Vigoro is a well-known commercial brand offering a selection of products designed to improve the health and appearance of garden and lawn spaces. This product range includes fertilizers, soil amendments, and weed control options, all formulated to deliver nutrients and support vigorous growth. The key to successfully using these products lies in selecting the correct formula for your specific plants and applying it precisely as directed. This guide will walk through the different product categories, how to interpret the labels, and the proper techniques for application.
Understanding the Vigoro Product Line
The Vigoro product line is segmented into several major categories, each serving a distinct function in the garden ecosystem. Fertilizers are the most recognized line, typically available in granular or liquid forms. Granular fertilizers, such as the All Purpose 13-13-13, are designed for broadcasting over large areas and provide a slow-release feeding over several weeks. Nutrients are absorbed by the plant roots as the granules break down in the soil after watering.
Liquid feeds, often available as concentrates or ready-to-spray applicators, offer a rapid nutrient boost. The solution is immediately available for uptake through both the leaves and roots, making them useful for quick green-up effects or feeding container plants. The brand also offers soil and amendment products, including garden soil and mulches. These materials improve soil structure, drainage, and water retention, providing a stable foundation for root development.
Decoding Fertilizer Labels
The most important information on any fertilizer package is the NPK ratio, displayed as three hyphenated numbers representing the percentage by weight of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). For instance, a 20-0-0 formulation indicates that 20% of the product is nitrogen, with 0% phosphorus and potassium. This ratio is a shorthand guide to the product’s function, as each element supports a different aspect of plant physiology.
Nitrogen drives vegetative growth, promoting lush, green foliage and stem development, which is why lawn fertilizers often have a high first number. Phosphorus is essential for robust root development, energy transfer, and the establishment of new plants, making it important for flowering and fruit-setting. Potassium helps regulate water movement, enhances disease resistance, and supports the overall vigor of the plant’s cellular structure.
Specialized formulas like “Weed and Feed” combine a high-nitrogen fertilizer with an herbicide for simultaneous nourishment and weed control. When selecting a product, the desired effect should guide your choice. A balanced 13-13-13 is an all-purpose feed, while a formula like 28-0-3 is optimized for lawn color and growth. Always choose a formula that aligns with your garden’s specific needs, often determined by a soil test.
Proper Application Techniques
Successful fertilization depends on accurate application methods and correct timing. For granular products, applying the product evenly is necessary to prevent inconsistent feeding and potential chemical burns. Using a calibrated spreader ensures uniform distribution at the rate specified on the product label for your coverage area.
Granular fertilizer must be watered in immediately after broadcasting to initiate the breakdown process and move nutrients into the root zone. Failing to water in the granules can result in “burning” the foliage, especially on turfgrass, as concentrated salts draw moisture from the plant tissue. Liquid concentrates require careful dilution before being applied directly to the soil or foliage, providing a quick nutrient boost absorbed faster than granular forms.
Application timing should align with the plant’s active growth cycle. Most garden plants benefit from feeding in the spring as they break dormancy and again mid-season. Some lawn fertilizers are designed for specific seasonal use, such as a fall or winterizer application. Always apply the product when temperatures are moderate, avoiding the heat of the day, and keep children and pets away until the area is completely dry.