The 3 numbers (12-6-8) represent the value of the 3 macro-nutrients used by plants.
They provide nutrients UP, DOWN and AROUND the plant.
12= NITROGEN- Largely responsible for the growth of the leaves= UP.
6= PHOSPHORUS- Largely responsible for the root growth of the plant= DOWN.
8= POTASSIUM- Nutrient that helps the overall functions of the plant= AROUND.
Everyone knows plants need water and sunshine to survive; but in order to thrive, they need essential chemical elements, like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Without these and few others, they simply do not have the necessary “building blocks” to grow. This is where the fertilizer comes in.