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What Is 10-10-10 Fertilizer? What Does It Do For Your Lawn And Garden?

All-purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer contains 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium in that order. It’s a synthetic fertilizer that works especially well on perennials and plants grown for their foliage. Mixed ratio fertilizers, such as 4-8-10, are better for fruiting crops like tomatoes.

Do you wonder what 10-10-10 fertilizer is or how to use 10-10-10 fertilizer on your lawn or in your vegetable garden? In this article, I’ll answer both of these questions.

While the answer to the first question is straightforward, it’s harder to answer the second because different plants have different needs. 

I’ll do my best to explain what broad plant categories 10-10-10 is best for, as well as how to determine the right application for each species.

What Is 10-10-10 Fertilizer?

What does 10 10 10 fertilizer mean? 10-10-10 fertilizer is a synthetic, all-purpose fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in that order. What is 10 10 10 fertilizer used for?

It’s easy to use and good for plants that need a lot of nitrogen, such as established perennials, leafy green crops, and turf grasses.

What do these numbers mean?

Ratios

The three numbers on a bag of fertilizer indicate its percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as Solutions Pest & Lawn explains: 

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Fertilizers come with different ratios because plants have different nutritional needs. Ratios with repeating numbers, such as 10-10-10, help plants produce edible foliage. 

This is because nitrogen drives the growth of vegetative parts like leaves (not fruit). If the nitrogen percentage is equal to those of the phosphorus and potassium, the fertilizer is high in nitrogen.

Mixed ratios, such as 4-8-12, are generally best for fruit crops, like tomatoes. Notice that in 4-8-12, there is much less nitrogen than phosphorus or potassium. This is because applying too much nitrogen to fruit crops (or applying it at the wrong time) can cause them to lose their fruit so they can focus on growing bigger leaves.

However, you can use 10-10-10 fertilizer for fruit crops before they grow fruit, as Keith Clark demonstrates:

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Some fertilizers, such as 0-20-20, have no nitrogen at all. Grasses, such as the ones in this review, may benefit from this formula in the late fall, when it’s not time to grow lush blades. Here’s a recipe for making your own.

Higher And Lower Numbers

You may be wondering, “Aren’t 8-8-8 and 10-10-10 the same ratio?” They are, but their numbers indicate how much of each nutrient they contain. 10-10-10 fertilizer has more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium than 8-8-8 fertilizer. 

Plants may be classified as heavy, medium, or light feeders. Intuitively, larger numbers are recommended for heavy feeders, whereas smaller numbers are recommended for light feeders.

10-10-10 Fertilizer Formulas

You can find a 10 10 10 fertilizer for garden in different formulas, each of them offering something different. What are they, and how to choose the best one for your needs? 

One of the most popular fertilizer formulas are liquid concentrates. Concentrates are mixed with water and then applied near the plants’ bases. You can also opt for foliar sprays if you want a product that can be applied directly onto the leaves. 

One significant advantage of liquid formulas is that they act fast, feeding your plants instantly. They are easily absorbable, but they tend to make over-feeding easier as well, so you should be careful with how often you use this fertilizer. 

Water-soluble powder fertilizers are your next choice. Powder fertilizers can be applied directly to the soil, or they can be dissolved in water and applied in liquid form. The versatility is the strong suit of this formulation. Powders offer longer shelf life and are quite affordable, so if you have a big garden, this fertilizer formula might be the best choice for you. 

If you’re after a product that will offer you a slow release, then you should consider granules. Not only are granular fertilizers super easy to apply, but they slowly release all the nutrients into the soil, which means you don’t have to use the product as often. 

But granules may not always guarantee an equal dispersion of nutritional components, which is one of the biggest drawbacks of this formula.  

Last but not least, we should talk about one of the most convenient 10-10-10 fertilizer formulas, which is fertilizer spikes. The application process for spikes is straightforward – all you need to do is push them into the ground you want to fertilize. 

Not only is the application easy, but you are also not required to measure the proper dose of fertilizer. This is done for you. Spikes are available in different sizes, so you can provide various plants in your garden with the nutrients they need for growth. 

Spikes minimize the risks of root burn and protect your plants from disease and pests.

Advantages of 10-10-10 Fertilizer

What are the biggest advantages of using 10-10-10 fertilizer in your garden? First of all, this formula supports the growth of many different plants, vegetables, flowers, and trees amongst them. It’s a good, versatile fertilizer if you need one.

Additionally, it offers ease of use. Using 10-10-10 fertilizer means that you provide your plants with everything they might need. All you have to do is sprinkle the fertilizer around them and see the amazing results. 

10 10 10 fertilizer for vegetables and other plants works its wonders really quickly. It’s easily absorbable, which is another big advantage this product offers.  

Disadvantages of 10-10-10 Fertilizer

Fine, we’ve discussed all the pros of 10-10-10 fertilizer, but what about the disadvantages? Probably one of the biggest problems you may encounter when using this product is something that we mentioned in the section above. This fertilizer is very easily absorbed by the plants, but it does not offer longer-term benefits. 

Usually, you’ll need to reapply it every 30 days to keep feeding your greenery. Furthermore, sometimes your fertilizer may be cumulating near the surface and not soak deeper into the crest, which lowers its effectiveness. 

For many, the most significant drawback to using synthetic fertilizers like 10 10 10 fertilizer for grass and vegetables is the amount of hazardous and toxic substances that can be found in them. 

For one, it makes the application process a little bit more complicated, as it requires you to wear protective clothing and maintain a certain level of caution. Additionally, depending on the product, fertilizer might be toxic for pets, so it’s important to check this information before applying the product. 

Some 10-10-10 fertilizer brands are toxic for invertebrates, which means using them will negatively affect the microbial life in your garden. For this reason, some people prefer using natural fertilizers that don’t pose such threats. 

Before using any sort of fertilizer, read the product description and label information first. You may be required to take some precautions when using these products.

How To Use 10-10-10 Fertilizer for Vegetables and Other Greenery?

Steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide on using a 10-10-10 fertilizer:

  1. Test Your Soil




    Your soil might not even need fertilizer. Test it or have it tested to see its nutrient levels.

  2. Research Your Plant’s Nutritional Requirements


    How and when you should apply 10-10-10 fertilizer depends on a plant’s species and maturity. For example, established perennials, such as asparagus, appreciate an early spring application, whereas leafy green plants prefer it a month after planting in any season.

    Though you can apply 10-10-10 to fruit crops, you have to do it carefully. Research your plants to avoid mistakes.

  3. Buy Enough Fertilizer


    How much fertilizer you should buy for different plants varies, but you can find recommendations and math formulas online.

    If you’re having some trouble with calculations, Lawn Rage explains how to calculate the amount of fertilizer you’ll need for a lawn. See the video down below.

  4. Dress Appropriately




    Fertilizers can cause chemical burns and other ailments. Put on a long-sleeved shirt, pants, safety goggles, a mask, and gloves. AT LEAST wear gloves.

  5. Apply Fertilizer


    Apply the fertilizer as per what you found in your research and the instructions on the bag.

Fertilizer Calculation Video Guide

In this video, Lawn Rage explains how to calculate the amount of fertilizer you’ll need for a lawn:

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1 lb of nitrogen per 1000 square feet (.45 kilograms per 93 square meters) is commonly recommended for lawns. 

Since the first number in 10-10-10 represents the percentage of nitrogen, divide 100 by 10. The result, 10, means you should get 10 lbs of fertilizer for every 1000 square feet.

Words Of Caution

Many chemicals in synthetic fertilizers are corrosive enough to damage equipment. Clean your fertilizer spreader or other tools that have touched 10-10-10 fertilizer. 

To avoid burning younger plants, apply less fertilizer and dilute it in water before applying.

Also, watch the weather before applying fertilizer. Rain can carry it away, wasting your money and polluting the environment.

FAQs

What Is 10-10-10?

The numbers 10-10-10 refer respectively to the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in synthetic fertilizer. Though considered all-purpose, 10-10-10 fertilizer is generally better for non-fruiting plants due to its high nitrogen, which stimulates leaf growth. However, it’s also good for established fruiting perennials, such as strawberries.

Is 10-10-10 Fertilizer Good For Grass?

The nitrogen in 10-10-10 fertilizer can help lawns grow denser and greener. Apply it at a rate of 1 pound per 1000 square feet. It’s good to get a slow-release formula so it’ll feed your lawn continuously, giving you more time before your next application.

How Often To Apply 10-10-10 Fertilizer?

When to use 10 10 10 fertilizer? Apply 10-10-10 fertilizer to warm-season grass four times a year. Do a spring application when you see new growth and apply again 30 days later. Do a fall application when you see slower growth and apply again 30 days later.

What Plants Need 10 10 10 Fertilizer?

What is 10-10-10 fertilizer good for? You can use 10-10-10 fertilizer to support the growth of various plants. Flowers, trees, shrubs, and leafy vegetables will all benefit from this type of fertilizer. 

Depending on the plant, you may want to stick to different fertilization schedules. For example, when it comes to leafy vegetables, it’s recommended to use 10 10 10 fertilizer 30 days after planting and then a second dose after 30 days. 

Roses, though, like an intense fertilization schedule and will benefit from more concise doses of 10 10 10 fertilizer each week. 

Remember that the formula of your fertilizer will make a difference when it comes to the frequency with which you should repeat this process. While liquid fertilizers work best when applied three times a year, granules or spikes formulas offer slower release time, which means they don’t need to be reapplied that often.

These Are The Basics Of 10-10-10 Fertilizer

10-10-10 fertilizer is an easy-to-use, all-purpose formula for your lawn and vegetable garden. As a refresher, the numbers represent the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in that order. 

Remember these tips when using 10-10-10 fertilizer:

  • Being high in nitrogen, it’s generally better for non-fruiting, leafy crops
  • However, you can use it on fruiting crops with proper timing. 
  • In general (for lawns, anyway), you should apply it at a rate of 1 pound per 1,000 square feet (.45 grams per square foot), but research the needs of your plant before applying.

Have any questions? Please let me know in the comments!

About The Author

  • Nadya Jones

    Nadya's the creative mind behind this blog, sharing her passion for landscaping, gardening and making spaces that nourish the soul. An entrepreneur and writer based in Raleigh, NC, Nadya turns imaginative ideas into inspiration, fueling home and garden dreams. Though Nadya crafts gorgeous posts and photos showcasing lush yards or blooming gardens, the real magic happens behind the scenes where Nadya's partner Brett provides endless support, implementing each vision with care and dedication. Brett's the one ensuring her creative concepts come to life. At heart, Nadya remains an imaginative soul, forever dreaming of whimsical details, vibrant hues and lush landscapes. Each manicured edge or blossoming bloom fuels inspiration, expanding her vision of what's possible in design and life. She shares her love for landscaping, gardening, and outdoor design in her blog, the one you are visiting right now. If you are interested in the same things, be sure to check it out! Also, follow Nadya on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Flickr!

Photo of author

About The Author

Nadya Jones

Nadya's the creative mind behind this blog, sharing her passion for landscaping, gardening and making spaces that nourish the soul. An entrepreneur and writer based in Raleigh, NC, Nadya turns imaginative ideas into inspiration, fueling home and garden dreams. Though Nadya crafts gorgeous posts and photos showcasing lush yards or blooming gardens, the real magic happens behind the scenes where Nadya's partner Brett provides endless support, implementing each vision with care and dedication. Brett's the one ensuring her creative concepts come to life. At heart, Nadya remains an imaginative soul, forever dreaming of whimsical details, vibrant hues and lush landscapes. Each manicured edge or blossoming bloom fuels inspiration, expanding her vision of what's possible in design and life. She shares her love for landscaping, gardening, and outdoor design in her blog, the one you are visiting right now. If you are interested in the same things, be sure to check it out! Also, follow Nadya on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Flickr!

9 thoughts on “What Is 10-10-10 Fertilizer? What Does It Do For Your Lawn And Garden?”

  1. You may want to consider thinking about planning to evaluate a consideration to ponder a thing, depending on your thoughts.

    Lots of words, nothing helpful. I want my time back.

    Reply
  2. Folks,
    You will not learn much here.
    When the author does not answer questions, its click bate.

    Get a soil sample done on your yard and garden and follow the results.

    Read the direction on your spreader. You apply fertilizer, and lime in pounds to a unit area.

    Same with the chemicals in the fertilizer. One pound of 10-10-10 has .1 pounds of N.
    17-17-17 is the same stuff, just more concentrated.

    You can mix and match if you know what you have and need, and you are up to the math.
    https://www.noble.org/news/publications/ag-news-and-views/1999/february/be-smart-with-your-fertilizer-dollar/

    Do the research on what is in the other number combinations.
    https://www.riley.k-state.edu/docs/lawnandgardenandother/nitrogen.pdf

    Books:
    • The Gardener’s Encyclopedia
    • What’s Wrong With My Vegetable Garden?
    • The Gardener’s Bible
    • A Week by Week Gardener’s Hand Book

    • Great Gardening Companions
    • Carrots Love Tomatoes

    • The Gardeners Weed Book
    • Good Bug Bad Bug

    • Seed Starters Handbook
    • Seed to Seed – a must have if you plan on keeping your own seeds and want to maintain different varieties that will cross.

    • Keeping the Harvest
    • Growing Great and How to Grow (Fill in the blank)

    • Edible Wild Plants
    • The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants
    • Wicked Plants

    • The Fox Fire Book Series
    • Mother Earth News Magazine

    • Soul of the Soil

    Reply
  3. Im reseeding a new lawn . Im using a pennington tall fescue sunny seed. Do i add 10 10 10 with the seed ? Or do i seed then use 10 10 10 about 30 days later ?

    Reply
  4. Much more informative than other sources . Thanks
    What would be the best fertiliser for home grown grapes please.. ( no feeding for more than a year )
    Also if I need 10-10-10 and a particular brand is 10-8-2 can I top up the difference with the same chemical example in this case K is only 2 how much should I add to 500 grams of product to level it to K 10 ? Thanks

    Reply
  5. I love vegetables gardening, what’s the best fertilizer to use, will the 10–10-10 do? Also, What is best insecticide to use to protect my plants?

    Thank you
    Jim

    Reply

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