[Hesse2509]

From the research I have managed under my own steam so far I get that fertilisers are rated by the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) that they contain. I also understand that the most commonly used used general fertiliser Growmore has a 7-7-7 ratio.

Working on the basis as a noobie of 'more is better'; and I'm guessing this a stupid question, but is a fertiliser with 20-20-20 ratio better? 

I'm looking for a good general all-round fertiliser to put on my beds before sowing or planting out, and unfortunately Chicken manure, blood and bone and bonemeal are out of the equation due to local urban foxes; so I'm considering Growmore as a good alternative (well it's been working since WWII so it must be good!?). But the question is is there something better; including 20-20-20?

[Yorkie]

1. There are no stupid questions on this site 

2. I have no idea so am quite glad you asked!

I know that generally it's the ratio you're interested in, but as for the actual numbers where ratios are identical, I don't know.

Hopefully someone will know!

[JayG]

You're dead right - the figures are the percentage of each key element by weight, so 20-20-20 is the same ratio as 7-7-7 except that its nearly 3 times more concentrated so you only need to use a third as much to get the same effect.

Not that many choices for the domestic gardener though, but there's nothing wrong with Growmore as a general fertiliser unless you want to grow completely organically (or need a special fertiliser for special circumstances.)

[Hesse2509]

You're dead right - the figures are the percentage of each key element by weight, so 20-20-20 is the same ratio as 7-7-7 except that its nearly 3 times more concentrated so you only need to use a third as much to get the same effect.

Not that many choices for the domestic gardener though, but there's nothing wrong with Growmore as a general fertiliser unless you want to grow completely organically (or need a special fertiliser for special circumstances.)

So if I use the same amount will it do more harm than good?

[gavinjconway]

Hesse - follow the instructions as plants can only take in what they need and no more.. the rest could and will be leached out to a certain extent and lost..

[mumofstig]

So if I use the same amount will it do more harm than good?

Yes...........Growmore was designed to be the correct strength for most uses. if you use a higher ratio one it is difficult to apply at the correct rate, as the dose would be such a small quantity.