It’s spring! The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are here to help you with your gardening questions! Lots of us will be home this spring, and what better way to be outside, stay healthy and enjoy the results of your work then to get outside and work in your garden. If you have gardening questions, please email us at meo@illinois.edu and we’ll answer them here in this article. Be sure to put “Gardening Question” in the subject line. Today, we are featuring common questions about lawn fertilizing, which is an essential way to “feed” your lawn for optimal growth and health.
When is the best time to start fertilizing my lawn? The best time to start fertilizing the lawn is in the spring when the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually mid to late April. The grass has started to grow by this time. Using a granular fertilizer is best because it assures a more even spread. A drop or broad cast spreader should be used, and can be purchased at your local home and garden centers.
What do the three numbers on the bag of fertilizer mean? When you buy a bag of granular fertilizer, you will see three numbers on the bag. These numbers represent the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potassium (K) in the fertilizer. Grass fertilizer has a higher N number because nitrogen promotes lush green growth. Look for a slow release fertilizer releases nutrients over a longer period of time. The University of Illinois Extension recommends an N-P-K ratio of 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 for lawns.
How many times should I fertilize my lawn? Plan on fertilizing the lawn four to five times through the early spring to mid-fall season. The first feeding will be when the soil temperature is 55 degrees, then four weeks later in May. After this feed every eight weeks through October. Make sure your spreader is set at the correct rate for granular size. This information will be included on the bag of fertilizer purchased.
When should I water the lawn? Before or after fertilizing? It is a good idea to water the lawn a day before spreading the fertilizer. The moisture helps break down the granular pieces and releases the nutrients into the soil gently. Do not apply before rain, as the fertilizer might be washed away.
What happens if I apply too much fertilizer?
Over fertilizing your lawn may directly injure the grass or contribute to disease and other lawn problems. Be sure to follow the application rates suggested by the University of Illinois Extension here: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/lawntalk/planting/ fertilizer_schedule_for_home_lawns.cfm. For additional information about lawn care, please visit the “Lawn Talk” website at https://web.extension.illinois.edu/lawntalk/index. cfm
Do you have some additional questions for us? Remember you can email us at meo@illinois.edu, or call our University of Illinois Extension Unit Office at 815.224.0889. Please note that due to the COVID-19 epidemic, offices are closed until further notice.
Happy Gardening!