In general, you use a fertilizer to supply necessary elements to secure normal growth of plants.

A complete fertilizer is one that contains all of the Big three, primary nutrient elements: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. If you notice the ingredients on the bag listed as “10-10-10,” that means you’re dealing with a complete, balanced fertilizer. But if you notice the ingredients listed as something similar to “10-0-10,” the zero represents a lack of phosphorous, so this would not be a complete fertilizer.

Using fertilizers is a good thing. They aid in the growth of beneficial bacteria for your soil and hasten decomposition of humus, described as mature, natural compost. And they don’t burn minerals out of the ground, as some believe; they only add essential minerals and therefore restore the soil.

Do you know what type of fertilizer to use? There is not one all-plant fertilizer that works the same for shrubs, perennials, fruits, vegetables, rhododendrons, trees and grass lawns, but most garden shops sell several types of fertilizer for specific plants. But soil tests and plant growth habits can give you partial answers to this question. Ornamental plants generally show vigorous top growth and respond best to low-nitrogen fertilizer. Fleshy-rooted plants also respond well to low-nitrogen levels as well as high phosphorous and potassium levels.

Always read the bag, though! Make sure you’re using the proper fertilizer for your plants, garden and lawn and applying it properly.

For the most part, you don’t have to worry about using different fertilizers through the seasons. If you’re using a complete fertilizer, that will be sufficient. But in order to have large blooms and colorful foliage in the winter months, you might want to use liquid house-plant foods (made by mixing dry complete fertilizer and water) used at half its regular rate.

Just remember, there are no substitutes for fertilizers, so use a complete fertilizer regularly for an ideal garden landscape.

Please contact us today for a FREE estimate: 772-530-1889; jon@atlantic-landscaping.com. And follow us on Facebook for additional tips, tricks and suggestions: Atlantic Landscaping Services Inc.

References: mygardenguide.net; kcgardens.kansascity.com; about.com

We have more than 20 years of experience and talent offering “all hands on deck” to ensure every job is a success. We pride ourselves on always meeting our clients’ needs, budgets and remaining professional with a constant flow of communication.

We help our clients from start to finish, and we’re always there to offer the best advice to maintain your lawn investment and to help deliver beautiful, exotic landscapes for our clients.

We offer a wide range of services including lawn maintenance, landscaping design, landscape maintenance, irrigation, pruning, mulching, tree and shrub trimming, shrub and ground cover for winter months, yard maintenance, mowing, plant replacement, sod renovation, edging, line trimming, fertilization, pest control and much more.

Landscaping & Lawn Design/Maintenance

We’ll consult with you to create the dream landscape for your home and turn your ideas into a reality that will thrive for years. Then we’ll maintain the look and integrity of your lawn throughout the seasons by irrigating, pruning, trimming and mulching regularly. We’ll also cut your grass to regulation length to ensure lusciousness!

Fertilization, Irrigation & Pest Management

We use state-of-the-art equipment and controlled substances to give you a green, bug-free lawn. And we’ll irrigate your lawn seasonally, which helps the fertilization and pest management processes. Of course, the key to a bright green lawn is regular irrigation.

Atlantic Landscaping, servicing the whole Treasure Coast including Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Sewall’s Point, Jensen Beach, Ft. Pierce and St. Lucie West, Fla., is your neighborhood landscaper providing the solutions for a tropical home and luscious lawn.

Contact us today for a FREE estimate: 772-530-1889; jon@atlantic-landscaping.com, or find us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND LINKEDIN.