Side-by-Side Comparison
Lawn & Garden
Fertilizer N-P-K vs. Nursery Pots
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Fertilizer N-P-K
Nursery Pots
Fertilizer labels display three numbers representing percentage by weight of Nitrogen (N) for foliage growth, available Phosphate (P2O5) for root development, and soluble Potash (K2O) for drought and cold hardiness.
Plant nursery containers are standardized by ANSI Z60.1 into 'Trade Gallons', where a nominal #1 Trade Gallon holds approximately 0.70–0.80 liquid gallons (2.6–3.0 L) and measures 6.0–6.5 inches in diameter, rather than a full US liquid gallon.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
AAPFCO Guaranteed Analysis / USDA Fertilizer Sizing Guidelines | ANSI Z60.1 (Nursery Stock Specifications) |
|
First Number (N)
|
Nitrogen % | Promotes rapid leaf blade growth and green chlorophyll synthesis | — |
|
Second Number (P)
|
Phosphate (P2O5) % | Stimulates root establishment and blossom/fruit set | — |
|
Third Number (K)
|
Potash (K2O) % | Strengthens cell walls for drought, heat, and disease resistance | — |
|
Balanced All-Purpose (10-10-10)
|
10% N, 10% P2O5, 10% K2O (General vegetable garden & flower bed standard) | — |
|
Lawn Maintenance (24-0-11)
|
High nitrogen turf blend for established lawns without phosphorus runoff | — |
|
Starter Fertilizer (18-24-12)
|
High phosphorus blend for new sod establishment and seed germination | — |
|
1.0 lb Nitrogen per 1k sq ft Rule
|
Lbs of product = 100 ÷ Nitrogen % (e.g. 20-5-10 requires 5.0 lbs/1,000 sq ft) | — |
|
#1 Trade Gallon (1 Gal)
|
— | Top: 6.0–6.5" (15–17 cm) | Depth: 6.5–7.0" (17–18 cm) | True Vol: 0.70–0.80 liquid gal (2.6–3.0 L) |
|
#2 Trade Gallon (2 Gal)
|
— | Top: 8.5–8.75" (22 cm) | Depth: 8.5" (22 cm) | True Vol: 1.5–1.6 liquid gal (5.7–6.0 L) |
|
#3 Trade Gallon (3 Gal)
|
— | Top: 10.5–11.0" (27 cm) | Depth: 9.5–10.0" (24–25 cm) | True Vol: 2.6–2.9 liquid gal (9.8–11.0 L) |
|
#5 Trade Gallon (5 Gal)
|
— | Top: 10.75–12.0" (27–30 cm) | Depth: 10.5–11.5" (27–29 cm) | True Vol: 3.6–3.9 liquid gal (13.6–14.8 L) |
|
#7 Trade Gallon (7 Gal)
|
— | Top: 14.0" (35.6 cm) | Depth: 11.5" (29.2 cm) | True Vol: 6.0–6.5 liquid gal (22.7–24.6 L) |
|
#15 Trade Gallon (15 Gal)
|
— | Top: 17.5–18.0" (44–46 cm) | Depth: 15.0" (38 cm) | True Vol: 13.0–13.5 liquid gal (49.2–51.1 L) |
|
Standard 1020 Flat
|
— | 11.0 × 21.25 × 2.4 inches (28 × 54 × 6 cm) | Standard 72-cell plug seedling flat |