If you have chosen turf, your green space will usually be of high quality and, with proper maintenance, will remain weed-free, healthy and beautiful for a long time. So that you don't regret the expensive purchase after a few years, you should fertilize and care for your turf. Find out how to do this correctly in this article!
Fertilize turf – when and how
Like any other lawn, you should fertilize your turf two to three times a year. The first fertilization takes place in spring or early summer, the last in late summer or autumn. You can safely use organic lawn fertilizers throughout the entire growing season. If you fertilize your turf correctly, it will grow strong and thick. It will also be less susceptible to diseases, pests and weeds. To achieve these goals, follow these steps!
Notice: It is not necessary to fertilize the turf immediately after laying. The reason for this is that it was laid on an optimally prepared floor that was supplied with a fast-acting complete fertilizer.
Prepare the lawn
Remember that turf is no different from ordinary grass in terms of care. Therefore, it is best to fertilize it if it is prepared beforehand. To do this, you need to mow it three or four days before fertilizing. Afterwards, it's a good idea to aerate the lawn and remove any weeds. You should also water it the evening before fertilizing so that it is not too dry. Otherwise it won't be able to absorb the nutrients you give it.
Apply the fertilizer
A cloudy day or evening is the best time to fertilize the lawn. Distribute the lawn food evenly and evenly, either by hand or with a suitable spreading device such as a garden sprayer, and water thoroughly after application.
Tipp: Spreading fertilizer with your hands is not the most effective way to complete this task. Ideally, use a spreader to distribute the right amount of fertilizer evenly. If your lawn is small or has an uneven shape, a hand or shoulder spreader is easiest to use. For larger, square or rectangular lawns, there are push spreaders that make the job quicker and easier. If you have chosen a liquid fertilizer, you can use a sprayer, which is particularly suitable for stains in the lawn.
Water the lawn after fertilizing
Lawn care experts recommend watering the turf after fertilizing so that the nutrient can be better absorbed and the individual blades of grass are not burned by the chemicals. So pick up the hose or plan the fertilization time so that a good rain shower follows.
Tipp: A few weeks after you fertilize your lawn, you should inspect it for weeds. You can tear these out and fill the areas with fast-growing grass seeds.
In summer it is important that the soil does not dry out completely and that it is watered in the morning or evening if it has not rained for several weeks. Always keep an eye on the ground and grasses. Dry soil and yellowish, slightly wilted grass are a sign of a lack of water.
Start the fertilization cycle again
When purchasing fertilizer, pay attention to how long the feed will last. There are long-term and quick-release fertilizers that differ in how long they last. Slow-release fertilizers are usually effective for three to four months. Quick fertilizers work for about a month. So make a note in your diary when you need to restart the process.
Tipp: It is generally recommended to fertilize your lawn once in the spring (e.g. in February, with compost or in May, with nitrogen fertilizer) and once in the fall with a fall fertilizer containing potassium. A soil test is recommended every three years to ensure that the soil and turf are optimally supplied with nutrients.
Fertilizing turf – frequently asked questions
When should the turf not be fertilized?? Do not fertilize the turf if the ground is dry or frozen. While this won't necessarily harm the grass, it's unlikely to do it much good since the grass roots won't be able to absorb the nutrient.
Are lawn fertilizers safe?? Most lawn fertilizers are safe to use. However, if you have pets that like to eat grass, you should check the packaging for any contraindications when purchasing.
Are there alternatives to chemical lawn fertilizers?There are organic alternatives to chemical lawn fertilizers, but if you want to go a truly sustainable route, mulching is a great way to care for your turf. Mulching involves mowing the grass and cutting it into small pieces with your lawnmower. This material is returned to the lawn as it contains all the important nutrients it needs for healthy growth.
Fertilizing lawns with home remedies – how can you use nettles, coffee grounds and eggshells for this purpose?You can find out here!
