A good gardener understands the importance of boosting their soil’s nutritional value. Recognizing the deficient nutrient in your soil and applying the appropriate solution will maximize your garden’s productivity.
Figuring out brands for your lawn fertilization can be challenging, and the first step should be a soil test. You can pick a soil test kit at your garden center to test your soil pH and nutrient levels and use the information to determine what to apply to your soil.
Fertilizer brands are different, and we help you understand them for a proper selection.
Check The Ingredients
Agricultural fertilizer brands contain three macronutrients; nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is useful during the middle stages of plant growth for stem and new leaf growth. Phosphorus is ideal throughout the plant life cycle to strengthen the stem and root system of the plant. Potassium is vital for deeper and stronger roots. This nutrient also protects your plants from harm in the case of nutrient deprivation.
In addition, fertilizers contain micronutrients vital for plant growth. Deficiencies in micronutrients will contribute to slow germination and pest problems. A fertilizer brand containing micronutrients will list them after the NPK label. Micronutrients include the following:
- Zinc
- Boron
- Copper
- Molybdenum
- Chlorine
- Manganese
- Calcium
- Sulfur
- Iron
- Magnesium
Analyze The Effectiveness
The effectiveness of your fertilizer will vary with the form you apply and the timing. Granular forms release their nutrients slowly, but you will see results from five to seven days after application. Liquid forms, on the other hand, will show visible results within three days. If considering the liquid application, you should avoid overlapping your garden, as too much agrochemical will kill your plants. You can use the turf mark dye indicator to highlight your last application in case of a spacing of up to 48 hours.
Interaction With Other Products
For consistent growth in your lawn, check if the brand you are purchasing allows interaction with biostimulants and plant growth regulators. Biostimulants boost a plant’s nutrient uptake efficiency and help it cope with environmental stressors. Plant growth regulators modify the natural processes of your grass. For instance, a PGR will slow down growth, enabling the development of strong and healthy grass blades. This is beneficial since weak grass is prone to pests and diseases.
Check The Fertilizer Forms
You can choose granular, liquid, or powder when selecting brands for your lawn fertilization. While there is no preferred option, the form you select will impact the application method and labor you require. If you are a beginner, consider granular forms for their easy application. The granular form releases its nutrients slowly, requiring application after four to six weeks.
Liquid forms require dilution with water, and you will spread them similarly to watering your garden. Powdered forms also need water for activation, and you can spread them by hand and then water for complete absorption by the plant.
The Bottom Line
Brands vary in functionality and effect on lawn fertilization, and proper research is advisable to settle on one that meets your needs. Still, you should practice good farming practices, including regular mowing and frequent watering, to maintain your lawn in good condition.