How to Pick Lawn Fertilizer
Choosing the right fertilizer for your lawn can make the difference between a green carpet and a brown landscape. It is important to determine what nutrients are missing from your soil, your soil's drainage abilities, and the basic components in fertilizer so you don't use too much. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Test the soil pH with a kit available from your local garden supply store. Dig a hole and place soil samples in the sterile containers, then send the samples to the lab on the address label.
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Evaluate the results of the soil pH test to determine the best fertilizer for your yard. Fertilizers with ammonium, sulfur and ammonium sulfate will decrease the soil's pH. Magnesium and calcium can increase the pH.
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Buy a fertilizer high in nitrogen for an established yard. Check the label on the bag; the NPK amount stands for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen is inexpensive compared to phosphorus.
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Choose a fertilizer high in phosphorus for a new yard. Phosphorus helps grass establish roots and promotes growth.
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Purchase fertilizer high in potassium for lawns damaged by winter. Potassium helps grass resist diseases and strengthens cell walls.
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Choose between slow-release and quick-release fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizer comes in granular pellets that must be applied to your lawn with a spreader. It's easier to apply than liquid fertilizer, because you can see where you are spreading the pellets. Quick-release liquid fertilizer comes in a bottle that you attach to a garden hose. It must be applied to the lawn every two to three weeks.
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Tips & Warnings
Some states ban phosphorus from being applied to grass, but exceptions are often made for new yards. Contact your local county Extension agency.
Do not use slow-release fertilizer late in the growing season; it encourages new growth that will be damaged during winter.
