Which fertilizer, when and how often to fertilize?

Does lawn need to be fertilized?

Yes, because mowing the lawn requires a continuous and sufficient supply of nutrients. In addition, the nutrient concentration in the soil substrate is constantly decreasing due to leaching and consumption. In classic lawns, the depots can only be filled up by applying external fertilizer.

Still, you should not constantly re-fertilize. A constant supply of nutrients can lead to over-fertilization. This manifests itself in yellowing of the stalks. The cause is the impaired water absorption of the roots due to the prevailing imbalance. Therefore, follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the frequency of fertilizer application to ensure an optimal ratio.

Nutrients that lawns need

Anyone dealing with the topic Fertilize busy, sooner or later you will come across the term NPK fertilizer. This cryptic abbreviation stands for the chemical names of the minerals it contains: nitrogen (N), phosphate (P) and potassium (K). Above all, the lawn needs to grow healthy and strong Nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, magnesium and iron.

Nitrogen: In addition to general growth, the mineral is required for chlorophyll formation and cell structure. Nitrogen is therefore essential for the lush green color of your lawn. While nitrogen deficiency leads to increased weed growth, over-fertilization causes uneven growth, combined with stunted growth. Applying the optimal amount is therefore crucial.

Phosphate: Phosphate is the essential engine for root formation and strengthening. The nutrient is irreplaceable for a stable stalk base.

Potassium: Potassium is primarily responsible for influencing pH. For optimal nutrient and water absorption, a value between 5.5 and 6.5 is recommended. Potassium acts as an acid and lowers pH. Over-fertilization can therefore permanently destroy the delicate balance of the soil, which is why caution is advised when applying it.

Magnesium and iron: Magnesium and iron round off the nutrient package for a healthy lawn. The former helps the plant overwinter and produce new growth in spring. Iron, in turn, increases resistance to diseases and pests.

Organic and mineral lawn fertilizers

The range of commercially available fertilizers is very diverse. The most important distinguishing criterion is origin. While organic fertilizers consist of natural components, mineral products are characterized by industrial production.

Depending on the condition of the lawn, one or the other variant may be more suitable. Especially in the case of acute deficiency symptoms, the administration of mineral fertilizers is significantly more effective due to their quick effect. Organic fertilizers are more suitable for fertilizing fundamentally healthy areas due to their longer duration of action. In addition, harmful over-fertilization is excluded with the natural variants.

Liquid fertilizers based on minerals and blue grain are particularly popular in practice. Both species are characterized by a high concentration of the most important nutrients. They are therefore also called Complete fertilizer designated.

With reference to the properties of mineral fertilizers already presented, they should be used sparingly and generally only if defects exist. If added excessively, there is a risk of over-fertilization. This can result in the dying off sod and increased environmental pollution. The use of industrial products can also have an impact on soil quality and groundwater. Therefore, use this type of fertilization only with caution and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Alternative fertilizers

There are many alternatives to commercially available fertilizers. Home remedies and waste are particularly common. These are often free and easy to obtain. Coffee grounds, compost and horn shavings are known from fertilizing perennials and vegetables.

Coffee grounds: Used coffee grounds are a common waste product. However, it still contains large amounts of potassium, nitrogen, phosphate and other antioxidants. It is therefore also suitable as a fertilizer for your lawn. Due to the positive effect on the grass, moss in particular is effectively combated. An application of around 50 grams per square meter twice a year is completely sufficient.

Compost: Almost all trimmings can be used. With the addition of compost additives, a homogeneous mass is created over time, which can be distributed with a rake. Compost is rather unsuitable as a fertilizer for the lawn because of its soil-covering effect. This cuts off the turf from the air, which in the worst case scenario can lead to the entire area dying.

Horn meal and horn shavings: Horn shavings are produced industrially from claws. Compared to horn meal, the individual pieces are up to one centimeter in size. Horn flour, on the other hand, has a very fine consistency. Due to the high nitrogen content, both products are in principle very suitable for fertilizing plants. However, horn meal should be preferred for fertilizing lawns due to its consistency. In most cases, the coarsely chopped pieces of horn shavings do not end up directly on the ground, but remain attached to the stalks. The flour, on the other hand, falls past the stalks due to its fine shape.

Excursus

Micro clover and BOKU lawn

Use of lawn lime

General will also lawn lime recommended as a proven fertilizer for the lawn. However, it should be noted that lime does not contain any nutrients. So he is not fertilizer in the true sense.

Nevertheless, adding lime is a useful addition to normal fertilization, especially if the soil pH is outside the normal range. A pH value that is too low means acidic soil. This often contains very few microorganisms and the absorption of nutrients is hardly possible. By applying lime, the substrate becomes more alkaline, i.e. the pH value increases.

The simultaneous application of lime and fertilizer should be avoided. The ingredients create undesirable reaction products that can damage the lawn. Therefore, lime at least four, preferably eight weeks before the planned fertilization. It is advisable to fertilize in spring and lime in autumn.

Before treating your lawn with lime, you should definitely determine the current pH value of the soil. A pH value that is too high also makes mineral absorption more difficult, but is much less favorable than a pH value that is too low. With the Neudorff soil test(€10.00 at Amazon*) You can use a color scale to determine the current pH value and determine the amount of lime required. Even without prior knowledge of chemistry Soil analysis Easy to do in just a few minutes.

When to fertilize

In a utility lawn are One to four fertilizations per year possible. Fertilization is possible from spring through early summer and summer into autumn. The earliest and latest timing essentially depends on the temperature conditions. Ideally, fertilization should take place outside of the frost-free period. As a rule, fertilization is therefore necessary from March at the earliest and until October at the latest possible inside. At least during the day temperatures should still be around 15 degrees Celsius.

Fertilization in spring (promote budding):
Fertilization in spring primarily serves to activate the lawn after winter. Therefore, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are particularly recommended at this time. Fertilization is recommended to support the first growth spurt between March and May. As an additional Lawn care It is advisable to scarify the lawn in spring. In this case, however, you should wait until April. The subsequent spring fertilization should then only be carried out two weeks apart. This gives the lawn a break and reduces stress.

Fertilization in early summer (preparation for summer):
You can also fertilize again in early summer with a nitrogen-containing fertilizer. Between the end of May and the end of June you can optimally prepare your lawn for the coming summer. Potassium also strengthens resistance to drought stress and prevents the lawn from dying even in prolonged drought.

Fertilization in autumn (preparation for winter):
The last fertilization in autumn is primarily intended to prepare for the coming freezing temperatures. The additional administration of potassium, magnesium and phosphate strengthens the roots and resistance to cold. For an optimal mix, we recommend using a special autumn lawn fertilizer. However, to ensure optimal release, the fertilizer should not be applied too late. Organic fertilizers are therefore less recommended for autumn fertilization. However, if you decide to fertilize organically, you should apply it early in late August or early September. Fast-acting mineral fertilizers, on the other hand, can be applied until October.

Frequency of fertilization

The frequency of fertilization depends on the demand on the lawn. While heavily used areas should be supplied with new nutrients up to four times a year, less used areas only need an annual refreshment. However, in order to avoid over-fertilization, it is important to ensure sufficient intervals, especially when fertilizing several times a year.

One-time fertilization:
The one-time annual fertilization is only on little used areas to recommend. It serves to maintain and continually replenish nutrient depots. The one-off fertilization usually takes place in autumn to optimally prepare the lawn for winter. The ideal time to apply autumn lawn fertilizer is between September and October. The nitrogen contained in the long-term fertilizer also ensures an adequate supply of this mineral.

Fertilization twice:
Fertilization is carried out twice moderately used areas applied. The fertilization intervals are significantly longer here, but this is completely sufficient due to the lower use. Initial fertilization with a nitrogen-containing fertilizer for activation is usually carried out in April. In this case, additional fertilization in summer for preservation is not necessary. Autumn fertilization in conjunction with preparing the area for colder temperatures takes place in August September.

The summer months in particular are very stressful for grassland due to heat and drought. Autumn fertilization is therefore very important. In addition, the lawn only has sufficient winter hardiness with the right combination of active ingredients. The Plantura organic autumn lawn fertilizer is characterized by an optimal combination of active ingredients of potassium and nitrogen, which contributes to high frost hardiness. In addition, the natural ingredients stimulate the microorganisms in the soil. The granular form allows the fertilizer to be distributed easily and with little dust.

Fertilize three to four times:
Fertilizing lawns three to four times is only recommended for heavily used areas recommended. The high stress results in a higher nutrient requirement, which can only be met through a continuous supply of suitable fertilizer. In practice, fertilizer applications in spring, early summer, summer and autumn have proven to be effective. The interval between individual doses should ideally be at least eight weeks. This avoids over-fertilization due to excessive mineral concentrations, which in turn can lead to damage to the lawn. Months are recommended for even application March, June, August (only if fertilized four times) and October.

Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are primarily recommended for spring and summer fertilization. These fertilizers act as growth promoters, especially after winter. The Plantura organiclawn fertilizer impresses with its 100% organic ingredients combined with a sustainable long-term effect. The combination of corn gluten, wheat gluten, nut shells and potassium sulfate creates an effective mixture that optimally meets the needs of the lawn. The granules are very economical, so that an amount of 10.5 kilograms is sufficient for an area of ​​250 square meters.

Apply lawn fertilizer

As a rule, lawn fertilizers are used in solid form as granules. This results in various options for application, such as: b. the use of a spreader. This enables even distribution by setting a fixed spreading strength. Dispensing by hand is much more difficult to coordinate. Although no additional tools are required here, uniform application is only possible with practice. This variant is only recommended for professionals, especially to avoid overdosing or underdosing. You can find clear purchasing advice for suitable gritters here.

Regardless of the method of application, distribution in both the longitudinal and transverse directions has proven successful. By the Departure crosswise The best possible distribution is achieved on the lawn.

After fertilization there is a flat area Irrigation absolutely necessary. This loosens up the dry fertilizer and gradually works it into the soil. Even moistening is achieved with a sprinkler. You can find some helpful tips on using automatic irrigation here. Alternatively, if rain is forecast, this is also suitable. In any case, pay attention to the weather forecast. Too much water can cause the fertilizer to be washed away and not be able to develop its effect.

FAQ

How is lawn fertilized?

Lawns are best cared for with a special lawn fertilizer. While products containing nitrogen are preferred in spring and summer, the lawn needs a mixture containing potassium in autumn. For even distribution, we recommend using a spreader whose spreading strength can be individually adjusted. Experienced gardeners can also apply the fertilizer by hand.

When is lawn fertilized?

It is recommended to fertilize up to four times a year: in spring, early summer, summer and autumn. In practice this means fertilization periods from March to May, June to July, August and September to October.

How often is lawn fertilized?

Depending on the demands, up to four fertilizations per year are possible. Lawns that are heavily used should therefore be fertilized four times a year. Less used areas only require fertilization per year to maintain them.

Can lawns be overfertilized?

Over-fertilization can occur if individual fertilizations are applied too close together or too high. This manifests itself in the lawn drying out despite an adequate supply of water. The cause is the resulting imbalance in the soil substrate, which impairs moisture absorption by the roots.

What happens if the lawn is not fertilized?

Due to the decreasing nutrient content in the soil, more and more weak-consuming plants are establishing themselves. These include the well-known weeds that are increasingly pushing back the lawn.