Fertilizing the lawn - when, how and with what to feed the grass?

Fertilizing the lawn - when, how and with what to feed the grass?

Fertilizing the lawn - when, how and with what to feed the grass?

Regular mowing and abundant watering are only half of the equation for achieving a perfect lawn. Ryegrass is an intensive crop with a very fast metabolism. Every time you mow and collect the clippings, you are literally taking nutrients out of the soil. If they are not restored by controlled fertilization, the soil is quickly depleted.

The result of the lack of food is immediately visible: the grass loses its deep green color, begins to grow slowly, thins out, and stubborn weeds and moss immediately take up residence in the empty places. For the grass carpet to be dense, resistant to wading and with a shiny appearance, he needs the right nourishment at the right time. Here's the professional guide on how to do it.

Content

The three golden elements for grass (N-P-K)

Each compound fertilizer contains three main macronutrients, marked on the package as NPK ratio. Each has a specific role for ryegrass biology:

  • Nitrogen (N): The engine of growth. It is responsible for the rapid recovery of the leaves after mowing and provides that rich dark green color, which everyone wants.
  • Phosphorus (P): Take care of the underworld. Stimulates the development of strong, deep and dense root system, which is critical when initially seeding or laying chim.
  • Potassium (K): The immune system of grass. Strengthens cell walls and makes ryegrass resistant to extreme temperatures (summer heat and winter cold), drought and fungal diseases.

Seasonal schedule: What to fertilize in the spring, summer and autumn?

A lawn's needs change dramatically throughout the year. Using the wrong fertilizer in the wrong season can ruin a meadow:

  • Early spring (March - April): Start of the season. Fertilizer with a very high content of Nitrogen (напр. NPK 20-5-5 or ammonium nitrate), to awaken the grass from its winter sleep, to thicken quickly and overtake the weeds.
  • Summer (June - August): Heat stress period. Balanced fertilizers with controlled (slowly) exemption (напр. NPK 15-15-15 or specialized summer formulas). Nitrogen must be reprimanded, so as not to cause rampant growth, which combined with heat and humidity can lead to fungal infections.
  • Autumn (October - November): Preparation for winter. Nitrogen is completely stopped! Fertilizer is applied, rich in Potassium and Phosphorus (напр. NPK 5-15-20). The goal is to stop the leaves from growing upwards, but to harden the root and accumulate food reserves in it, to overwinter the grass without frost.

Rules for spreading fertilizer to avoid burns

Mineral fertilizers are actually concentrated salts. If they land directly on the dry blade of grass and stay there, they will draw the moisture out of it and "burn" it, leaving ugly yellow-brown spots on the field.

  • Use a planter: Never throw fertilizer by hand "from the fist" - this results in areas with too much fertilizer (which burn) and areas with nothing (which remain pale). Use a rotary or wheel seeder for even distribution.
  • Dry grass, wet soil: Always fertilize, when the grass leaves themselves are completely dry (напр. late afternoon), so that the granules do not stick to them.
  • Mandatory watering afterwards: As soon as you're done decluttering, run the automated irrigation system liberally. The water should dissolve the granules completely and drive them deep into the soil, where they can be taken up safely by the roots.

Frequently asked questions

1. How often should ryegrass be fertilized?
If you use standard, fast-acting fertilizers, you have to feed everyone 30 дни. When using professional fertilizers with controlled release, the granules dissolve slowly over 2 to 3 the month, which dilutes the fertilization to 3-4 times for the entire active season.

2. What is liquid lawn fertilization??
Liquid fertilizers are applied by spraying with a sprayer and absorbed directly through the foliage (foliar feeding). They have a fast, almost instant visual effect (to 48 hours), but their effect is short-lived compared to granular fertilizers for soil application.

3. Can you over-fertilize??
Yes, excessive fertilization (nitrogen overdose) leads to the so-called. "chemical burn". The roots are irreversibly damaged and the grass dries out quickly in large patches. Always follow the exact dosage per square meter, specified by the manufacturer (usually between 25 and 35 g/sq.m).

Conclusion

The regular and proper fertilizing the grass is the difference between an ordinary green meadow and the perfect professional grass carpet. By following the seasonal schedule - a powerful nitrogen start in the spring, balanced maintenance in the summer and strong potassium winterization in the fall - you guarantee long-term health, density and luster to your yard.

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