There is no doubt that lawns need food just like human beings.
Yes, it’s true.
But the question is how and when should you feed lawns with fertilizer. Overfeeding can be dangerous!
You can destroy your lawn because of your ignorance. To keep your plants healthy let us know that how often to apply starter fertilizer.
You can fertilize your lawn according to season. These are divided into four steps. In early spring, apply fertilizer before germination, and at the end of this season, you can again fertilize your lawn when seeds start to grow actively.
Choosing the right fertilizer is also important as your lawn requires nitrogen-rich fertilizers for healthy growth. Slow-release fertilizer is preferable to quick release, as it continuously feeds your lawn for six or more weeks without overdoing it.
Typically, you can apply one or two applications of fertilizers per year. The starter fertilizer can make the soil environment rich and healthy that will carry the seedlings for one month.
So, dive into this article to know more and be ready to become the owner of a lush green lawn.
When And How To Fertilize The Lawn
If you have to face a badly conditioned lawn, what would you do?
Will you fertilize it again?
To keep your lawn looking best round the year, must set your fertilizer plan that meets the changes with seasonal needs. Proper fertilizing is an essential key to get a lush green lawn.
Understanding and making a fertilizing schedule can be helpful for your grass to stand out from the rest.
Follow these four annual fertilizing programs step by step and make your lawn healthy:
Step 1: Early Spring
This is the time when seeds start to germinate and the temperature becomes warmer than before. Usually, germination starts during February and April. This is the peak season of using starter fertilizer.
You have to prevent new weeds and feed your lawn according to the process of early fertilizing. Green View Weed Spring Fertilizer is the best food for your turf.
New weeds can be stopped before the establishment of roots and you can control them within five months.
Correct timing for applying fertilizers is critical in this step. For example, if you are seeding Crabgrass, you can apply fertilizer before seeds start to germinate or right after planting. It will happen only if the soil temperature is about 55 degrees. For best results, use a spreader to fertilize your growing turf and water the lawn at least 5 inches with rainfall or irrigation for 14 days.
To control weeds, use Scotts liquid turf, which provides iron and nitrogen to get immediate greening for grass. It is good to apply it for up to three months. Keep in mind that instructions given on the label must be followed as it is essential for your grass type.
Don’t apply it within 60 days of planting and wait for the coming year to treat the new turf.
Step 2: Late Spring
The second step for fertilizing lays between April and June, the end of spring. Now the weeds are going to get into active growth. For your actively grown lawn, you can select a weed and feed fertilizer with a combination of weed killers. It will provide proper nutrients to your lawn according to its needs.
It will also kill weeds from tip to root and fulfill all requirements for thick growth and rich colors of the lawn.
Additionally, it can keep feeding for up to three months. Always check the labels for your specific type of grass and follow the instructions carefully. It may be effective when weeds are small and young.
Want to get magical results?
Just apply it early in the morning when the grass is wet due to dew drops. Be sure there is no possibility of rain in the coming two days.
If you are planning to be overseeded, don’t use weed and feed fertilizer before planting. You have to wait until the third mowing.
Step 3: Summer
In the summer months, especially June and August, proper feeding is essential for the strength of your lawn. It will also help the grass against heat and drought. If you want to keep your lawn beautiful and strong, choose Espoma Organic Summer Fertilizer. It will prove ideal for the healthy and thick growth of your lawn. Three months’ use will bring effective results of the rich lawn.
Soon you will get a rich color, thick and lush green grass as this type of fertilizer gives essential nutrients and iron to your lawn.
Always follow the directions accordingly and don’t forget to check the label before fertilizing.
Let’s watch this video to learn more.
Step 4: Late Summer To Late Fall
This is the final step when the grass starts to grow slowly and is ready for the winter months. This happens usually between August and November. And this is the same time when broadleaf weeds start to grow actively again.
To avoid such weeds and get the best nutrients according to lawn needs, you can use Scotts Turf Builder that will not only kill all unnecessary weeds but also fulfill the requirements of healthy grass.
You must be careful about the gap of fertilizing that will be six to eight weeks.
How To Apply Lawn Fertilizer For Best Results
After knowing the proper timing of fertilizing, you must be aware of the right method to apply it.
How do you use fertilizers to get rewarding results?
It’s easy!
Whenever you need to apply fertilizer, follow the instructions carefully mentioned on the label. To get the best results, trim your lawn one to two days before fertilizing. After that set your spreader according to the product label.
Two main steps to apply fertilizer are given below:
- If you are using a drop spreader, then start with two strips from your lawn’s end. Then extend each path slightly by working back and forth.
- While using a broadcast spreader, start to work from outside and work inside by extending slightly.
Remember that after using fertilizer shut the hopper and turn to avoid the heap of fertilizer. Always remove extra fertilizer from the hard surfaces like driveways and sidewalks. This may be helpful to avoid iron stains and a shortage of fertilizer.
This video will guide you completely to apply fertilizer.
When To Fertilize The New Grass
Do you want to know the right time for fertilizing your grass?
Let me tell you!
It is important to give your soil proper nutrients for healthy growth. It is possible only if you select appropriate fertilizer for new grass seeds.
So, after preparing the soil, the step is to fertilize your lawn with starter fertilizer. You can do that before laying your seeds. Once you apply fertilizer doesn’t repeat the process again.
Actually, excess nutrients can be harmful to the turf and burn your established grass. It is recommended to use a traditional, nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer. You can apply it 6-8 weeks after planting the new grass.
If you are eager to fertilize again for healthy and fast growth, you have to wait a minimum of six weeks before fertilizing again.
Early fertilizing will damage the roots of grass as it is difficult for them to absorb the nutrients. Always use a balanced fertilizer and spread the grains on the soil after the month and water the whole area.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs)
When should starter fertilizers be applied?
The best time for applying starter fertilizer is before seeding or laying sod. You can also add fertilizer after planting grass seeds.
Can we use a starter fertilizer for established grass?
Likely not. Although you can use fertilizer for established grass, starter fertilizer might not has all the required nutrients. So advanced fertilizer is best for the fully grown lawn.
How should you apply starter fertilizer?
When you have received your soil test, select a suitable fertilizer and apply it according to the needed amount.
Can you use starter fertilizer too much?
No, you can,t. As it may damage the roots and your grass turn to yellow.
How often should you apply starter fertilizer?
Mostly, it is enough to apply starter fertilizer once or twice a year to keep your grass healthy and green. Precisely, it also depends on the climate or type of grass as well.
Final Thoughts
Finally, we may conclude that proper feeding at the proper time is essential for the best lawn results. In some ways, lawns are very similar to people.
Like us, they also need a lot of care and a good diet. Understanding this article will help you to know about using fertilizers at their best time.
By following the above-mentioned fertilizing tips, you can keep your lawn at the peak of beauty and performance.
Hopefully, this may make you feel pride in your lawn for its healthy growth.
Naturally, starter fertilizer is important because it contains phosphorus that is the main ingredient. So it is best to use it before the establishment of the lawn right after seeding.
