0-20-20 Fertilizer: How To Mix It The Right Way?

I am the hands-on type of a gardener. Well, how will I learn if I don’t? When I asked farmers about 0-20-20 fertilizer and how to mix it the right way, they just replied, “You don’t have to worry about those things kid, let the store do it for you.”

However, I am the type who challenges myself. I guess I enjoy planting that much that I can afford the time and effort on mixing fertilizers. Besides, honestly, I thought it is a lot cheaper if I do it myself.

Of course, I have to make sure to do it the right way. Are you like me?

Table of Contents

A Quick Overview Of 0-20-20 Fertilizer

How much do you know about 0-20-20 fertilizer? For newbies out there, you should know these basic essentials. The three numbers are a reference of (NPK) nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is simple but never interchange the orientation.

Hence, for 0-20-20 fertilizer, interpret it as 0-nitrogen, 20% phosphorus, and 20% potassium. You learn the importance of the minerals and the proper way to use it.

Steps On How To Mix 0-20-20 Fertilizer

Purchase Of Phosphorus And Potassium

When buying fertilizers for the mixture, make sure to familiarize yourself with the ingredients. Dry fertilizer bags may contain the blended or single basic fertilizer. Read the label.

Determine The Area Of Application

The amount of fertilizer you need depends on how vast or limited your area is. What I know is, the bigger the turf, the more you need. You may have your own way of calculating it, but try to check this out.

Determine The Amount Of Single Fertilizer To Buy According To The Ratio

Considering that you already know how much fertilizer to apply for your turf, it is time to buy the amount of each ingredient of the mix according to ratio. See if this fertilizer calculator is useful to you.

Excuse me, but I happen to be easily confused when it comes to calculations. The first time I did this, I had a hard time. But, you do not need to make it exactly as recommended. Getting your way close to the figures is enough.

Even so, if you need a thorough example of calculations, you might find this interesting. It got me hooked for a while!

Do The Mix

There are liquid forms of fertilizer out there, but I prefer dry ingredients. It is easier, safer and a lot cheaper. I do not know about you, but I am at home with dry fertilizers.

Find out: How To Use Worm Castings For A Healthy Garden?

I remember the first time I did this blending process. I badly wanted to fertilize, but I have nobody to help me. Desperate, I only have online research to back me up. As I tried the method, many questions were going on in my mind.

I began to doubt and ended up staring at the mess, scared. Anyways, that was years ago, and here I am, telling you a bit of what I learned. “Let’s get dirty!” as they say.

Quick Tutorial

What Do You Need?

Garden Gloves and boots- for protection
Tarp/concrete ground
Straight Edge Shovel- for mixing
Buckets/Plastic Bags or sacks- where you put your mixed fertilizer
Permanent Marking Pen- for labeling

Steps

For safety purposes, I recommend wearing your gardening outfit. It also helps on not getting that messy. Boots and gloves are essential.
Since I do not need much, a concrete portion of my yard is enough area for me to do the mixing. Another idea is to use a tarp, spread it on the ground, and do the mixing on it.
Scoop out little portions of your ingredients according to your ratio. Like four scoops of phosphorus and four scoops of potassium as an example.
Use your straight edge shovel to mix it thoroughly. Keep mixing until it is all well blended.
Store them in buckets with cover or sacks for a large amount and plastic bags for those small amounts. Seal or cover them entirely, making sure to keep the pests out of it.
Mark 0-20-20 to each container to organize your storage. It is better to label all bags to avoid confusion, mix-up, easy identification, and safety.
Store it properly
The ideal storage for a dry fertilizer must be close enough to protect it from any type of weather.
Take note that fertilizers mixed incorrectly may create a hazardous chemical reaction. That is why ventilation too is the main concern.
It is also safe to place the mixtures together, away from other chemicals.

For those who prefer liquid fertilizers, I have noted that it is more accurate regarding measurement and effectivity of application. I have read it somewhere, but I did not bother confirming it. Yet, I find it more hazardous during the process of mixing it than the granules.

You may have a different opinion, but as a mother, I discourage liquid chemicals in my storage. Besides, I found out that you need a special container to store them. The mixing process is different in a way, but the storage rules sure are complicated.

CONCLUSION

Now, farmers and gardeners use pre-mix fertilizers for their turf. I heard it is cheaper in bulk. However, not everyone has near access to stores who cater to those services. For me, mixing is still practical, especially that I do not have that huge area to start with.

Besides, I post this simple tutorial for folks that may like to start gardening but are newbies with this sort of thing. I know how it feels when you have the passion for creating what you love but needs guidance to do so. It is difficult starting from scratch with limited knowledge.

Well, I hope you got inspired to do the mixing on your own. Who knows, someone else may need your help too. If you have more ideas to share, feel free to drop comments and share with your friends.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 0 comments