Q: With all the new rules about lowering the phosphorus on fertilizers I am concerned about my vegetable garden. What kind of fertilizer should I use? Do I use the same one I use on my lawn?

A: You have asked some very good questions. Those of us with home gardens should use a complete fertilizer such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 (N-P-K), which will contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Notice each of the elements is applied in equal amounts. Vegetables are high users of fertilizer elements and it is often important to provide additional elements not found in our sandy soils. You also brought up an important point regarding the use of lawn fertilizers on other plants. We would suggest you never use the same fertilizer applied to lawns on vegetables, palms or fruit trees. For the most current research information on appropriate fertilizer applications please contact your local Extension agent.

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