KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – LAWN FERTILIZER

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – LAWN FERTILIZER

Soon we will need to fertilize although this year it seems like the grass is taking off fine on its own. A light fertilizer is still a good beginning of the idea at the beginning of the season.

Like all fertilizer lawn fertilizer contains three main ingredients — nitrogen phosphorus and potassium. The percentages of these nutrients are represented by the three numbers on each fertilizer label such as 20-10-10 (20% nitrogen 10% phosphorus 10% potassium). Nitrogen is the primary nutrient that helps a lawn green up and is present in both water-soluble and water-insoluble lawn fertilizers.

I’ve found the best one to use is a drop spreader. Make sure to fill the spreader on the sidewalk before going on the lawn. This prevents spillage that can burn the grass. Follow Manufacturer’s instructions on the bag. Slightly overlap the width of the wheel base to ensure even coverage. I think the drop spreader gives you more control than the other types. Remember it is easy to over fertilize. Always err on the side of caution and use less rather than more.

You should always water thoroughly after fertilizing. This will drop the fertilizer into the grass and start to dissolve the dry granules. The fertilizer will slowly feed the roots and give you a great lawn.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO