Do you know what 12-24-12 fertilizer is? This type of fertilizer has been on the market for a while and it is important to understand how it works. The numbers in this type of product tell you when and how often you should use it. For example, if your plant needs nutrients more than once every few months, then 12-24-12 would be a good choice for fertilization.
What Does 12-24-12 Fertilizer Mean?
The “12-24-12” in the name is a reference to the percentage of each chemical found inside. In this case, it means that 12 percent of its weight is nitrogen (N), 24 percent is phosphate (P) and another 12 percent is potash (K). Synthetic fertilizers are formulated from raw materials such as mined minerals and inorganic chemicals and, depending on the components of the fertilizer, may be classified as:
- Primary or secondary fertilizers (those with high N – P – K ratio) such as 12-24-12;
- Complete fertilizers (those containing all three primary nutrients), for example, 16-16-16.
What is 12-24-12 Fertilizer Good for?
The 12-24-12 fertilizer is good for when you want to promote plant growth in your garden. You can use these types of fertilizers to help your plants grow. You can also use them to promote the blooming or growth of your flowers.
This typically works best for plants that have a short growing season. These are usually annual flowers or vegetables like tomatoes, peas, and beans that need to grow quickly in the spring when you plant them. It’s also good for bulbs because they need high levels of phosphorus when it is time to sprout new growth.
When to Use?
It is best to use this fertilizer around the time that you are planning on planting. It’s important not to till too early after putting out 12-24-12 because it will burn your plants if there is still a lot of nitrogen in the soil.
This type of fertilizer can also be used through drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses. This will give the plants a more even spread of 12-24-12 and make sure it gets where you want it.
12-24-12 Fertilizer Benefits
12-24-12 fertilizer is great for putting on lawns, but it can also be used to help flowers grow. It will give them more energy so they produce brighter colors and fuller blooms.
There are many benefits of using this type of fertilizer including:
- Stimulates the growth of plants
- Increases flower size
- Promotes healthy roots
- Helps with nutrient uptake and absorption of plants.
How to use 12-24-12 Fertilizer
The best time to use 12-24-12 fertilizer is when the weather starts to cool down. This usually happens in September or October, depending on where you are located.
12-24-12 fertilizer can be applied throughout the growing season. During early spring, it is recommended to apply 12-24-12 at a rate of 20 pounds per 1000 square feet for lawns and 30 pounds per 100 square foot area for flower beds/shrubs.
This liquid fertilizer should be watered thoroughly after application. A second method would be to dig into soil around plants with a trowel or spade then pour the liquid solution onto roots, cover with dirt and water again until fully absorbed by plant roots. It’s important not to over-fertilize as this could burn tender root systems causing damage or death to your garden plants! Always read instructions on the packaging carefully prior to use.
