How to Fertilise Your Lawn

Some easy tools will help you on your way and make the job easier when fertilising your lawn.

• Rake / pitch fork / wheelbarrow.
• Possibly a soil test kit if you need to know what nutrients your lawn is lacking (Soil test kits are available at any local garden centre).
• Spreader for hand or push application if using a granular fertiliser.
• Hose and hose connection if using a hose-on liquid fertiliser.
• Spray kit if using a concentrated liquid fertiliser – as well as the appropriate Personal Protective gear (PPE).

Once you have all your gear and you know what fertiliser you need to use on your lawn – you are ready to start!

Now you have all your preparation gear, these easy tips will help you understand how to fertilise your lawn.

• Always rake the lawn to remove leaves and other debris before fertilising.
• Wait at least two days after mowing before fertilising.
• Allow about a week after fertilising before you mow – leave the catcher off the first time (this is so the fertiliser remains on the lawn).
• Before fertilising if you are worried about your lawn’s health do a soil test to see what nutrients it may be lacking – then you can choose the right fertiliser (Soil test kits are available at your local garden centre).
• Select the appropriate fertiliser for your lawn variety and the time of year.
• Always read the directions for use on the label and make sure you do not apply any heavier than the recommended rate – over application may result in burning the grass.
• In general, best fertiliser results are achieved by feeding three times a year – early spring, early summer (before it gets too hot) and mid to late autumn.
• If you are going to only fertilise once a year, do it in late spring to early summer.
• Applying your fertiliser evenly is important so we recommend using a spreader (handheld or wheeled) if you use a granular fertiliser.
• Always remember to follow the directions on the label for when and how to water after fertilising.

The type of fertiliser you use and how often you want to fertilise your lawn depends on your budget and lawn health needs. Below is the range you can choose from.

When choosing a fertiliser, always make sure it is appropriate for your lawn type and the time of year you are applying it to your lawn.

• Liquid Fertilisers contain the active ingredients which push your lawn to its fullest growing potential in the quickest time. As liquid fertiliser is a quick fix and ignites growth and greening-up of your lawn, it needs to be applied more frequently. They are easily applied through your hose or a spray applicator.
• Granular Slow-Release Fertiliser is often better value for money if you are looking for a slow-release feed and growth for your lawn over an entire season (three months). Granular slow-release fertiliser is easily applied through a hand or push spreader.
• Traditional Fertiliser is often the cheapest lawn food choice but not necessarily the best, application rates are usually every 4 to 6 weeks and rely on the lawn being able to absorb the nutrients as they move through the soil.
• Organic Fertiliser is the most natural and environmentally-friendly fertiliser product available. True organic fertilisers are made up of either animal or vegetable matter and contain no artificial or synthetic materials. Application can be through a spreader or by hand depending on what product you purchase.

Knowing how to fertilise and what tools you need makes it so much easier to maintain a green, healthy lawn.

The key to properly fertilising is to; know what sort of lawn variety you have so you choose the right fertiliser, prepare your lawn for fertilising, then continue to fertilise your lawn according to the label’s instructions.

There is a great range of fertilisers on the market to suit your budget and lawn’s needs and they can be found at myhometURF’s online store. If you are unsure what fertiliser is right for you read myhomeTURF’s Concise Lawn Fertiliser Guide.

LawnPride Tracemaxx 5L Concentrate

LawnPride Maintain 26-2-9 + 3.4 Fe 20kg

LawnPride GroTurf 20kg 15-4-11 + Traces

Oxafert