soil / fertilizer
Simply Fertilizer
Fertilizing is not as complicated as people make it out to be. All fertilizer comes with three numbers on the package. These numbers are always in the same order and refer to the ratio of the three major nutrients that plants need to flourish. These nutrients, in order, are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The first number is nitrogen, which stimulates leaf growth. Plants need nitrogen to produce the chlorophyll, enzymes and proteins required for plant cells to strengthen and reproduce.
Lawn fertilizer often has a high percentage of nitrogen. Since the part of lawn that we actually see is actually made up of leaves this is very important to a healthy lawn. Phosphorus is the second number in the sequence. It stimulates root growth in plants. This is very useful when transplanting seedlings outdoors. Plants need to establish roots in order to ensure their survival. This is especially necessary for perennial plants and shrubs that need to survive the winter. The last number is potassium, which builds cell strength, and ensures plant vigor, disease resistance and improves winter hardiness. It is essential for the production of plant tissues and the quality and colour of flowers and fruits.
Fertilizers indicate their uses quite accurately on their labels, and there are general and specialty formulas for every use. If you have a plant problem and feel it might be related to fertilization, remember what the numbers mean and experiment, or ask your greengate expert who will be happy to help
For best lawn results fertilize four times a year: early spring (April-May), early summer (June-July), late summer (August-September), and early fall (September-October).
Fall fertilizer applications are important. The slow release, low nitrogen fertilizer you apply in the fall develops strong roots which enables the grass to over winter well. Fall fertilizers are stored in the root system over the winter and provide nutrients for early spring growth.
Spring and summer fertilizer applications replace the nitrogen you remove constantly, every time you mow your lawn. A constant source of suitable nutrients and adequate moisture is all your lawn requires to remain green and actively growing.