Fertilizing your lawn in the Fall is an essential step in ensuring that your lawn and garden remain healthy all year round. You may be wondering why you would fertilize your lawn in the colder months when rain, frost, and for some folk, snow, may have already had you lock up your garden shed for the year.
However, year-round lawn maintenance does require a balance of soil nutrients, proper hydration, and more. When it comes to lawn fertilizer, the key is to master the formula that is used in fertilizer. This formula is represented by a 3-digit code, usually something that looks like this: 5-10-5.
H2: What do fertilizer numbers mean and how do they affect your lawn?
The first number in fertilizer formula represents nitrogen, the second phosphorous, and third is potassium. Each of these minerals helps different parts of grasses, plants, and flowers grow. For example, nitrogen helps with lawn blade and foliage growth while potassium helps cell function and the absorption of trace elements according to this article from This Old House.
H2: When to Add Fall Fertilizer
September is generally the best time to give your lawn a nitrogen boost. This is when cooler temperatures tend to set in and your grass needs to replenish its nitrogen intake to help with blade growth. Look for fertilizers with a higher nitrogen content such as 20-8-8.
For more helpful tips on prepping your lawn with fertilizer this Fall season, check out This Old House.
