40-0-0 fertilizer is a mixture of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. This type of fertilizer is not as popular as other types, but it can be an excellent choice for some plants that thrive in alkaline soil. 40-0-0 fertilizer offers several benefits, including a fast growth rate, good color retention, and quick recovery from drought stress.
What is 40-0-0 Fertilizer Good for?
In general, 40-0-0 fertilizer is good for plants that thrive in alkaline soil. These include azaleas, blueberries, crape myrtles, hydrangeas, magnolias, and rhododendrons. 40-0-0 fertilizer is also good for many shrubs and perennials. When fertilizing these plants, it’s best to apply the fertilizer in early spring because they tend to grow a lot during that time of year.
When to use it?
It’s best to apply 40-0-0 fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. This will supply the plants with a quick burst of nitrogen they need for healthy vegetative growth. 40-0-0 fertilizer should not be applied during the summer months or after blooming has occurred.
40-0-0 fertilizer benefits
40-0-0 fertilizer is a mixture of three major nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potash (K). It’s mostly used for vegetables, fruit trees, and lawns. This type of fertilizer does not dissolve in the soil as well or leach away quickly so it doesn’t require frequent application.
The advantages of 40-0-0 fertilizer are that it helps keep your turf green without making it look overgrown with weeds, retaining more moisture than some quick-drying brands; has less salt content than most fertilizers.
How to use 40-0-0 fertilizer
Use 40-0-0 fertilizer when you’re planting, transplanting, or fertilizing a vegetable garden. Use it in late spring after the last frost date to get an early start on growth and again after heavy rainfalls. You should also apply it during periods of heat stress for slow-release nitrogen that will help your plants recover more quickly from drought conditions.
In lawns, use 40-0-0 fertilizer twice each year: once at the beginning of spring to encourage new grass growth and then later in summer before another dormant period sets in.