Spring is in full swing! This is the time of year when people's focus shifts to gardening and lawn care, so we decided to offer some tips for fertilizing. With the proper care, you can enjoy lush grass all summer long!
If your soil is compact and needs aerating, do this before applying fertilizer. This will loosen the earth and allow the nutrients to soak down into the roots. When choosing a fertilizer mix, you may be overwhelmed with all of the different options. In the spring, choose a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. If you prefer organic options, you can also use compost.
Fertilizing at the right time is crucial to ensuring success. Don't fertilize too early in the year. Instead, plan to do this in the middle of spring when the grass is actively growing and no longer dormant. However, ensure there are still plenty of rain showers (this is especially important in Eastern Washington). Water helps activate the nutrients and soak into the grasses' roots. Thus, distribute fertilizer right before a short rainfall (or turn on your sprinklers after). One word of caution, though: a strong, heavy rain may wash away fertilizer, so plan accordingly.
For application, use a hand-help or drop-spreader depending on the size of your lawn and the type of mix (the fertilizer's box or bag should explain which tool best distributes the seed). Thoroughly fertilize the entire yard, but ensure there is not so much that the ground is completely covered. You want to provide nutrients, not suffocate the soil. One application in the spring and one in the fall should be plenty to help jump-start your grass for lush growth all year long! Regularly leave short grass clippings on the lawn to provide plenty of nourishment throughout the season.
Follow these tips (and seek advice from your local gardener when needed) and you can expect results as soon as this summer!