrient is lacking.
Soluble fertilizers are most popular for container plants and flower garden beds. These types can be granular of liquid which are mixed with water. After mixing, the solution can be used with a watering can to apply to thee soil or by spraying on plant leaves as a foliar feed. Plant response is rapid from soluble fertilizers. Most of these types are available in dilute forms for frequent feeding.
Because these fertilizers can be applied at heavier rate with less danger or plant damage, fewer applications are needed, making them very convenient to use.
These are the "weed and feed" types which combine an insecticide/herbicide with a fertilizer. Convenience is one of the major benefits of these products which combine one, two or three garden tasks in one application.
Organic fertilizers provide both nutrients (although usually at a lower level than in-organics) plus soil conditioning benefits. The include manures, bone meal, alfalfa meal, blood meal, limestone. mushroom compost, peat moss and rock phosphate. they won't burn seedlings or foliage like inorganic foods.
