Using fertilizer is a part of maintaining our lawn. Experts say that you should fertilize your lawn at least every two months. But fertilizer has two sides; one helps grow your lawn, and another just destroys it. Don’t you get the point? Well, if you fail to choose the right lawn fertilizers, it will be nothing but a disaster.
You must see that there are hundreds of types of fertilizers available in the shop. The producing companies launch so many types because different fertilizers work for different reasons. Where some are good for growth, and some work to get rid of dry patches and other lawn diseases.
So, whether it is homemade lawn fertilizers or store-bought ones, it is essential to choose the right lawn fertilizers. But many people, especially beginners, fail to choose the right fertilizer that their lawns actually need. And that’s why I am here to share with you everything you need to know about choosing the right fertilizer for the lawn. So, don’t miss a single word if you are concerned about this fact.
Is It Necessary to Choose the Right Lawn Fertilizers?
Fertilizer is not a silly fact, especially for your lawn. Some people mistake it as just a mandatory part of lawn maintenance, and it’s okay to use any fertilizer they find in the store. I’m afraid I have to disagree with them, in this case, anyway.
Basically, fertilizer is not mandatory for your lawn, and you should use it for the wellness and healthy growth of the grass. But you cannot possibly have a lush green lawn without regularly fertilizing it. Also, most of the time, the lawn soil doesn’t have enough nutrients that the grass needs. So, if you use needful fertilizer, you will be able to fill up the needs.
So, it is essential to find out which nutrient the soil doesn’t have in sufficient amounts and ensure to use of fertilizers rich in that particular nutrient. Suppose your lawn soil has sufficient Potassium, and you are applying a potassium fertilizer to it.
Remember that excessive amounts of nutrients can also cause major problems as well. It even can just leave the lawn dead completely.
Also, your lawn may have different diseases and problems. And you need to choose the right fertilizer to create it. That’s why it is always very essential to choose the appropriate fertilizer for your lawn.
What Does The NPK Number Mean?
If you check out the packets of some lawn fertilizers, you will find a ratio of numbers. It is the NPK number. Knowing the NPK ratio is a must to choose the right lawn fertilizers. Indeed, the variation of the fertilizer is entirely dependent on this number.
However, the NPK number actually refers to the ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. And these three nutrients are the essential things plants need. Here, the NPK number refers to the percentages of these three nutrients in the fertilizer.
If the NPK number of fertilizer is 16-8-12, it means the fertilizer has 16% of Nitrogen, 8% of Phosphorus, and 12% of Potassium. And if you want to know the amounts of those nutrients in the fertilizer, you have to multiply the ration number by the product weight. That’s simple; it is to understand the NPK number in a fertilizer.
How to Choose the Fertilizer With the Right NPK Number?
You know what the NPK number refers to. But the question is, how can you be so sure about which number is appropriate for your lawn. Well, for that, you should go for a lawn soil test. The result will tell you what nutrients your lawn soil needs.
However, you can also understand it by checking the condition of your lawn. Generally, Nitrogen works well for the growth of the grass and makes them greener. Phosphorus is essential for root growth. And your lawn soil will need Potassium to fight different lawn diseases and also for recovery.
So, you have to check which ingredients are essential for your lawn. And then find a fertilizer that contains a better amount of that specific ingredients. For example, if you want to make your lawn greener, you have to apply fertilizer rich in Nitrogen. In that case, you can go with one that has the NPK number 16-4-8. It has a better amount of Nitrogen, so that this fertilizer will be helpful in this case.
Appropriate NPK Ratio for New Lawn
According to the professional, you should choose a fertilizer that is low in Nitrogen and high in both Potassium and Phosphorus if you have a new lawn. It’s because Potassium and Phosphorus are quite essential for the new lawns as they can easily get affected by diseases, and the roots should have better growth.
Appropriate NPK Ratio for Unhealthy Lawn
If you think that your lawn is not healthy, you should select the fertilizer with the right NPK. In this case, the fertilizer should have more Nitrogen than the other two ingredients. Nitrogen is essential to revive the lawn from its unhealthy condition. The level of Potassium should be slightly higher in this case as well.
Appropriate NPK Ratio for Heat Stressed lawn
In summer, heat stress is the most common issue, so you should choose the right fertilizer. In this case, Nitrogen and Potassium are essential, and the rate of Phosphorous should be lower. The NPK ratio like 12-4-12, 16-4-8, etc., are good examples of this problem.
So, the best way to choose the right lawn fertilizers is to choose the fertilizer with the appropriate NPK ratio. Once you know what the soil is supposed to have, you can easily choose the appropriate fertilizer for your lawn if you know everything about the NPK ratio. Aside from this, you also need to know about the types of lawn fertilizers.
Types of Lawn Fertilizer
Fertilizers for your lawn can be of different types. But the types are not verified based on any specific ground. Instead, the lawn fertilizers are categorized based on different factors like the features, conditions, etc. However, to choose the right lawn fertilizers, you have to learn about the types of fertilizers.
1. Organic Fertilizers
The fertilizer that is not made of different chemical nutrients and your lawn sometimes gets them easily from nature is the organic fertilizer. Generally, compost, dry leaf, manure, seaweed, bone powders, etc., are known as organic fertilizers.
You should use organic fertilizer to improve the soil structure of your lawn. It is also essential to increase the beneficial microorganisms. This kind of fertilizer is good for pets and the environment as well. But organic fertilizers are more expensive than synthetic ones.
2. Synthetic Fertilizers
The fertilizers that manufacturers make with different synthetic chemical nutrients are known as synthetic fertilizers. Generally, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, etc., are used to formulate most synthetic fertilizers. These kinds of fertilizers work faster than organic ones.
But these fertilizers are not good for pets and even for the environment. Besides, some of them destroy the beneficial organisms in the soil. But synthetics fertilizers are cheaper and good for treating your lawn when it has diseases.
3. Granule Fertilisers
When the fertilizers come in the form of small particles like sugar or tapioca, they then must be the granule fertilizers. Most synthetic fertilizers come in this form. It is easy to spread, and it works quite effectively. But most of them work slowly as they take time to break down and mix up with soil.
4. Liquid Fertilizers
As the name says, this kind of fertilizer comes in a bottle and in liquor form. Most liquid fertilizers work faster as they can get mixed up easily. You will need to use a spray bottle or machine to spread liquid fertilizers. But sometimes, it burns the grasses.
5. Gradual Release Fertilizers
Gradual release fertilizer is also known as the slow-release fertilizer or SRF. It works slowly but effectively. Most organic and granule fertilizers are slow-release fertilizers, and they have a longer effect on your lawn.
6. Time Release Fertilizers
Time-release fertilizers are also known as the Fast release fertilizers or the FRF. It is named as it works faster and leaves a quick effect on the lawn. Most liquid fertilizers are of this kind as they don’t need to break down to mix up with the soil.
These are the six general types of fertilizer, and you need to learn about them to choose the right lawn fertilizers. Besides, there are different types of homemade fertilizers, some of which are quite effective. Another article on our site must tell you the secrets of the most effective homemade fertilizers. Stay tuned.
FAQ
Q: What type of fertilizer should I use on my lawn?
A: You should use a fertilizer that is rich in Nitrogen if your lawn doesn’t have any specific diseases. Also, when your lawn is not healthy, you should try specific fertilizer suitable for the lawn’s condition.
Q: What are the three numbers in lawn fertilizer?
A: The three numbers in the lawn fertilizer are the NPK numbers. It refers to the amount of the three essential nutrients, which are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). The numbers are the percentage of these nutrients in the fertilizer.
Q: How often should I fertilize my lawn?
A: You should fertilize your lawn 5 to 6 times a year. There is some specific time when you should fertilize your lawn. For example, you should use fertilizer before winter, in spring, and after winter.
Q: When should I apply 10 10 10 fertilizer to my lawn?
A: You should apply the 10 10 10 fertilizer in the early spring, especially when you find the new growth for the first time. In this case, you should fertilize once every month for two times at least. This 10 10 10 fertilizer is known as the all-purpose fertilizer as it contains all three nutrients of NPK in the same amount.
Q: When should you not fertilize your lawn?
A: You should not fertilize your lawn right after your lawn is hit by a rainstorm. Generally, a rainstorm makes your lawn soaked and the soil saturated. In this condition, the fertilizer won’t work perfectly. So, you should wait for one or two days to let the soil dry and then fertilize your lawn.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right lawn fertilizers is an essential fact, and I am sure that now you know the reasons. Always remember that the NPK number is the core of the fertilizer. So, you have to be well aware of the number and choose the right one. In this case, I will suggest doing a soil test. It will show you the deficiencies in the soil.
In another content, I will tell you about the soil test. Till then, stay safe and healthy. Besides, if you have questions regarding the lawn fertilizer, just knock in the comment section. Also, you can ask any questions about your lawn here. Thank you for your time.