Fertiliser Secrets: A Comprehensive Guide to Lawn Revival
A healthy, lush lawn is something every homeowner desires and the secret lies in proper fertilisation. Choosing the right fertiliser and applying it correctly can make all the difference between a patchy, yellow lawn and a thriving green one. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about lawn feed —what it is, how it works, and the best ways to use it to revive and maintain your lawn.
What Is Fertiliser and Why Does Your Lawn Need It?
Lawn feed provides essential nutrients that grass needs to grow strong and vibrant. The three key components of any good fertiliser are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), also known as NPK. Each of these plays a vital role in plant health: nitrogen promotes growth, phosphorus strengthens roots, and potassium helps with overall nutrient uptake and disease resistance.
Lawn fertilisers usually have a higher concentration of nitrogen because it’s responsible for that green, leafy growth we all aim for. However, balanced fertilisers containing all three nutrients are crucial for the overall health and longevity of your lawn.
Types of Lawn Feed
There are several types of fertilisers available, and choosing the right one for your grass is essential for getting the best results.
1. Synthetic vs. Organic Fertiliser
- Synthetic: These products contain high levels of concentrated nutrients, making them quick and effective. They’re perfect for giving your lawn a fast boost but require more precise application to avoid over-fertilising, which can damage the grass.
- Organic: While organic plant foods are less concentrated, they improve soil quality by adding organic matter, which enhances water retention and promotes beneficial microbes. Organic fertilisers are an excellent long-term option for lawn health.
2. Liquid vs. Granular Fertiliser
- Liquid: This type is fast-acting and provides immediate results. Liquid fertilisers are ideal when you need a quick green-up but require frequent applications.
- Granular: Granules can be slow or controlled-release, making them easier to apply and providing nutrients over time. This makes them ideal for seasonal lawn care, with applications needed only two or three times a year.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying fertiliser correctly ensures that your lawn absorbs the nutrients it needs without risk of over-fertilisation. Here’s how to do it:
1. Test Your Soil
Before applying any fertiliser, conduct a soil test to determine its nutrient levels. This will help you choose the correct NPK ratio for your lawn’s specific needs.
2. Choose the Right Fertiliser
Use a fertiliser that suits your lawn type and growth stage. For established lawns, a balanced fertiliser (like NPK 15:0.4:5.5) will support continued growth. For new lawns, look for a specific turf starter fertiliser to avoid burning young grass.
3. Spread Evenly
Using a fertiliser spreader ensures even distribution across your lawn, preventing patchy growth. Adjust the settings on your spreader according to the product instructions to avoid applying too much.
4. Water the Lawn
Water the lawn lightly to help the nutrients absorb into the soil. This is especially important with granular fertilisers, as it activates the slow-release process.
5. Reapply as Needed
You may need to reapply every few months. Liquid fertilisers often need more frequent applications, while granular versions last longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fertilising
Over-Fertilising
Applying too much feed can lead to nutrient burn, causing your grass to yellow or die. Always follow the product’s recommended guidelines.
Fertilising in the Wrong Season
Grass grows differently depending on the time of year. In cooler months, slow down on fertilising as your lawn won’t be actively growing, and it won’t absorb the nutrients effectively.
Achieve a Healthy Lawn with the Right Fertiliser
Fertilising your lawn correctly is key to achieving that vibrant green look. Whether you’re using liquid or granular fertiliser, synthetic or organic, the right product and application method can transform your grass. For all your lawn care needs, including top-quality fertilisers, visit Geographe Timber & Hardware. We stock a wide range of products to help you fertilise and restore your lawn to its full glory.
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