What is the best fertilizer for starting plants?

Look for a 1-2-1 N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio on the fertilizer label. A liquid or water-soluble fertilizer is typically the easiest and quickest way for the seedlings to access nutrients. You’ll also have a choice between organic and synthetic fertilizer, which often comes down to personal preference.

What NPK is starter fertilizer?

Starter fertilizers come in compositions of primary nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (or potash), making up a product’s NPK. For example, a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-18-10 has 10\% nitrogen, 18\% phosphorus, and 10\% potassium.

Should you fertilize newly planted plants?

Do Not Fertilize Never directly fertilize a newly planted perennials. Ideally, the plant should not need fertilizer in subsequent weeks because it has been placed in enriched garden soil, where the necessary nutrients are already in place and available to the plant once the root hairs start to grow.

Should I add fertilizer to my seed starting mix?

Seed starting is a favorite hobby of many gardeners. As your plants grow, they quickly use up any fertilizer found in the seed-starting mix, and you’ll need to start feeding them a supplemental fertilizer. Fertilization should begin soon after your seedlings form their first “true” leaves.

What is the ratio of N-P-K?

Prominently featured, the N-P-K-ratio is the percentage the product contains by volume of nitrogen (chemical symbol N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A 16-16-16 fertilizer, for example, contains 16\% nitrogen, 16\% phosphorus, and 16\% potassium.

What numbers are good for starter fertilizer?

Any high-quality, complete fertilizer that contains at least nitrogen and phosphorus will work as a starter fertilizer. Generally, it should contain a high phosphate (P2O5) ratio (e. g., 1-2-1, 1-3-1, 1-4-2, or 1-5-0) and the phosphate in starter fertilizers should be highly water soluble.

What’s the difference between starter fertilizer and regular fertilizer?

Regular fertilizer contains nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and phosphorous (P). Starter fertilizers emphasize phosphorous, the most critical ingredient for root growth in seedlings, according to Penn State.

Should I fertilize when transplanting?

Add a dilute water-soluble fertilizer to the watering-in solution. Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers because they can burn the roots. A dilute, high-phosphorous fertilizer is preferable at transplant.

How soon can you fertilize new plants?

Wait 2 to 3 weeks after planting before you fertilize; by then, the newly set-out plants should have recovered from any root damage. Use a spading fork to work a dry granular fertilizer into a new garden bed.