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How to Fertilize
Project Overview
Discover how easy it is to feed your turf and enjoy the satisfaction and savings that come from doing it yourself. Learn how much fertilizer your grass requires for the size of your lawn, fill the hopper, and set the dial and go. For best results start with a soil test, this will tell you how much fertilizer you should apply and which formulation to use. Soil tests are inexpensive, easy and available at The Home Depot in your area. Your local store also carries organic fertilizer options from Miracle-Gro, which will feed your lawn without damaging the environment. Follow the directions on the fertilizer bag; most fertilizers are formulated to supply about 1/2–1 pound of nitrogen per feeding.
6 Steps
- Measure out the fertilizer
- Fill the spreader
- Apply the fertilizer
- Spread evenly
- Shut off spreader on turns
Step 1
Measure out the fertilizer
Follow the directions on the bag carefully. Determine the size of your yard, and then measure out the right amount of fertilizer. Depending on the measurement, using the whole bag may mean you're applying too much or too little.
Step 2
Fill the spreader
Fill the spreader while standing on pavement so you can clean up any spills. Be sure to sweep up the overflow so nutrients don't go down the drain.
Step 3
Apply the fertilizer
Begin fertilizing with your spreader at one end of your yard. This will provide a convenient starting and stopping point for each pass. If your lawn is oddly shaped, make header strips around its entire perimeter.
Step 4
Spread evenly
Once the header strips are down, walk back and forth between them, spreading the fertilizer. Begin walking before you open the chute and close it just before you reach the far header to avoid leaving piles of fertilizer at your starting and stopping points. Shut off the spreader if you must travel over pavement. Walk at a steady pace. Your speed affects the rate at which the fertilizer is applied. A moderate speed is best. Watch for dips in the ground, which can cause fertilizer to spill out. Walk in a straight line so the wheel tracks from the first pass will give you a guideline to follow on the next one.
Step 5
Shut off spreader on turns
Turn the spreader, shutting it off while you turn, then walk back. If using a rotary spreader, move about 1–2 feet away from the previous pass, turn and begin spreading. If using a drop spreader, line up the wheel with the track of the previous pass.
Step 6
Water when needed
Unless you're using a combination fertilizer, water after you fertilize so it moves down to the roots. To see if watering is needed and how often, check the label instructions.
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