Fall Lawn Fertilizing
By Bruce Lee Deuley - 9/10/03

Applying synthetic fertilizers too late in the year can create problems for your lawn. Even the slow release chemical fertilizers which are plastic coated have a tendency to green up you grass to late in the year and too fast causing the grass to be too cold sensitive when the first “blue northern” roll down out of the Rockies.

If you want to have a lush green lawn next spring, now is the time to prepare. It is important to feed our lawns in the fall to allow the roots to develop and the grass to store up energy. Using a slow release organic lawn food will not only feed your grass, but will also feed the soil. A well-fed soil is the key to a green, weed free lawn.

Look for a slow release, fall lawn food and apply it at a rate of 15 to 20 pounds to 1,000 square feet of lawn area. One of the benefits of a slow release organic as compared to a fast acting chemical is that it reduces all that mowing. A lawn that feeds slowly grows stronger and slower.


Another consideration for this time of the year is the application of good organic compost to your lawn areas. If you have St Augustine grass, ¼ t0 ½ inches should be all you use. If more is applied, it should be washed in or the grass may temporarily yellow up. St Augustine does not like to be covered. IF you have Bermuda grass, there are no such worries. It will grow right through the compost.

Adding a layer of compost helps to loosen and aerate the soil, adds valuable organic matter, feeds and stimulates the good microbes and helps to build the general health of the soil.

In addition, Compost helps to hold moisture, making it available to the lawn and at the same time insulates the ground from extremes in temperature.

Next week we will explore the use of other natural products such as corn gluten and rock powders, which will give you the best-looking lawn on the block