Using A Drop Spreader
Choose a drop spreader for controlled fertilizer distribution. Overlap slightly on each pass to ensure you have adequate coverage, and don’t forget to close the hopper when you come to the end of a pass. You’ll typically pay more for a drop spreader, but if you’re tending a typical suburban-size lawn, it’s worth the investment. If you accidentally dump fertilizer onto your lawn, gather what you can, then use a stiff broom to spread out any remaining fertilizer as far as possible. Water it in well, and do so again a few days later to help move that nitrogen down through soil and out of the lawn’s root zone.
When And How To Fertilize New Grass
If you’re starting a new lawn from seed, sod or plugs or you’re doing bare lawn spot repair a starter fertilizer helps grass get the perfect start. Unlike established lawns, new grass benefits from extra phosphorus, an essential plant nutrient that supports strong, deep roots. Some states only allow phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers on new grass, so check with your county extension office if you’re unsure.
On fertilizer products, phosphorus is the middle number in the N-P-K ratio usually “0” in normal lawn fertilizers. But with Pennington UltraGreen Starter Fertilizer 22-23-4, you get an ideal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, plus other essential lawn nutrients, including iron for deep green color. This premium fertilizer blend starts feeding new grass immediately and keeps feeding it for up to three months.
Always follow guidelines for the best time to plant grass seed for your region and grass type, then fertilize accordingly. For seed or plugs, apply fertilizer with a regular lawn spreader before you plant. If you’re starting a lawn with sod, fertilize after your sod is in place.
With any new lawn area, avoid using crabgrass preventer fertilizers or weed & feed fertilizers within four weeks before planting time. After seeding, wait until your new grass gets established and you’ve mowed your lawn at least three times.
Weed & feed fertilizers kill tough weeds and feed your lawn.
Whats The Best Type Of Fertilizer To Use
Not all fertilizers are created equal, and you can learn more about that by reading our quick guide to fertilizers. But in a nutshell, you want a fertilizer thats good for your soil and your busy schedule. In other words, you need a fertilizer that doesnt need to be applied multiple times a year.
Luckily for you, we have a product that satisfies both needs.
Here at Green As It Gets, weve developed a multi-purpose fertilizer, known as Pro-Gro 365. This innovative fertilizer contains organic ingredients and keeps on feeding your soil for up to 12 months. Thats right with Pro-Gro 365, you get the best of both worlds, and youll never again have to ask the question, How often should you fertilize your grass? Pro-Gro 365 answers that question with one simple feeding. Whats better than that?
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How To Fertilize A Lawn
This article was co-authored by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, is licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 133,004 times.
Is your lawn patchy with spots that are thinning? Fertilizing your lawn can help you get the lush, green grass you desire. To properly fertilize your lawn it’s important to prepare the ground, pick out the right fertilizer, and use a method that will give your lawn the best chance to grow in stronger and healthier. Once you’ve laid out your fertilization plan, try and remain consistent from season to season. With a little work, it truly is easier to keep and maintain a healthy lawn.
Where And When Should Fertiliser Not Be Used
You should not use fertiliser meant for use in the spring in the autumn or winter months spring fertilisers encourage plant growth which is not needed in the winter months where the harsher temperatures and weather conditions can damage any new plants. Always make sure you are using the right sort of feed for the time of year. There is also no real need to apply fertiliser to frozen ground or very dry ground as it will not be absorbed properly. When applying fertiliser you should be careful to not allow fertiliser to enter water sources like rivers or lakes as this can be harmful.
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Why Does My Lawn Look So Patchy
Lack of sunlight is the most frequent cause of grass deterioration and the development of patchy regions with poor or no growth. Furthermore, many patchy lawns have compacted soil, which deprives grass roots of oxygen. Other causes of uneven turf include poor fertilization, insufficient watering, dog urine, weeds, and lawn diseases.
How To Apply Fertilizer To Your Lawn
Lawn fertilizers are sold in either liquid or granulated form.
This is mostly important in determining how to spread the fertilizer. With organic fertilizers, the difference comes down to what the fertilizer is comprised of. Corn grain meal based fertilizers are typically granular, while fish emulsions are liquid.
Synthetic fertilizers are available in both forms.
Speaking generally, most homeowners find granular fertilizers easier to apply.
If you want to use a liquid fertilizer, it is simpler to hire a professional service like TruGreen or a local alternative to do so.
Its more difficult to measure out and ensure even application of a liquid fertilizer. Professional services do that regularly and understand how to apply it.
Using a spreader to apply granular fertilizer is a simple process. A small broadcast spreader can be bought locally or for under $40.
Using a spreader is easy fill the hopper up on pavement, then walk the spreader across your yard.
Start with the perimeter, using an edge-guard to keep the material in your grass. Then go line by line until your yard is covered.
Spread it at a lower than recommended rate at first. This way youre sure not to add too much and damage your yard .
Make sure to sweep any granules off the pavement and into your yard. Left on pavement, they can harm the environment if allowed to wash into storm drains.
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Can I Put Epsom Salt On My Grass
your lawn
Similarly, does Epsom salts kill grass?
Epsom salts have been shown to be ineffective in killing insects at any stage of their development. Epsom Salts solution can cause leaf scorch if used as a foliar spray. Epsom salts should not be used on lawns because they don’t need magnesium.
The same goes for Epsom salt. How often should it be applied to your lawn? Alternately you can add one tablespoon of Epsom salts to each hole before you plant seeds. For grass wildflowers and Epsom Salts , sprinkle one cup Epsom salts on 100 feet. Then, mix into the soil and water well. Each month, apply an Epsom salt drench on seedlings.
How can I also use Epsom salt in my yard?
You can use a spreader to apply Epsom salt or you can dissolve it in water and spray it using a sprayer. Apply approximately one-half pound Epsom Salt per 100 square feet lawn. Apply Epsom salt fertilizer in the fall, rather than fertilizing during summer. This is because weed growth is more likely to occur during the summer.
What plants can you use Epsom salt on
Epsom salts are used to feed plants that need magnesium. This includes tomatoes, peppers and rosebushes. Epsom salts mixed in water can be poured over the base of plants or sprayed directly onto the leaves to produce more flowers and fruits.
How To Aerate Your Lawn
Lawn aeration encourages deep roots, resulting in a healthy lawn. Learn how to give your grass a breath of fresh air with these aerating tips.
If you plan to aerate your lawn, follow up that task with fertilizing. Lawns benefit from soil aeration, which creates literal holes in soil and exposes the root zone of grass plants. These holes allow water, fertilizer and air direct access to grass roots. For the best aeration, use a core aerator that pulls actual plugs of soil from the lawn . If you rent this machine, know that it’s heavy and requires a strong pair of arms to handle it. Many riding mowers also have core aerator attachments. In small grassy areas, plunging a digging fork into soil accomplishes the task quickly and inexpensively. Aerate whenever the thatch layer is more than one-half-inch thick.
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What Is The Best Fertilizer For Established Lawn
The Top 5 Best Lawn Fertilizers
When To Put Fertilizer On Lawns
All lawns need fertilizer in early spring when the grass begins to green up. Your fertilization schedule for the rest of the season depends on the type of grass in your lawn, the type of fertilizer you use, and your climate. Most lawn seed is a mixture of several different types of grasses, and both spring and fall fertilization are appropriate.
The label on a bag of lawn fertilizer will recommend a schedule based on the type of fertilizer it contains. The label is your best guide to how often to apply the product and how much to use. As long as you dont overdo it and avoid fertilizing in the hottest part of summer, your lawn should thrive.
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Why Use Lawn Fertiliser
Most lawns will grow fairly well in the UK without needing the application of a lawn fertiliser. However, if you want to improve the general health and appearance of your lawn, using a fertiliser can be a good way to ensure your grass gets the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, green and lush. Proper use of lawn fertiliser can keep your lawn in good condition and will encourage strong, dense grass growth. Not only does lawn fertiliser improve the appearance of your lawn but it can also help your turf to recover from wear and tear and the effects of any harsh weather conditions. Keeping your turf well fertilised with a balanced nutrient programme can also stop your lawn from becoming weak, patchy and thin which can make the grass more susceptible to moss and weeds. Lawns in poor conditions are also more likely to be affected by diseases.
Add More Lawn Fertilizer
Feeding your grass in spring with lawn fertilizer provides a boost of nutrients to kick off the growing season. However, your grass requires a few more feedings throughout the year to keep it healthy, strong and looking good. Your grass will make quick work of the lawn fertilizer you give it in early spring, so give it another feeding six to eight weeks after that first feeding.
Because your grass takes a beating during summer thanks to heat, insects, foot traffic and possibly less water, you want to fertilize in June, July or August. To determine a more exact time, plan to add lawn fertilizer between six and eight weeks after your feeding in late spring.
As summer winds down, your grass will start preparing for its dormant season, so adding lawn fertilizer will help it make that transition. Again, wait six to eight weeks from your summer feeding and then apply a fertilizer specifically designed for fall feedings. Talk with your garden center expert to find out what works best for your grass type and location.
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After Using Lawn Fertiliser
Many fertilisers work on a slow-release principle and continue to feed your lawn for weeks and months after application. Most lawn fertilisers are safe and you can use or walk on your lawn almost immediately after application. You should however check that the fertilisers used are safe for use around pets and animals. We would advise that you do not mow your lawn straight after an application as this can stop the feed from settling properly. Ideally you should wait for at least three days before mowing.
Can I Fertilize My Lawn Every 2 Weeks
To avoid over-fertilizing, applying a fertilizer every two weeks is not recommended. Fertilizing as often as every two weeks will likely lead to problems such as lawn burn, excessive grass growth, as well as polluted water that can lead to toxic algae growth. A natural, healthier way of feeding your lawn every two weeks would be to simply leave the grass clippings on the lawn surface after mowing your grass.
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State Laws About Fertilizing Lawns
Maryland protects the Chesapeake Bay from pollution by setting a cutoff date for fertilizing lawns: There is no lawn fertilizing allowed between November 16 and March 1. Many states limit phosphorus in lawn fertilizers, to cut down on the phosphorus algae bloom that pollutes streams, rivers and lakes.
Nutri Lawn Ottawa Offers A Range Of Fertilizer Options
Traditional:Our traditional fertilizer uses a combination of slow and quick release fertilizers with a custom blend of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.Organic:We offer organic fertilizers derived from all natural plant and animal by-products such as seaweed extract, blood meal, compost, manure, fish meal, and bone meal. Organic fertilizers provide a slow consistent release of nutrients over months which reduces the potential for streaking or burning.Polyon: Polyon fertilizer is specially designed for season-long performance. A patented polyurethane membrane in each capsule releases the nutrients slowly and consistently for predictable feeding during the growth season. The Polyon fertilizer used by Nutri-Lawn Ottawa is specially designed for the Ottawa climate and soil conditions to ensure your grass gets exactly the nutrients it needs.The lawn care experts at Nutri-Lawn Ottawa are here to help you ensure your lawn grows thick, green and healthy, and we are happy to tackle all of your lawn care issues. Contact us if you are looking to create a lawn youre proud of and will enjoy all summer long!
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When To Fertilize A Lawn
When your lawn is looking a little shabby, you may be tempted to throw some fertilizer on it. But when, how, and at what time you fertilize your lawn requires some careful consideration.
The best time of day to fertilize a lawn is morning because that’s when the temperature is cooler and the grass is moist with dew. Heat and dryness are your enemies when fertilizing your lawn. Even without hot temperatures, applying chemical fertilizers to grass exposes it to the danger of burning. Plus fertilizer should be watered immediately into the soil, and this task is easier to perform on a lawn already moist. The exception is with “weed and feed” products, which you don’t want to water in immediately: You want the herbicidal component to maintain contact with the weeds for a period of time.
Using Fertilizer After Rain
If youd rather not run the risk of having a heavy rain wash out your fertilizer, you can still use it on your lawn after it rains. In this case, wait until the blades of grass are completely dry before you start.
Check the weather forecast not only to check for information on upcoming precipitation also check to see if there will be steady sunlight in the days following your fertilizer use.
We all know sunlight is a key component of photosynthesis, and having steady sunlight and ideal weather conditions while the fertilizer is in full effect will help enhance its effectiveness and better improve the quality of your lawn.
If you fertilize once a year, do it in September for cool-season, Northern grasses, and early June for warm-season, Southern grasses. Otherwise, make two to three applications in fall, one month apart, and one in spring for cool-season grasses three applications are needed during the summer for warm-season grasses. ConsumerReports.org
Have any questions about the best time to fertilize a lawn, before or after it rains? Need a consultation?
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Do I Really Have To Fertilize My Grass
Of course, you dont have to fertilize! But youre probably going to want to.
Why?
Well, lets talk about what lawns need in order to grow and stay healthy and green. Namely, nutrients.
These nutrients can come from organic matter and minerals that are already in the soil. This nourishment can also be derived from fallen leaves, grass clippings and the like.
The sad truth is that the soil in large parts of Texas and other parts of the south isnt all that nutrient-rich, and theres probably not enough naturally-occurring organic matter to make up the difference in most cases.
The impact of these types of soil on your lawn? More insects. More weeds. A higher chance of disease, including yard fungus. Increased chance of erosion. Your grass might thin. Youll suffer patchiness and increased runoff.
Basically, all kinds of bad things that you dont want.
Fertilizer can provide the additional nutrients your yard needs to prevent these problems and keep your grass healthy and looking good.
Unfortunately, fertilization isnt as simple as deciding to do it and picking up some fertilizer from your nearest home improvement store. You have to know whats best to use. When to use it. How often.
