complete fertilizer

noun

1. a fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three principal elements required for plant nutrition.

Word History and Origins

Origin of complete fertilizer¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

For those of us who amend our soil with compost before planting and then hope for the best, Benecki has one quick tip: Add a bag of what’s called “complete fertilizer” for plants or flowers to the soil, following the directions based on the size of your garden.

From Seattle Times

Benecki notes that “complete fertilizer” — which is long on nitrogen for plant growth — is just a generic solution.

From Seattle Times

Fertilize: In addition to adding complete fertilizer to the soil, use a soluble fertilizer like fish emulsion around transplants, especially early in the season or if the plants are not thriving.

From Seattle Times

The excrement-laden water offers a complete fertilizer for the plants and is pumped into growing beds where naturally occurring, but beneficial, organisms break down the ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate, Terry Stapley explained during a recent visit.

From Washington Times

Figure 5.—Effect of omission of phosphorus from complete fertilizer in Western New York.

From Project Gutenberg