A nutritional feed is one of the primary ingredients in growing a lush, green, well-manicured lawn. However, you may have no idea about the best feed for lawns because you are not essentially aware of what type of fertilizer is suitable for the turf. What makes it worse is that if the feed is not applied correctly, it can be disastrous.
Here are five factors that matter when selecting the best feed for your lawn:
The Timing Matters
There is no better season than spring to fertilize your lawn. That is when the soil temperature is ideal, though the atmospheric temperature may vary. Spring is when lilacs and lavenders bloom, and the grass starts sprouting. However, if you miss keeping time with the change of seasons, you can use a thermometer to check the ground temperature.
The ideal temperature for the grass to receive fertilizer without being affected is around 55 degrees F. Make sure you get a soil thermometer as a regular thermometer is of no use. April is the best month for the first application of lawn feed as it encourages rich and rapid growth.
Get the Ratio Right
Lawn feed or fertilizer is made up of three chemicals – nitrogen, potassium, and phosphate. These are the best nutrients for your lawn. However, each chemical should be in the proper ratio to make the best feed for lawns and make yours lush, green, and pleasing to the eye. The rate is 20:10:5. Hence your lawn feed should ideally have 20% nitrogen, 10% potassium, and 5% phosphate.
Of course, another material is used as a fertilizer base, which is more of a filler with no nutrient value. The filler helps to dilute the chemicals and distribute them evenly to the roots. Please keep in mind that the ratio of 20:10:5 is the right mix when you apply lawn feed in spring.
Slow-Release Lawn Feed is Preferable
Slow-release lawn feed or fertilizer is suitable for your lawn as it releases the nutrients slowly over a long period, and you can give a bigger gap between the applications. When using slow-release lawn feed, you can apply the feed once in six to eight weeks. However, this should also depend on your watering schedule. Some people prefer to do it every four weeks, resulting in increased costs if you don’t mind that.
A slow-release lawn feed contains nitrogen in small quantities, as too much can spoil your lawn. When calculated by weight, your lawn needs just about 50gm of nitrogen per week, hence don’t exceed that limit if you want your lawn to flourish. The nitrogen fed to your lawn should not exceed more than two to three pounds for the entire season.
Opt for Granules
It is better to apply granules using a spreader as this helps every blade of grass get the required nourishment. It is better to get your spreader, which helps avoid wastage. If you leave it to professional landscapers, they spray the granules from a tanker, which disperses most of the granules into the wind. While applying granules, make sure you do it evenly and maintain consistency. Properly used granules make the best feed for lawns, helping them grow luxuriously.
Watering your Lawn is Crucial
After doing all of the above stated, if you don’t water your lawn correctly, the entire exercise is a waste. However, remember that frequent watering also means that your lawn requires more fertilizer to be applied. It would help if you were sure about whether you should water your lawn after using lawn feed or before.
Check the instructions printed on the label and follow accordingly. Some fertilizers need to be soaked for an hour or so before applying. If you are using granulated fertilizer, soaking in water is crucial, as the granules have to break down before application.
Summing it Up
A lush, green lawn is nice to have around your garden. Remember that a lawn has to be maintained painstakingly to give it that trim, smart look. Well-manicured gardens are pleasing to the eye and a sight to behold. Using the proper lawn feed correctly ensures you have a fantastic lawn.
