Learning how to fertilize your lawn is simple. A healthy lawn will have fewer weeds and need less care than an unhealthy one. It will also be a beautiful thick green color. There is nothing more rewarding than a beautiful soft lawn you can walk barefoot in. Here are the steps to take to achieve a healthy yard.
What you will need:
– a hand-held or broadcast spreader
– fertilizer
– garden gloves
– sprinkler or water hose
1. First, you will need to make a trip to the local hardware store and purchase a broadcast spreader. There are a few different options for buying a spreader, but it is your choice on what to buy. Hand-held spreaders are the most cost efficient, but will require you to crank the handle with one hand and hold it in the other to fertilize your lawn. In addition, hand-held spreaders will need to be refilled more often because they hold much smaller amounts of fertilizer. This can be very tiring if you have a larger yard. Broadcast spreaders are larger and require less work. You will simply fill this type of spreader with fertilizer and then push it through your lawn in order to fertilize with it. These are more expensive, but will get the fertilization done much quicker.
2. You will also need to purchase fertilizer. The brand of fertilizer is your choice, but be aware of which type of fertilizer you will need for the season. For example, fertilizer in the summer contains more nitrogen which your grass needs to thrive in hot climates. Also, you must know what type of grass your lawn consists of. Each type of grass will use a specific type of fertilizer. The wrong type of fertilizer may cause your grass to turn brown or die. In addition, some fertilizers contain pesticides and weed preventions. This added benefit will save you time while fertilizing.
3. Also, garden gloves are a necessity as well for working with any type of chemicals. As a safety precaution, garden gloves will protect your hands from any chemicals used in the fertilizer. It is also recommended to use the garden gloves to prevent blisters from forming on your hands while you turn the crank or push a broadcast spreader around your yard.
4. You will need a way to water your lawn after you fertilize it. This will ensure that your lawn receives the nutrients it needs to grow. Watering your lawn for at least an hour will be sufficient. A few sprinklers are very helpful for this, but if you do not have one, a water hose can be used.
5. Now you are ready to fertilize your lawn. While wearing your garden gloves, fill your spreader with fertilizer. Begin on one side of your yard, making note of where you began so that you do not fertilize the same spot over and over. Walk slowly, ensuring that the fertilizer is being released evenly from the spreader. If it is not, adjust the spreader flow before continuing fertilization. Continue walking until you reach the end of your yard, and then turn and begin a new row. Maintain this pattern until your entire lawn has been fertilized. Finish up the process by watering the fertilizer in your grass for at least one hour.
6. Sit back and relax. Your lawn should begin to improve within the week. It is recommended to fertilize your lawn at least four times annually and regularly water it. Keeping this schedule will help your lawn become the best looking one on the street.
