A complete fertilizer is one that contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Fertilizers, upon purchase, are marked with a code demarcating the specific amount of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium it contains. You, in turn, need to decide what combination will serve as the best fertilizer for your garden; this depends on the soil quality and the types of plants you plan to cultivate. For example, fruit bearing plants would benefit from fertilizers that comprise higher levels of phosphorous.

It is not always possible to exactly gauge the ratios in which the soil requires these types of fertilizers. A general rule of thumb is to simply treat the soil with a fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

When spreading the fertilizer in your garden, it is useful to engage in 'side-dressing' so as to further speed the process of nutrient absorption. Side-dressing simply involves stamping the fertilizer deeper into the soil - about 1-2 inches from the top. Alternatively, the spreading of the fertilizer may be complemented by showering the soil around the plant with compost tea.

Fertilizers for Green Foliage
To support the growth of green, leafy plants a fertilizer empowered with nitrogen is most effective. A natural fertilizer, in this case would be manure. You could also choose a manufactured fertilizer which contains a mix of blood and bone meal. It is also usfull to know that Bones contain limited amounts of nitrogen, and larger amounts of phosphorous.

Application of the fertilizer should be pursued twice a year - in the spring and in the fall.

Fertilizers for Spring Plants
Spring plants require a fertilizer formula once they start to bloom. A fertilizer, such as cottonseed meal, which is high in nitrogen is recommended.

Fertilizers for Lawns
The needs of a lawn are best met by a granular form of fertilizer. Depending on the frequency with which you use compost, fertilizer should be administered twice a year - in the spring and in the fall. You may need to invest in a spreader so as to ensure that the fertilizer has been equally distributed across your lawn.

This is also another great article about fertilizing you lawn & garden.

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All About Weeds, Common Lawn Problems, Controlling Lawn Diseases, Four Steps to a Great Lawn, How to Water Your Lawn, Inexpensive Lawn Fertilizer, Lawns in Shady Areas, Thatching, Turf Secrets, Types of Lawn Recreation, Care Free Lawns, Creating a Perfect Lawn, Earth Friendly Golf Courses, Feeding Your Lawn, Fertilizing Basics, Mowers and Pollution, Natural Ways to Fertilize, The Right Time To Fertilize, Types of Lawn Fertilizers