Things You'll Need:
- Area to be fertilized
- Soil test
- Fertilizer
- Spreader
-
Step 1
Use a soil test to assess the needs of the area you want to fertilize. The results will show what nutrients are lacking in your soil.
-
Step 2
Measure the area so you will know how much fertilizer you'll have to buy. Choose whichever size bag comes closest to covering those measurements.
-
Step 3
Read the label on the fertilizer package to determine which blend is best suited for your needs.
-
Step 4
Select a fertilizer with a minimum nitrogen-to-potassium ratio of 2 to 1 if the area is in good condition, you're looking for consistent and faster top growth or if you're fertilizing in the spring rather than in the fall.
-
Step 5
Go with a fertilizer that has a minimum potassium-to-nitrogen ratio of 1 to 2 if there are low potassium levels in the soil, when the area you are fertilizing is known to be diseased or the ground is "stressed" because of temperature, drought or traffic.
-
Step 6
Choose a fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen and potassium if the ground is in good condition, standard upkeep is required, you want to reduce the amount of top growth or drought, temperature and traffic have affected the ground.
-
Step 7
Consider a fertilizer that contains little or no phosphorous if you are in close proximity to water.
-
Step 8
Look for your model fertilizer spreader on the fertilizer bag's label. If it's not listed consider choosing another brand of fertilizer.
