The three numbers in the formula printed on the fertilizer bag represent the main nutrients -- nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. When these are most beneficial may depend on the season.

Often, homeowners will not have a soil test done, so they are buying a fertilizer grade at random from a store. If this is the case, the fertilizer still should be applied at a proper rate. For ...

Europe and Australia long ago recognized the benefits of a fertilizer formula that doesn’t blow up. Here, the chemical industry fought back.