Lawn-care Tips
Did you know?
Experts estimate that without commercial fertilizers, the world would be without one-third of its food supply.Why your lawn needs fertilizer
All living things need a constant supply of nutrients for proper growth and development, and your lawn is no different. All plants need a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but how much depends on several factors like the plant type and its climate and other growing conditions.Fertilizers supply these three nutrients to plants, often with additional micronutrients or filler material that allows them to be distributed evenly.
All lawns are deficient in nitrogen because grass quickly uses up the natural supply. A lawn that has enough nitrogen will show healthy vigorous growth, strong root development and dark green coloration.
How to read those three numbers on your fertilizer bag
Have you ever wondered what that three-digit number on the front of fertilizer bags means? It represents the three main fertilizer nutrients (nitrogen: N, phosphorus: P and potassium: K). They are always listed in the same order to make up a three-digit formula: N-P-K.Each of these three nutrients is designated by a number — a percentage of the pounds of each per hundred pounds of fertilizer. For example, a 20-10-5 formulation means there are 20 lbs. of nitrogen per hundred pounds of fertilizer, 10 lbs. of phosphoric acid and 5 lbs. of potassium.
When you select a fertilizer, remember the purpose of each ingredient and relate the percentages to the needs of your plants and/or lawn.
- Choose fertilizer with the highest first number for fast-growing grass.
- Choose fertilizer with the highest middle number for good flower and vegetable production.
- Choose fertilizer with the highest last number to toughen your plants against disease and winter′s cold.
Soil testing services
The only way to know for sure what nutrients your lawn is missing to have your soil tested. Many Rocky′s locations now offer soil testing services to their customers to help you find a customized mix of fertilizers that will promote the lushest and greenest lawn possible. See a Rocky′s associate for details.
Recommended lawn-care schedule
EARLY SPRING: Repair winter damage. Treat with pre-emergence crabgrass killer, insecticides; fertilize and reseed if necessary.LATE SPRING: Kill broadleaf weeds; fertilize lawn and flowers.
EARLY SUMMER: Water generously and often; fertilize and apply post-emergence herbicides and insecticides as needed.
LATE SUMMER: Watch for sod webworms and other insects; fertilize and water heavily.
EARLY FALL: Seed and fertilize; prepare for winter by mulching and pruning various shrubs and trees.