Question 1

What do the N, P, and K numbers on fertilizer mean?

Accepted Answer

N-P-K stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium — the three macronutrients plants need most. Nitrogen drives leafy green growth, phosphorus supports root development and flowering, and potassium improves fruit quality and disease resistance. A balanced 10-10-10 NPK is suitable for most container crops.

Question 2

Should I use organic or synthetic fertilizer for container crops?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic fertilizers like granular or liquid NPK are faster-acting and give precise control over nutrient ratios — ideal for hydroponic or container setups. Organic options like compost and seaweed extract improve soil biology and long-term structure, making them better suited for soil-based growing where you want to build media health over time.

Question 3

Why does the calculator adjust dose by growth stage?

Accepted Answer

Nutrient needs change as plants develop. Seedlings need minimal feeding (0.5× rate) to avoid root burn. Vegetative plants need full nitrogen at 1.0×. Flowering crops need 1.2× with a phosphorus boost, and fruiting plants need the highest dose (1.5×) to fill fruit. Over-feeding seedlings is one of the most common mistakes in container growing.

Fertilizer Calculator

Fertilizer Calculator