Gardening professionals usually advise fertilizing your lawn during early spring. Doing this helps you boost healthy grass growth in your lawn. Even so, you have to know the best fertilizers to use on your lawn.
Keep in mind that applying the wrong lawn fertilizer can damage your grass. Nowadays, there is a wide range of lawn fertilizers you can use for your garden.
Top fertilizers for your lawn in spring time
In this article, we look at the best lawn fertilizers for early spring.
The Scotts Thick’r Lawn:
This fertilizer is the best three in one fertilizer for early spring. This product incorporates a unique blend of fertilizer, seed, and soil improver to promote healthy growth in your lawn. Unlike most fertilizers, the Scotts Thick’r Lawn does not need any repeat applications to work effectively.
This fertilizer also removes bares spots in your yard by encouraging quick seed germination. Moreover, the Scotts Thick’r Lawn improves the soil quality. Hence, it helps grass develop a robust root system and keep your lawn green and healthy throughout the summer.
Greenview Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer Weed & Feed:
Another lawn spring fertilizer that promotes healthy grass growth in your lawn is the Greenview Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer Weed & Feed. This best two in one spring lawn fertilizer prevents weed growth and makes the lawn grow stronger.
It is a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, hence perfect for grass lawns. Nitrogen in the fertilizer gradually breaks down into the soil to make the lawn healthy and dark green. One of the main advantages of using this fertilizer is that it can kill any weed type.
Espona’s Organic Lawn Booster:
If you are looking for organic lawn fertilizer, Espona’s Organic Lawn Booster is your best alternative. It contains 100% natural ingredients; hence it is safe for desirable plants, pets, and children.
This fertilizer is also budget-friendly; thus, it works well for homeowners with a fixed budget. Some of the ingredients contained in this fertilizer include feather meal, poultry manure, and gypsum.
The major downside of this fertilizer is that it contains a strong unpleasant smell. So, don’t host a party or outdoor cookout near your lawn after applying Espona’s Organic Lawn Booster.
Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Lawn Fertilizer:
Unquestionably, slow-release fertilizers work effectively in nurturing your lawn. In particular, the Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Lawn Fertilizer is the best organic lawn fertilizer for early spring.
The fertilizer works well and delivers excellent results in ten weeks. You don’t have to conduct repeat applications when using this fertilizer. This fertilizer contains a non-burning formula that protects your grass from damage.
Gardening professionals always recommend using this fertilizer in dry areas. It does not use salt; therefore, it helps plants thrive in arid conditions.
Pennington Ultragreen:
Do you want to grow a dark green lawn? The Pennington Ultragreen provides your yard with the right nutrients for healthy growth. It contains fast-acting nitrogen and iron that makes your lawn dense in less than 14 days.
The fertilizer works well with a broad spectrum of plant species. Additionally, it feeds your plants for up to three months.
High Nitrogen Lawn Food by Simple Lawn Solutions:
Suppose the lawn is hugely damaged; this fertilizer can help you recover it. This fertilizer is nitrogen-rich; hence, it can restore a weakened lawn that needs extensive care.
Also, it is efficient in treating nutrient deficiencies in turfgrass. However, for this fertilizer to work effectively, you need to apply it to the lawn at least once a month.
Factors to consider before applying lawn fertilizer for early spring
- Soil composition:
Evaluate the soil composition before buying lawn fertilizer for early spring. You have to know the nutritional components present in the soil. This way, you’ll be able to know what the soil is lacking.
In turn, you’ll choose the right fertilizer for your plants. Buy a fertilizer that complements the soil. For instance, if the soil contains low nitrogen content, buy a nitrogen-enriched fertilizer.
Gather a soil sample and take it to an expert for examination. Keep in mind that the higher the quality of the soil, the healthier the grass.
- Growing region:
Your location significantly determines the type of fertilizer you choose. Different climatic conditions favor different grass species. For example, hot climates favor the growth of Bermudagrass among other warm-season grass species.
If you live in such areas, you’ll have to purchase a fertilizer that favors the growth of such grass types. Applying the wrong fertilizer can cause damage to your lawn.
- Fertilizer form:
The majority of fertilizers exist in liquid and granular forms. Each of these fertilizers offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Granular fertilizers have a slow-releasing formula that can nourish your plants throughout the entire growing season.
On the other hand, liquid fertilizers are user-friendly and are quick-release fertilizers. Most liquid fertilizers come in bottles and need repeat applications.
One of the benefits of using liquid fertilizers is that they have less salt content. Subsequently, they are an excellent option for spring seedlings.
- Fertilizer ingredients:
Before buying a specific fertilizer for your plants, check the ingredients. The majority of fertilizers contain phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. More often than not, grass requires high nitrogen content. Therefore, go for a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Always check the NPK ratio of the fertilizer before buying it.
- Timing:
Before applying lawn fertilizer for early spring, ensure the lawn entirely comes out of its dormant state. Failure to do this would make the fertilizer less effective. When the lawn is dormant, prep it and conduct thorough research on the best fertilizers available.
What is the benefit of using fertilizer on your lawn?
As mentioned earlier, fertilizers contain potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Each of these nutrients offers unique benefits to the grass so much so if you are looking to have an appealing landscape in your backyard.
- Nitrogen:
Nitrogen in fertilizers encourage the healthy production of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is often required during photosynthesis. Consequently, nitrogen promotes healthy growth in your lawn. In turn, you obtain plentiful yields at the end of each growing season.
- Phosphorus:
Another nutrient in fertilizers is phosphorus. Phosphorus helps in root and stem growth. Subsequently, it encourages the healthy growth of grass.
- Potassium:
Potassium makes your lawn more immune to pests and diseases. When grass feeds on enough potassium, it grows enormous and robust. Thus, the grass becomes highly resistant to harsh external conditions.
What Should You Do for Your Lawn in the Spring?
Pre-Emergent Weed Control:
Spring is undoubtedly the best time to take good care of your lawn. Use pre-emergent herbicides to control weed growth during summer.
Slow-Release Fertilizer:
Apply a slow-release fertilizer to your lawn during spring. Slow-release fertilizers are better since they work through the plant for an extended period. As a result, you won’t have to apply the fertilizer repeatedly.
Soil Aeration:
Take time to aerate your lawn during spring. Lawn aeration mainly prevents soil compaction. It allows air and nutrients to pass through the soil easily. Doing this will make your roots and grass stronger. In turn, the lawn will look more pleasing.
Fertilizer and Water:
After applying fertilizer to your plants, take time to water them. Water the lawn at least once a week using one inch of water. Doing this fosters fast absorption of fertilizer. Subsequently, fertilizers won’t get washed away by rain or wind.
Apply organic compost:
Consider using organic leaf mold or compost in your lawn. Applying compost or farm manure improves the structure of the soil. Therefore, you won’t have to use large quantities of fertilizer to enhance the quality of the soil. It would be best to use organic ingredients in your compost.
Ideal lawn fertilizers
Currently, there are many lawn fertilizers you can use for early spring. First, conduct extensive research on the best spring lawn fertilizers available.
Then, compare quotes and find the best lawn fertilizer that caters to your needs. Alternatively, consult a gardening professional on the best types of lawn fertilizers available or opt for an artificial lawn.