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What fertilizer should I use? #747484

Asked May 02, 2021, 1:23 PM EDT

We recently did a soil test with UMN. Our front yard recommendation is for 33-0-0 fertilizer and our backyard recommendation is for 15-0-30 fertilizer. Any suggestions for organic solutions to augment the soil? I've purchased two fertilizers (Weaver's 34-0-0 and Wellspring Gardens 15-5-30). Are these appropriate for the job? What options are there for organic? I’m a bit lost and could use the guidance. Thanks!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.

First, your description of your soil report is odd.  The question is how much (nitrogen, for example) do you need. 

Most soil tests suggest pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/sites/soiltest.dl.umn.edu/files/media/home_lawn_example_report.pdf In your case, if the recommendation was 30 pounds per 1000 square feet and your garden is 10x20 =200 square feet, you would need to apply 6 pounds (1000/200) of nitrogen.

18 pounds of 30-0-0 fertilizer has .3 x 18 or 6 pounds of Nitrogen

50 pounds of 12-0-0 fertilizer has .12 x 50 6 pounds.

NPK are elements and are considered organic nutrients being essential chemicals in all life forms.  https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/fertilizer-numbers-npk.htm

 For example, nitrogen is in every protein in your body.  Some people object to industrial processes for creating fertilizers such as the ones you bought but the elements are the same. Natural waste or compost has very low concentrations of NPK. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/heres-scoop-chemical-organic-fertilizers


I hope this helps. Write back if I can do more.

Thanks for the quick response.

I've attached the UMN extension reports. The front yard requires nitrogen at .15 lbs/100 square feet and the back yard requires nitrogen .15 lbs/100 square feet and potash .3 lbs/100 square feet.

Are the products that I purchased appropriate solutions based on the soil test?

The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2021, 2:20 PM EDT

Please tell me the area of your yard and garden.

The 33-0-0 fertilizer recommendation is for the front yard. The Weaver's would be spread on six pollinator gardens - four at 4'x4' and two at 4'x12'.


The 15-0-30 recommendation is for the backyard (in addition to an application of lime). The backyard's soil is in rough shape and we're aiming to prepare the soil for clover seed this fall.

The Question Asker Replied May 02, 2021, 5:12 PM EDT

1. The total area of your pollinator gardens is [4 x (4x4)] + [2 (4 x12)] = (4 x16) + (2 x48) = 64 + 96 = 160 square feet. 

2. You need .15 pound of nitrogen per 100 square feet of your pollinator gardens.  

3. That means you need .24 pounds of nitrogen for the total 160 square feet of your pollinator garden (.15 x (160/100)).

4. Weavers is 34% nitrogen in a 40 pound bag (40 x .34) =13.6 POUNDS of nitrogen in a 40 pound bag. 

5. You need the amount of weavers indicated by the amount of nitrogen need for your soil divided by the nitrogen in your bag. (.24 needed pounds of N /13.6 pounds of N in the bag =.01764  of the bag. This is .01764 x40 pounds in the bag= .7 pounds! of Weavers

I suggest you return it and shift down to a conventional fertilizer.

I cannot calculate your lawn needs because I do not have your lawn area in square feet.  I hope this helps.

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