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14-14-14 Fertilizer: Guide to Best Uses & How To Apply

It is common knowledge that plants require water and sunlight for their growth, but it is also important to provide them with proper nutrients.

Yes, we’re talking about fertilizers. There are numerous types of fertilizers in the market with several ingredients. That being so, we’ll be diving into 14-14-14 fertilizer.

What is 14-14-14 fertilizer used for? 14-14-14 fertilizer is used to give plants, including lawns, vegetables, flowers, and potted plants, a healthy boost during the growing season. It contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (14% N, 14% P, and 14% K) but in higher concentrations than lower NPK fertilizers.

Read on to learn more about 14-14-14 fertilizer and how you can use it to see some thriving results from your plants.

Understanding 14-14-14 Fertilizer

Also known as complete fertilizers, 14-14-14 fertilizers have all of the needed minerals to keep your plants growing faster.

It’s crucial to know how this fertilizer can benefit your crops. That way, you’ll know the necessary application method so you don’t accidentally over-fertilize.

What Does It Mean When Fertilizer Has Numbers 14-14-14?

In case you’re wondering what the triple 14 signifies, well it’s simple. It’s an equal distribution of the minerals included within the fertilizer.

It’s composed of 14% nitrogen, 14% phosphorous, and 14% potassium. The rest might include a mixture of other beneficial nutrients such as chlorine and iron.

Benefits of 14-14-14 Fertilizer

Now that you know what’s in the fertilizer, the next question could be, “Why are they in there in the first place?” 

Let’s dissect each ingredient on its own.

First up is nitrogen. You might be thinking, isn’t that a gas?

Well, yes, but specialists have been able to bond it to other chemicals like ammonia so plants can absorb its exceptional nutritional value.

Photosynthesis requires the presence of chlorophyll, and nitrogen is the main ingredient of that compound. The nutrient is also found in your plant’s protein and energy-producing compounds.

What’s even more remarkable about nitrogen is that it’s in the plant’s DNA. If that doesn’t convince you how pivotal this mineral is to your plants, we don’t know what will.

Next up is phosphorus. If you notice your plants looking wilted and experiencing any signs of stunted growth, chances are they have a phosphorus deficiency.

This mineral is vital for catalyzing your plant’s overall growth rate. Adding phosphorus to your plant can significantly help during the colder months as well.

Apart from winter protection, this nutrient can encourage tillering in your plants. That implies that you can expect several stems branching out and producing side shoots.

Finally, we come to potassium. There are many benefits that come from this mineral. It assists in the plant’s growth by promoting photosynthesis and increases the plant’s protein intake.

Potassium is ideal for root growth and avoiding any dryness-related issues. That’s because it can adjust the amount of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and oxygen going in and out.

When To Use 14-14-14 Fertilizer

Those benefits are great and all, but when should you use the fertilizer? 

It becomes necessary when you’re looking for a mixture of minerals to add to your plants and need higher amounts than what is found in fertilizers such as 10-10-10. 

You should also consider using 14-14-14 fertilizer (find it here at a great price) if your plants are noticeably wilting and are affected by stunted growth.

How To Use Triple 14 Fertilizer

Now that you’ve got your 14-14-14 fertilizer on hand, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Here are a few steps to get you started:

  1. Choose your method. You can apply your fertilizer by using a granular spreader or a liquid sprayer.
  2. If you’re using the liquid sprayer, be sure to dilute your fertilizer first with a ratio of one or two cups to one gallon of water.
  3. If you’re using a granular spreader, make sure your settings are correct to get an even spread.
  4. Perform a soil test to find out how much fertilizer you’ll need.
  5. Evenly apply the 14-14-14 fertilizer to your plants and crops based on your application rate calculations.
  6. All you have to do now is water and wait for the results. Take note that granular spreaders may take more time to show improvements.

14-14-14 Fertilizer Precautions

Before handling this complete fertilizer, we recommend considering some precautions first. After all, safety comes first!

  • Be careful not to over-fertilize. Otherwise, you’ll risk wilting, underdevelopment, burning, and just about everything you wanted to avoid in the first place.
  • At the same time, you also want to avoid under-fertilizing. You’ll notice a lack of root growth, discoloration, and diminished flowering.
  • When not using the fertilizer, you have to correctly store it away from any pets or children.
  • Don’t forget to use gloves. This stuff has nitrogen in it, which can be toxic to the touch.
  • For added security, you should also consider wearing safety glasses. If it gets in your eye, it’s bad news.
  • Make sure to wash your hands after applying the fertilizer to avoid any chemical burns.

How Do You Use 14-14-14 Fertilizer on Potted Plants?

The method for applying 14-14-14 fertilizer on potted plants is much easier. You’ll only need one gardening tool, a small garden rake.

Gather a small amount of fertilizer in your gloved hands and broadcast it around the potted plant.

Next, you just need to rake it in to make sure all of it is worked into the soil and evened out. That will help the feeder roots absorb all the nutrients. Water thoroughly, and you’re all done.

When Is the Best Time To Apply 14-14-14 Fertilizer?

Fertilizer application time is very important. If you apply your fertilizer in the early morning or afternoon, you can risk your lawn burning from the chemicals.

This is why it’s best to apply the slow-release fertilizer by late in the afternoon and early evenings.

Why is that? During that time, your grass or plants are at their driest. Applying fertilizer on wet or damp plants can have adverse effects on the crop’s growth. 

Wet grass means sticky grass, and the individual pieces of fertilizer will stick high up on the blades, potentially burning them as the sun beats down. 

When the grass is dry, the fertilizer will fall down between the blades to the soil where it belongs.

How Often Should Triple 14 Fertilizer Be Applied?

When it comes to slow-releasing fertilizers like triple 14, usually one application per season should do it.

Some fertilizers state that they will continue to feed for for several months.

This implies that a repeat application may be justified after four months or so if your lawn or crops are still thriving and being productive at that point.

How Often Can You Put 14-14-14 on Your Lawn?

You can apply triple 14 fertilizer every three to four months on your lawn. Make sure to only use it during the growing seasons, and read all instructions carefully.

That’ll help ensure a healthier life for your lawn bed and avoid any burns.

How Much Does 14-14-14 Fertilizer Cost?

As with any product, it depends on the brand and amount you’ll purchase. The good news is that there are a variety of prices available.

They can range from as low as $15 to as high as $180 depending on brand and size.

Is 14-14-14 Fertilizer Good for Tomatoes?

If you’re growing tomatoes, triple 14 fertilizer is a great way to keep them growing.

You’ll only need to use about three to five tablespoons for your tomato plant. Make sure you’re integrating the fertilizer within the plant’s roots for better results. Afterward, water the plant.

Is 14-14-14 Fertilizer Good for Succulents?

Succulents provide a wonderful addition to your plant family. Luckily, they don’t require a lot of care, which also applies to their fertilizer intake.

You can use around one teaspoon of 14-14-14 fertilizer per succulent. Make sure to keep it above the roots and around the surface.

Best 14-14-14 Fertilizer: Southern Ag Controlled Release 14-14-14

This Osmocote Southern Ag version of 14-14-14 fertilizer is a top-notch choice for your garden plants. What sets this product apart from other fertilizers is its controlled-release feature.

You might be curious as to the difference between slow and controlled release. It’s all about absorption time.

With a controlled release, you’re getting a metered measurement of how much time it’ll take for the fertilizer to be fully diffused.

Meanwhile, there’s no clear way of calculating how much time it might take for slow-release fertilizers.

The Osmocote 14-14-14 fertilizer can be applied to a range of plant options. You can use it on hanging baskets, potted plants, vegetable gardens, and flower beds.

Once you open the fertilizer packaging, you’ll see a bunch of granules. 

These granules are activated by temperature, unlike other fertilizers that sometimes need to be watered to activate.

High temperatures trigger the release of equally distributed minerals. On the other hand, low soil temperatures deactivate it.

That feature is ideal since you only need to use it during warmer weather anyway. The best part is that this fertilizer can last you around three months until its next application.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Lasts relatively long, making it more cost-effective
  • Versatile use on numerous kinds of plants and vegetables.

Cons:

  • Can be affected by unseasonable weather and be activated in winter.

To Conclude

You can get a dozen uses out of 14-14-14 fertilizer. Whether you want to use it in your potted plants or on your lawn, you can achieve great results with this complete fertilizer.

The minerals and ingredients combined provide your plants with the growth and nourishment they need for longer life.