Lose Your Fear of Fertilizing
"How do I pick the right lawn fertilizer?"
"How often should I fertilize?"
"What's the best spreader method?"
"What if I apply too much and burn my lawn?"
Have thoughts like these put you in proper lawn care paralysis? For years, I was haunted by these questions - to the point where I'd forgo fertilizing my lawn altogether rather than risk doing it wrong.
Finally, I got fed up season after season, facing thin, dull and wimpy grass that also had become a gracious host to unwanted growth (a.k.a., weeds). My frustration became stronger than my fertilization fears, and I was determined to arm myself with everything I needed to know to get my grass going on a better path.
To my surprise, proper fertilization is really quite simple. And bonus for you: You can find all the information required to do the job right (and relish the results) - right here. Meanwhile, take these baby steps and be on your way to a much healthier lawn.
Step 1: Purchase fertilizer
Focus on fertilizer with these three key ingredients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Look on the package for numbers that represent the ratio of the ingredients. For example, 20-5-10 shows the parts of nitrogen (first number) to phosphorus (second number) to potassium (third number). For an established lawn, choose a slow release fertilizer rich in nitrogen. For a new lawn, select a starter fertilizer with a higher percentage of phosphorus.
Step 2: Spread fertilizer
And forget the hand-toss method. To evenly spread your fertilizer, use a broadcast (or rotary) spreader, which makes it easy to cover larger areas. You can also use a drop spreader - as the name implies, it drops fertilizer directly beneath the spreader as you walk. This is great for small yards or for applying fertilizer in very specific areas, such as around flowerbeds. To avoid streaks in your grass from uneven application, apply your fertilizer in two directions. To avoid over application, start walking before you turn on your spreader and shut it off before you stop walking. Be sure to follow the directions on your product's label. Use only the amount of fertilizer recommended for your expanse of lawn and follow the spreader setting guidelines. Fertilize when rain is in the forecast, or water your lawn after fertilization.
Step 3: Follow a fertilization schedule
A little background: The best time to fertilize grass is when it's actively growing. In general, in cooler climates, that means fertilizing when it's between 60 and 80 degrees; and in warmer climates, when it reaches 80 degrees. But if you can be forgetful like me, the "holiday plan" is a great way to never miss an application. Fertilize on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day. (These dates can be adjusted a bit according to your climate.)
See? Not so scary. And not rocket science. Try you're hand at fertilization this season, and your wonderful lawn will make you wonder what you've been worrying about.
Watch fertilization in action in our how-to video for even greater confidence.
Want to know even more? Read on:
