N = Nitrogen

P = Phosphorous

K = Potassium (potash)

Nitrogen is essential for vigorous leaf growth and tends to increase fruit set. Sources of Nitrogen are: Bloodmeal, Bone Meal, Cottonseed Meal, Manure, and Activated Sludge.

Phosphorous is essential for strong root systems and bright flowers. It can increase fruit development and seed yield. Sources of Phosphorous are Activated Sludge, Bloodmeal, Bone Meal, Cottonseed Meal, and Rock Phosphate.

Potassium is essential for cell division and strong stems. It helps fight diseases, improves quality of fruit, and decreases water requirement of plants. Sources of Potassium are: Greensand, Manure, Compost, and Wood Ashes.

Trace Elements need for strong, healthy plants are: Boron, Calcium, Cobalt, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Molybenum, Sulfur, Tin, Zinc. Sources are: Oyster Shell Flour, Leaf Mold, Seaweed, Phosphate Rock, and Compost.

AMMONIUM SULFATE: 21% N, 24% Sulfur. Application Rate: 4 lbs. per 3″ sawdust covering 100 sq. ft.

BLOODMEAL: 12% N, 3% P. Application Rate: Sprinkle on damp soil or water after application.

CASCADE SOIL AID: Ground, composted bark with N added. For acid-loving plants, mix with equal parts of sand or soil.

CHICKEN MANURE: 2-2-1. Application Rate: Variable.

GREENSAND: 1.5% P and 5% K. Helps soil absorb and hold water. Application Rate: 25 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.

LEAF MOLD: 5% N. Encourages good root growth.

BLACK GOLD: 50% earthworm castings, 25% peat, and 25% Prelate. Rich and fine textured.

BONE MEAL: 4-21-1. Application Rate: 10 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.

CHARCOAL: Absorbs and holds N until plant can use it. Absorbs odors. Purifies the mixture.

COTTONSEED MEAL: 7-3-2. Rated second only to manure as a source of N Application Rate: 5 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.

JIFFY – MIX PLUS: Sterilized, pre-mixed, potting medium of sphagnum, moss, and vermiculite.

LIME (DOLOMITE): Rich in magnesium. Can be used to raise pH of soil. Application Rate: 5 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. every 3-4 years.

OYSTER SHELL FLOUR: An excellent source of calcium and trace elements.

ORCHID BARK: A medium for growing some types of orchids. Available in fine, medium, or coarse grades.

PERLITE: A silica derivative – no nutritive value. Keeps the soil aerated and retains some water. Sterilized.

PHOSPHATE ROCK: 65% P plus many minerals and trace elements. Application Rate: 10 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. every 3-5 years.

STEER MANURE: 5-5-2 Builds soil rapidly. Application Rate: Variable.

MILLED SPHAGNUM: Excellent source of organic matter. Holds moisture well.

PEAT MOSS: Loosens heavy soils, binds light soils, retains water. Application Rate: 1 part peat to 2 parts soil.

PUMICE: Provides soil aeration and keeps soil from compacting.

VERMICULITE: Sterilized expanded mica. Keeps soil aerated, provides water and nutrient-holding capacity.