If you think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, it’s time for a change. You can always change how your yard looks, all you need to do is equip yourself with the right gardening supplies, put the effort and watch it thrive. Challenge accepted? Hell yeah. Introducing – the magic of the grass fertilizer.
The Right Pick
You’d think there is not much to consider when buying a fertilizer. You just go to your nearest garden supply store and pick the first one you see. But the truth is, every lawn is different and has its own needs. That means you need to be very informed if you want to feed yours the right thing. Being informed about fertilizers basically means knowing what the abbreviation NPK stands for. N is for Nitrogen (provides a stronger plant foliage), P is for Phosphorous (helps roots and flowers grow), and K is for Potassium (important for the grass’ overall health).
Now that you know what each letter means, pay attention to the percentage of these nutrients in the grass fertilizer. You may lean towards picking a fertilizer high on Nitrogen. However, even though the grass will grow quicker, it will also be weak and more susceptible to catching diseases and being attacked by pests. And when it comes to Phosphorous, even though it’s beneficial for the grass, it is actually dangerous for the environment. When it travels from the soil into underground water canals and later rivers, lakes, or the sea, Phosphorous results in an abnormal growth of algae. As the algae die, they rob the oxygen from the water which is necessary for the fish’s survival. Potassium, on the other hand, is relatively harmless in any dose.
This means that the right grass fertilizer from the many options on the market is made of no more than 16% Nitrogen and as little Phosphorous as possible. A well-fed lawn with a fertilizer like this has a healthier root system to help it fight off extreme weather conditions such as drought and snowstorms, but also human inflicted stress such as foot traffic and mowing.
Timing is Important Too
Your lawn is like a baby – it cannot tell you whether it’s hungry, you simply need to figure out its needs. There is a specific schedule you need to stick to in order to make it healthier. Many people think fertilizing it once a year is enough. This will improve its condition rather than not feeding it at all, but if you want to have a perfect lawn you’ll need to feed it three times a year. Early spring is your lawn’s breakfast time, and we know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Get your lawn off to a good start by choosing a liquid seaweed fertilizer. There are natural growth regulators in it which will strengthen the grass’s root development and increase its resilience to hot weather conditions just in time before the summer arrives. When July comes, fertilize early on to stop weeds from developing a deep root system, seed and reproduce. To help grass renew itself after being exposed to the hot summer sun, fertilize it in fall too. This will prepare it to fight off the harsh winter temperatures. Additionally, every time you fertilize it make sure it is after it’s been mown.
In the end, I’d like to point out that caring for your grass means more than just having an impressive lawn. Although you may not see it right away, a healthy grass pays you back even more. It serves as a giant cooling system for your home in the summer and releases huge amounts of oxygen to keep your air fresh. Plus, it offers a nice ground to play outdoor games, bask in the sun and have barbecues. Now is the time to fertilize and release your lawn’s true potential!
