Guaranteed Analysis
Nutrient Breakdown
N · Nitrogen46%
Provides the highest nitrogen concentration available in a dry fertilizer at 46%, fueling rapid vegetative growth, deep green foliage color, and increased crop yields through enhanced photosynthesis and protein synthesis
P · Phosphorus0%
N/A — Contains no phosphorus. Supplement with 0-46-0 Triple Phosphate if phosphorus is needed
K · Potassium0%
N/A — Contains no potassium. Supplement with 0-0-60 Potash if potassium is needed
Derived from: Urea CO(NH₂)₂ — a synthetic organic compound containing 46% nitrogen
Overview
What It Is
Urea is a synthetic organic compound with the chemical formula CO(NH₂)₂. It was the first organic compound to be synthesized from inorganic materials (by Friedrich Wöhler in 1828), and today it is manufactured industrially by reacting ammonia with carbon dioxide at high temperature and pressure. The resulting white prills or granules dissolve readily in water and are compatible with virtually all application methods.
When applied to soil, urea undergoes a conversion process called hydrolysis. The soil enzyme urease breaks urea down into ammonium (NH₄⁺) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) within 2-4 days. The ammonium is then either absorbed directly by plant roots or further converted to nitrate (NO₃⁻) by soil bacteria through nitrification. This two-step conversion means urea has a slight delay before nutrients become fully available, but it also means less risk of immediate burn compared to ammonium nitrate.
One important consideration with urea is volatilization loss. If urea is applied to the soil surface and not watered in within 48 hours, the ammonia produced during hydrolysis can escape as gas, reducing efficiency by 10-30%. This is why incorporation into the soil or immediate irrigation after application is critical for getting full value from urea fertilizer.
Crop Fit
Best For
CornLawnsWheatVegetablesPasturesFruit TreesLeafy GreensHayfields
Corn is the single largest consumer of urea fertilizer, requiring 150-200 lbs of nitrogen per acre for maximum yields. Lawns respond dramatically to urea with rapid greening and thick growth. Wheat and small grains benefit from split urea applications at planting and at green-up. Vegetable gardens use urea for heavy-feeding crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Pastures and hayfields use urea for boosting forage production. Fruit trees benefit from spring nitrogen applications to support new leaf growth and fruit set. Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach are nitrogen-responsive and produce larger, more tender leaves with adequate nitrogen.
Application Rates
How Much to Use
| Garden & beds | 0.25-0.5 lbs per 100 sq ft for vegetable gardens; use the lower rate for light feeders |
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| Lawn | 1-2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft applied evenly; water thoroughly after application |
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| Trees & shrubs | 0.25-0.5 cups per inch of trunk diameter, applied around the drip line and watered in immediately |
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| Containers | 0.5 teaspoon per gallon of soil; dissolve in water and apply as a drench |
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| Frequency | Every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season. Split applications are more efficient than a single heavy dose. |
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Step by Step
How to Apply
1Soil Test
Test your soil to confirm nitrogen need and determine the appropriate application rate.
2Calculate Rate
Calculate the amount of urea needed for your area based on crop nitrogen requirements.
3Lawn Rate
For lawns, calibrate your spreader and apply 1–2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft evenly. Avoid overlapping passes.
4Garden Rate
For gardens, broadcast 0.25–0.5 lbs per 100 sq ft and work into the top 2–3 inches of soil.
5Tree Rate
For trees, apply 0.25–0.5 cups per inch of trunk diameter in a ring around the drip line.
6Water In
Water thoroughly within 48 hours to prevent nitrogen loss from volatilization. Urea converts to ammonia gas if left on the surface.
7Reapply
Reapply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Urea is fast-acting and depletes quickly in warm, wet conditions.
The most critical rule with urea is to water it in promptly. Urea left on the soil surface for more than 48 hours loses 10-30% of its nitrogen to ammonia volatilization—literally evaporating into the air. Apply just before rain or irrigate immediately after spreading. For lawn applications, use a calibrated broadcast or drop spreader set to deliver 1-2 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Walk in overlapping passes and avoid doubling up on turns. For vegetable gardens, side-dress by sprinkling 2-4 tablespoons per 10 feet of row, 4-6 inches from plant stems, then cover with soil and water. For container plants, dissolve 0.5 teaspoon in a gallon of water and use as a liquid feed every 4-6 weeks. For foliar application, dissolve 1 tablespoon per gallon of water and spray during cool morning hours to avoid leaf burn. For field crops, apply 40-80 lbs per acre and incorporate with tillage or irrigation. Split applications (applying half at planting and half mid-season) are more efficient than a single heavy dose because they reduce losses and match nitrogen availability to peak plant demand.
Handling & Timing
Safety & Season
Safety & Storage
Store in a cool, dry location away from moisture and heat. Urea is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture and cake if stored improperly—keep bags sealed. Never mix urea with ammonium sulfate in storage as they form a cement-like substance when exposed to moisture. Wear gloves during handling and wash hands afterward. Keep away from eyes. Non-toxic and non-flammable, but keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not apply near water sources to prevent nitrogen runoff into waterways.
Seasonal Notes
Spring: The primary application season. Apply to lawns at green-up, to gardens before or at planting, and to field crops at planting. Split applications improve efficiency. Summer: Continue applications every 4-6 weeks on heavy-feeding crops. Avoid applying during extreme heat—water in immediately to prevent volatilization. Fall: Apply to cool-season grasses in early fall for root development. Light application on established perennials. Winter: Do not apply to dormant plants or frozen ground. Plan soil testing for spring.
In Context
How It Compares
Urea (46-0-0) is the most concentrated dry nitrogen source, delivering 46% nitrogen per pound compared to ammonium sulfate at 21% and ammonium nitrate at 34%. This means less product to handle, store, and ship per unit of nitrogen, making urea the most cost-effective nitrogen fertilizer for large areas. However, urea does not provide sulfur like ammonium sulfate does, and it does not acidify soil (it actually has a slight alkalizing effect initially before nitrification occurs). Compared to blood meal (12-0-0), an organic alternative, urea delivers nearly four times more nitrogen per pound and acts much faster.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 5-10-10 fertilizer used for?
5-10-10 fertilizer is a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and high-potassium blend used for plants that need strong root development, flowering, and fruiting without excessive leafy growth. It is especially popular for root crops like potatoes and carrots, flowering plants, bulbs, fruit trees, and established perennial gardens. The reduced nitrogen prevents leggy, soft growth while the elevated phosphorus and potassium promote deep roots, vibrant blooms, and high-quality fruit. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth 5-10-10 Multi-Use Fertilizer is an all-purpose solution for lawns, flower beds, vegetable gardens, and more.
What is 5-10-10 fertilizer?
5-10-10 fertilizer is a granular plant food with an NPK ratio of 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. It is classified as a low-nitrogen fertilizer, which makes it ideal for applications where you want to encourage root growth, flowering, and fruiting rather than leafy vegetative growth. The higher phosphorus and potassium levels support strong roots, stress tolerance, and reproductive development in plants. It is one of the most versatile fertilizer formulas available for home gardens and farms. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth 5-10-10 Fertilizer delivers premium ingredients for reliable, balanced results.
Is 5-10-10 a good fertilizer for tomatoes?
Yes, 5-10-10 is a solid choice for tomatoes, particularly during the flowering and fruiting stages. The low nitrogen prevents excessive vine growth while the higher phosphorus supports blossom development and root strength. The elevated potassium improves fruit quality, size, flavor, and disease resistance. Many experienced tomato growers prefer 5-10-10 over balanced fertilizers because it encourages the plant to put energy into fruit production rather than foliage. Apply at planting and side-dress every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth 5-10-10 Multi-Use Fertilizer promotes strong roots, healthy blooms, and heavy tomato harvests.
Where can I buy 5-10-10 fertilizer?
5-10-10 fertilizer can be purchased online from specialty retailers like Old Cobblers Farm at oldcobblersfarm.com, as well as through major marketplaces including Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. While big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's may carry some 5-10-10 options, specialty farm and garden suppliers typically offer higher-quality formulations at better value. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth 5-10-10 Multi-Use Fertilizer is available in multiple bag sizes and ships nationwide, making it easy to get premium fertilizer delivered right to your door.
What is a low nitrogen fertilizer?
A low nitrogen fertilizer is any fertilizer where the first NPK number (nitrogen) is significantly lower than the other two numbers. 5-10-10 is a classic example — with only 5% nitrogen compared to 10% each of phosphorus and potassium. Low nitrogen fertilizers are used when you want to promote root development, flowering, and fruiting without stimulating excessive leaf and stem growth. They are ideal for root crops, bulbs, flowering annuals and perennials, established trees, and fall applications. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth 5-10-10 Fertilizer is one of the most trusted low-nitrogen options for home gardens and farms.
Can I use 5-10-10 fertilizer on my lawn?
While 5-10-10 can be used on lawns, it is not the ideal primary lawn fertilizer because lawns typically benefit from higher nitrogen for green growth and density. However, 5-10-10 is excellent as a starter fertilizer for newly seeded lawns or sod because the higher phosphorus promotes rapid root establishment. It also works well as a fall fertilizer to build root strength and winter hardiness without encouraging tender new leaf growth that could be damaged by frost. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth 5-10-10 Multi-Use Fertilizer is a versatile option for lawns, gardens, flowers, and crops.
Is there an organic 5-10-10 fertilizer?
Yes, Old Cobblers Farm offers organic alternatives with similar nutrient profiles. While exact organic 5-10-10 formulations are less common due to the nature of organic inputs, several Wicked Organics products deliver comparable nutrition using all-natural ingredients. The Wicked Organics 4-6-4 and 2-3-3 formulas provide similar low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus and potassium ratios from organic sources like bone char, sulfate of potash, vegetable protein meals, and animal protein meals. These OMRI-Listed options are ideal for organic gardens that need the benefits of a 5-10-10-style fertilizer. Visit oldcobblersfarm.com to explore the full Wicked Organics lineup.
