Keeping the Lawn Fertilized and Watered Properly

Check your lawn and figure out how much fertilizer to buy. Buy enough to cover your lawn. If you have some left over, it will keep until the following year. You may already have a spreader for the fertilizer, but if not, then you need to purchase one. Whatever spreader your local store carries should be fine.

It's best to wait until you are going to have a good rain. It is best to have the rain the day after you fertilize. Set your spreader according to the directions on the fertilize bag. Follow the instructions and cover the yard completely and thoroughly. Once your fertilizer is spread, it's time to water.

If there is no rain and you have to water with the sprinklers, then water continuously for at least one hour for each section that you fertilized. This is very important. Be sure you water frequently for the next three days. The lawn must be soaked thoroughly for the fertilizer to work.

If you fail to fertilize, the lawn will thin and weeds will invade. Timely fertilization can befit both the lawn and environment. There will be less runoff of surface waters from a good stand of grass than bare soil. Healthy lawns have less disease and weed problems and do not need as many pesticides. If you have grass growing in a heavily shaded area, it will require only 1/2 to 2/3 as much nitrogen as grass growing in full sun. Don't forget to test your soil. You can do this at any time, but the fall months are the ideal period to modify your soil, as plant growth is slowing down.