How to Fertilize for Gardening and Lawn Care
- 1). Test your soil with a home testing kit, or take a soil sample in to your local university extension for the most accurate results. To take a soil sample, use the garden spade to remove six to eight inches of soil for vegetable or fruit crop testing or two to three inches for lawns. Mix the soil thoroughly and lay it out on clean paper to dry if it is moist. Put the soil in the bag, a stainless steel container or a plastic container once it is dry and take it in for sampling.
- 2). Research which nutrients are most important for your specific plants or grass. Some plants, for example, require low soil pH levels, whereas others need alkaline soils. Likewise, some grasses require higher nitrogen levels than others. Although a general purpose fertilizer may do the trick, a product that is designed for particular plants or grasses may be more effective.
- 3). Determine which kind of fertilizer you need based on your soil test and the types of plants or grass in your garden or lawn. Ask university extension or nursery employees for help if you are unsure what product is best.
- 4). Educate yourself about fertilizer labels before you go out to find a product. Fertilizers labeled "complete" contain the three most essential nutrients: phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. Products labeled "balanced" contain equal amounts of these three nutrients. Slow-release fertilizers release their nutrients over a long period, whereas quick-release products tend to change soil conditions more quickly.
- 5). Apply fertilizer at the appropriate time. Lawns may require several fertilizer applications throughout the year, whereas garden plants may only require occasional fertilizing. Irrigation methods and soil type may also influence application timing.
- 6). Water gardens and lawns immediately after applying fertilizer, unless the product designates otherwise. This will help the fertilizer penetrate into plant root zones and prevent leaf burning.
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