The correct timing of lawn fertilization in spring and autumn is of great importance. We reveal when and how often the lawn should be fertilized.

As spring or fall approaches, most lawn owners realize that the lawn probably needs to be fertilized to keep it he althy, green and dense. We explain the right time to fertilize.

It's not just the choice of the right fertilizer that matters, but also the timing. For example, nitrogen fertilization at the wrong time can promote frost damage or fungal diseases. If the lawn is fertilized too late, important potassium is not used to strengthen the frost hardiness of grasses. Below we explain when and how often a lawn should be fertilized to keep it he althy.

When and how often should you fertilize the lawn?

When and how often you fertilize depends on the soil type and the fertilizer used. In general, a lawn is fertilized two to three times a year. The first fertilization in spring stimulates budding, the second fertilization in early summer prepares the lawn for the hardships of summer. The third fertilization in the fall gets the lawn plants safely through the cold season. Organic fertilization is generally carried out a month earlier than mineral or organo-mineral fertilization.

Note: The earliest fertilization is unnecessary on heavy soils that do not require starting aid for budding.

Fertilize the lawn in spring

On heavy, clay-rich soils, the first fertilization takes place in May or June and only two doses are applied per year. Organic fertilizers should be applied accordingly in April or May. On light, sandy soils, the first fertilization is carried out in March or April, provided that the weather is already growing. Organic fertilizers are therefore applied in February or March. At this point it is possible to spread a larger amount of organic fertilizer to also only have to fertilize twice a year.

The time of fertilization also depends on the condition of the soil

You can fertilize medium-heavy, loamy-sandy or loess soils for the first time between these dates. You should use an organicUse fertilizer - this way you can rule out damage to the lawn, soil or environment, even if you don't get the perfect time to fertilize your lawn. Or you can observe the timing of budding and the slowdown in growth and use your observations as a guide for the following year. It is best to fertilize a month before you suspect a nutrient requirement with a primarily organic lawn fertilizer such as our Plantura organic lawn fertilizer.

If you need more detailed information on spring care for your lawn, we recommend this article on lawn fertilization in spring. This one, which, in addition to fertilization, also deals with the first mowing and scarifying in spring, could be of interest to you.

Summary of fertilizing the lawn in spring:

  • On light soils, fertilize for the first time in March/April, on heavy soils in May/June. Organic fertilization takes place one month earlier
  • On medium-heavy soils, we strongly recommend the use of primarily organic fertilizers or very close observation of budding and growth - otherwise lawn damage or leaching can occur
  • The primarily organic fertilizer can be applied early and in sufficient quantities to ensure supply throughout the summer

Fertilizing the lawn in autumn

The last lawn fertilization is generally between June and October. If you want to use a mineral or organo-mineral long-term fertilizer for autumn lawn fertilization, make sure that its effective period ends in October at the latest. In this way you can rule out leaching into the groundwater and frost damage to the lawn.

You can be a little more carefree with an organic autumn lawn fertilizer - such as our Plantura organic autumn lawn fertilizer. If some of this remains in the ground over the winter, it is hardly released any further because of the cold temperatures and can only be used again when the spring warms up. However, do not apply an organic fertilizer too late either, so that the lawn has enough time to absorb the important potassium. This increases cell wall stability and frost resistance.

An organic autumn lawn fertilizer with a long-term effect ensures a he althy lawn over the long term

Summary of lawn fertilizing in autumn:

  • The last lawn fertilization takes place between June and October
  • Organic slow-release fertilizers are the only ones you can actually apply into October. Delivered too latemineral fertilizers can cause lawn damage

If you are looking for more information on autumn care for your lawn, we recommend this article on lawn fertilization in autumn or this one, which, in addition to fertilization, also deals with the last mowing and treatment in winter.

You can find out more about the big topic of "fertilizing the lawn" in our overview article.

You can also find more information about different lawn fertilizers here.

Category:

Lawn