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33-0-0 fertilizer #753938

Asked June 04, 2021, 10:33 AM EDT

my soil test from UMN indicates I should use a 33-0-0 fertilizer on my vegetable garden. I cannot find a fertilizer with those numbers although some lawn fertilizers are close to that ratio. Could you help me locate the appropriate fertilizer? Surely they would not recommend a fertilizer that does not exist???

Blue Earth County Minnesota

Expert Response

Most vegetable garden fertilizers do not have that much nitrogen in them.  They also have phosphorus and magnesium which is already high enough in your garden.   

You may find 33-0-0 at an agricultural store/feed mill.  A lawn fertilizer that is 34-0-0 will be a good substitute.  Look for a slow release fertilizer. Work into the soil because it can burn young plants.  

If slow release Nitrogen is not available you may need to use a low nitrogen fertilizer later in the season in addition because nitrogen moves through the soil very quickly.  Because some vegetables are very high users of nitrogen, a low nitrogen dose midseason would be okay. 

In the longer term you may want to add manure or compost to the soil later in the fall or early next season.

Mary, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 04, 2021, 12:59 PM EDT

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