Wicked Growth · Fertilizer Guide
Garden & Tomato Fertilizer
NPK 5-10-10Non-Organic
Garden & Tomato Fertilizer 5-10-10 is a purpose-built granular fertilizer designed to support vigorous growth and bountiful harvests in vegetables and tomatoes. With a nutrient ratio that emphasizes phosphorus and potassium over nitrogen, this formula prioritizes what fruiting crops need most — strong root development, heavy flowering,...
Shop Wicked Growth →Guaranteed Analysis
Nutrient Breakdown
N · Nitrogen
5%
Provides moderate nitrogen to support steady, controlled vegetative growth without excessive leafiness that diverts energy from fruit production.
P · Phosphorus
10%
Promotes strong root systems and supports early flowering and fruit set — critical for tomato and pepper production.
K · Potassium
10%
Increases plant resilience, boosts fruit quality, size, and flavor while improving disease resistance.
Derived from: Ammoniacal Nitrogen (4%), Urea Nitrogen (1%), Available Phosphoric Acid (P2O5) 10%, Soluble Potash (K2O) 10%
Overview
What It Is
5-10-10 is a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizer formula specifically designed for fruiting vegetables and garden crops. Unlike balanced formulas like 10-10-10 or 19-19-19, the reduced nitrogen ratio prevents the common mistake of over-feeding nitrogen to tomatoes and peppers — which causes lush green plants that produce fewer, lower-quality fruits.
The guaranteed analysis breaks down to 5% total nitrogen (4% ammoniacal nitrogen for steady soil-level feeding, plus 1% urea nitrogen for a quick initial boost), 10% available phosphoric acid (P2O5) for root and flower development, and 10% soluble potash (K2O) for fruit quality and disease resistance. This P-K heavy ratio is exactly what fruiting crops demand once they transition from vegetative growth into flowering and fruit production.
The guaranteed analysis breaks down to 5% total nitrogen (4% ammoniacal nitrogen for steady soil-level feeding, plus 1% urea nitrogen for a quick initial boost), 10% available phosphoric acid (P2O5) for root and flower development, and 10% soluble potash (K2O) for fruit quality and disease resistance. This P-K heavy ratio is exactly what fruiting crops demand once they transition from vegetative growth into flowering and fruit production.
Crop Fit
Best For
This fertilizer excels with fruiting vegetables that need more phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen during their productive stages. Tomatoes and peppers are the primary targets — they're heavy feeders that often get too much nitrogen from general-purpose fertilizers, resulting in big plants with disappointing fruit yields. The 5-10-10 ratio corrects this by emphasizing the P and K that drive flowering, fruit set, and flavor. Squash, cucumbers, and melons respond well to the potassium boost for larger, sweeter fruit. Beans benefit from the P-K emphasis since they fix their own nitrogen. Corn and lettuce round out the versatility of this blend for complete garden coverage.
Application Rates
How Much to Use
| Garden & beds | 2-3 lbs per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Lawn | 3-5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
| Trees & shrubs | 1 cup per inch of trunk diameter |
| Containers | 1 tbsp per gallon of soil |
| Frequency | Every 4-6 weeks during the growing season |
Step by Step
How to Apply
1
Soil Test
Test your soil to confirm P and K levels need supplementing before applying.
2
Calculate Rate
Calculate coverage — use 2–3 lbs per 100 sq ft for garden beds.
3
Broadcast / Side-Dress
Spread evenly over the planting area or side-dress along crop rows for targeted mid-season feeding.
4
Incorporate
Work lightly into the top 2–3 inches of soil if applying before planting.
5
Water In
Water thoroughly after application to activate nutrients and prevent granule burn on roots.
6
Reapply
Reapply every 4–6 weeks throughout the growing season to sustain fruiting and flowering.
7
Pre-Harvest Cutoff
Stop applications 2–3 weeks before final harvest to allow fruit to ripen and develop full flavor.
For new garden beds, broadcast 2-3 lbs per 100 sq ft and incorporate into the top 6 inches of soil before planting. For established plants, side-dress by sprinkling fertilizer in a band 4-6 inches from the plant stem, then water in. For tomatoes, begin side-dressing after the first fruit set and continue every 4-6 weeks. The lower nitrogen content makes this formula more forgiving than high-N blends — less risk of burn or excessive vegetative growth. Avoid applying directly to foliage or stems.
Handling & Timing
Safety & Season
Safety & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in the original sealed bag. Avoid inhalation of dust during application. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Keep away from children, pets, and water sources.
Seasonal Notes
Apply in spring at planting time and continue every 4-6 weeks through summer. The P-K emphasis makes this formula especially valuable during the fruiting stage from midsummer through early fall. Reduce or stop applications as crops approach final harvest. Not typically applied in fall or winter for annual vegetable gardens.
In Context
How It Compares
Compared to balanced 10-10-10 or 19-19-19, the 5-10-10 formula deliberately reduces nitrogen to prevent the over-fertilization that causes tomato plants to grow big but produce fewer fruits. Versus bone meal (a common organic P source), 5-10-10 provides faster nutrient availability plus the potassium that bone meal lacks entirely. Compared to tomato-specific organic blends, this synthetic formula delivers more immediate results at a lower cost per application.
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.
