Lawn Fertilizer Guide for Beginners
Start with a soil test from your local extension office ($15-25). Apply a slow-release fertilizer like Scotts Turf Builder or Milorganite 3-4 times per year using a broadcast spreader. Follow the bag rate exactly, more is not better. Water within 24 hours of application. For cool-season grass, focus feeding in fall. For warm-season grass, focus on late spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing dormant grass.
What You Need to Know
Start with a soil test from your local extension office ($15-25). Apply a slow-release fertilizer like Scotts Turf Builder or Milorganite 3-4 times per year using a broadcast spreader. Follow the bag rate exactly, more is not better
Water within 24 hours of application. For cool-season grass, focus feeding in fall. For warm-season grass, focus on late spring and summer
Avoid fertilizing dormant grass.
For personalized recommendations based on your specific garden size and fertilizer, use our fertilizer calculator.
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