Choosing the best lawn fertilizer can be a challenge because there are so many factors to consider, such as blends and NPK levels. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from reading NPK numbers to the best time to fertilize. Read on to discover how to improve the health and appearance of your grass.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the best lawn fertilizer for your grass depends on your soil and is different for every lawn.
- NPK numbers indicate the percentage of essential nutrients in a fertilizer.
- Soil tests are a great way to learn what your lawn needs to thrive.
- Carefully follow fertilizer instructions to avoid harming your lawn.
- The best times to fertilize your grass are late spring and early fall.
- A 20-5-10 NPK ratio is good for spring fertilizing and a 25-5-5 quick-release low nitrogen fertilizer is great for late-fall.
How to Read Lawn Fertilizer Numbers
NPK numbers represent nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) ratios. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are major components of a healthy lawn. They each contribute to the growth and vitality of your grass differently.
Here’s an overview of the essential nutrients:
- Nitrogen makes your lawn green and promotes growth.
- Phosphorous stimulates the growth of strong roots and germination.
- Potassium contributes to your grass’s disease resistance, hardiness, and drought resistance.
NPK numbers indicate the percentage of essential nutrients in the fertilizer. For instance, a fertilizer with an NPK number of 10-10-10 contains 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. Each percentage is based on the weight of the fertilizer. If have a 50-pound bag of fertilizer and the NPK numbers are 10-10-10, you would multiply each percentage by 50 to determine how pounds of each essential nutrient there are in the bag.
Here’s an example:
10% (0.10) nitrogen x 50 lbs= 5 lbs of nitrogen
10% (0.10) phosphorus x 50 lbs = 5 lbs of phosphorus
10% (0.10) potassium x 50 lbs = 5 lbs of potassium
How to Find the Best Lawn Fertilizer
Every yard is unique, which means the type of fertilizer and how often you apply it varies from one yard to another. The soil in your yard may respond differently to a fertilizer your neighbour uses, even if you both have the same soil type.
Conducting a soil test is a great way to determine the best lawn fertilizer. Soil tests analyze essential elements, such as pH levels, potential diseases, and overall health. DIY soil test kits are an affordable and simple method to check if your soil lacks important nutrients.
Best Type of Fertilizers in Toronto
Commonly recommended fertilizers for Toronto’s climate and soil include organic options. Organic fertilizers improve your lawn’s soil structure and nutrient content over time. ISR Gardening organic fertilizers are great for Toronto.
They’re free of chemicals and stimulate natural soil development. Slow-release fertilizers, which gradually release nutrients to plants, are also popular fertilizers for sustainable and efficient plant growth. To get the best fertilizer for your grass, you can consult local gardening experts such as ISR Gardening.
Comparing Different Fertilizers
Lawn Food vs. Fertilizer
| Comparison Points | Lawn Food | Fertilizer |
| Purpose | Specifically designed for lawns | Suitable for all plant life |
| Nutrients | Blend of nutrients with slow-release | Various nutrient ratios tailored to specific plant needs |
| Cost | Tends to be more expensive | Cost-effective |
| Application Frequency | Seasonal application | Application varies based on lawn needs, can be more frequent |
| Environmental Impact | Contains more natural and organic ingredients | Certain types of fertilizers contain synthetic chemicals |
Lawn Starter Fertilizer vs. Regular Fertilizer
| Comparison Points | Lawn Starter Fertilizer | Regular Fertilizer |
| Purpose | Turf establishment for newly seeded or sodded lawns | Maintain healthy grass throughout growing seasons |
| Nutrients | Higher phosphorus content for root development and establishment | Varying ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium |
| Cost | Can be costly depending on the size of the lawn | Cost-effective for ongoing lawn maintenance |
| Application Frequency | Applied during initial seeding or sodding | Applied throughout the year, typically every 6-8 weeks |
| Environmental Impact | Overapplication can lead to phosphorus runoff and water pollution | Organic and chemical variations available |
Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizer
| Comparison Points | Synthetic Fertilizer | Organic Fertilizer |
| Purpose | Ideal for correcting nutrient deficiencies and rapid growth | Sustainable growth through slow-release nutrients |
| Nutrients | High concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium | Natural nutrients from compost and manure |
| Cost | Lower initial cost but requires more applications | Higher initial cost but lasts longer |
| Application Frequency | Applied frequently during the growing season | Applied less frequently throughout growing season |
| Environmental Impact | Leaching contaminates water sources, can cause nutrient runoff and algae blooms | Minimizes long-term pollution and environmental harm |
How to Fertilize Your Lawn
Once you’ve identified the best fertilizer for your grass, all that’s left to do is start. Make sure you follow the instructions on the package carefully for proper application. After adding the the lawn food, remember to water your lawn to help the nutrients seep into the soil. Be careful not to use too much fertilizer, as it can damage your lawn.
Fertilizing Tips
- If the forecast is calling for rain, hold off on using your fertilizer. Rain water provides hydration and essential nutrients that serve as a natural fertilizer.
- Avoid fertilizing a wet lawn since the excess moisture can cause the fertilizer to wash away, leading to wastage and potential harm to the environment.
When Is the Best Time to Fertilize Your Lawn
The best time to fertilize your lawn is in the late spring and early fall. Fertilizing in the late spring helps promote healthy growth and prepares the lawn for the summer months. Fertilizing in the early fall helps strengthen the roots and prepares the lawn for the winter dormancy period.
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Next Steps to Find the Best Fertilizer
Finding the right lawn food for your grass can be a little overwhelming to start if you don’t have a green thumb yet. Fortinatelly ISR Gardening provides lawn fertilizer services in Toronto and the GTA. Contact our team to schedule the next best lawn fertilizer maintenance for your newly sodded grass.