Do you want to know what fertilizer to use on your lawn?

When you go to purchase you will see three numbers listed on the bags. These numbers are important. This numbers will tell you the percent of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that is in the fertilizer.

The first number that is listed is the nitrogen content. Nitrogen is good for lawns because it can really help to green up a dull looking lawn. If you already have a mature, existing lawn, you will probably not need a high percent of nitrogen unless your lawn is thin and discoloured.

The best time to apply is during the spring and summer.

The second number that is listed is phosphate. Phosphate helps the grass seed to germinate and it promotes root health. New lawns will need an application that is fairly high in phosphate.

The best time to apply is the autumn or fall but if this is missed it can be applied in the spring.

The third number that is listed is potassium, or potash. Potash helps to strengthen the grass. Strong roots and healthy grass is the key to a great ground cover.

The best time to apply is spring or autumn.

You should consider doing a soiltest on your soil before you choose a feed for new lawns. Having a soil test can truly save you money in the long run. Who wants to purchase a feed if it is not needed? Likewise, you may hurt your lawn by adding things to it that it does not need.

Lawn grass grows best when it is planted in soil that has a pH of 6.2 - 6.5. What this means is that your lawn will receive the most nutrients if it is planted in soil within this pH range. Most soil tests will give you recommendations on what amendments or feed you need to add to your soil to get it to the desired pH level. Soil tests will show you the levels of phosphorus, magnesium and calcium that are currently in your lawn soil so you don’t make costly mistakes.

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