Author: Plant Doctor Date Posted:1 June 2023
Having a lush and healthy lawn is every homeowner's dream. However, achieving this requires more than just regular mowing and watering. Fertilising your lawn is essential for lawn care, but choosing the right fertiliser can be confusing.
Having a lush and healthy lawn is every homeowner's dream.
However, achieving this requires more than just regular mowing and watering.
Fertilising your lawn is essential for lawn care, but choosing the right fertiliser can be confusing.
With so many options available in the market, how do you know which one is right for your lawn?
In this ultimate guide to choosing the right fertiliser for your lawn, we will explore everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Understanding fertiliser...
Fertilisers are chemical or organic substances that contain nutrients essential for plant growth.
These nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, commonly called N-P-K.
Nitrogen is vital for leaf growth, phosphorus promotes root growth, and potassium is essential for overall plant health.
Fertilisers also contain other micronutrients, such as calcium, sulphur, and magnesium, which are equally crucial for healthy plant growth.
Types of fertiliser...
Fertilisers are generally made of organic and inorganic (chemical) fertilisers.
Organic fertilisers are from natural sources such as animal manure, compost, bone meal, and fish emulsion.
Slow-release fertilisers release nutrients gradually, making them ideal for long-term lawn care.
They also improve soil structure and increase soil fertility, which helps in water retention and reduces erosion.
Inorganic fertilisers are from synthetic chemicals.
They are fast-acting and release nutrients quickly, making them ideal for quick results.
However, excessive use can lead to soil and water pollution.
Choosing the Right Fertiliser...
Before choosing a fertiliser for your lawn, there are several factors you need to consider.
1: Soil Test
A soil test is essential in determining the type of fertiliser your lawn needs.
A soil test will reveal the pH level of your soil, which is critical in determining the type of fertiliser required. If your soil is too acidic, you will need a fertiliser that contains lime to balance the pH level.
If your soil is too alkaline, you will need a fertiliser that contains sulphur.
A soil test will also reveal the levels of essential nutrients in your soil, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
The results will help you choose a fertiliser with the right balance of nutrients for your lawn.
2: Grass Type
Different grass types have other nutrient requirements.
Warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass have high nitrogen requirements and require fertiliser with high nitrogen content.
Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue have lower nitrogen requirements and need a fertiliser with a balanced N-P-K ratio.
3: Time of Year
The time of year also plays a significant role in choosing the right fertiliser for your lawn.
During the growing season, your lawn requires fertiliser with a higher nitrogen content to promote leaf growth.
During the dormant season, your lawn requires a fertiliser with a higher potassium content to improve overall plant health.
4: Application Method
Fertiliser can be applied using different methods.
Plant Doctor also has a range of fertigation systems available that easily connect to your hose or irrigation system.
Types of Organic fertiliser...
Seaweed.
Seaweed is an excellent natural fertiliser due to its high concentration of nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and trace minerals.
When seaweed breaks down, it releases these nutrients into the soil, providing a readily available source of food for plants.
In addition to its nutrient content, seaweed also contains compounds that can improve soil structure and water retention, which can help to promote healthy root growth and reduce the risk of plant stress.
Seaweed extract is beneficial for foliar feeding, as it can be easily absorbed by plant leaves and quickly deliver nutrients to the plant.
For those interested in using seaweed fertiliser, try Plant Doctors' Seaweed Secrets to see excellent results.
Types of Inorganic fertiliser...
1: Nitrogen fertiliser
Nitrogen fertilisers are the most commonly used fertiliser for lawns.
They promote lush, green growth and are ideal for promoting leaf growth.
Nitrogen fertilisers are fast-acting and provide immediate results.
However, excessive use can lead to nitrogen runoff and pollution.
Nitrogen fertilisers come in different forms, including urea, ammonium sulphate, and ammonium nitrate.
Generally, these are fertilisers used on more of a "commercial" scale over the average home and garden.
Plant Doctor's Champion granular fertiliser uses Zeolite, a natural sponge that helps prevent leaching.
Less leaching means more nutrients are available to feed your lawn for longer.
2: Phosphorus fertiliser
Phosphorus fertilisers are essential for promoting root growth and overall plant health.
They are slow-release fertilisers that provide a steady supply of nutrients over time.
Quantum H from Plant Doctor is an excellent phosphate fertiliser.
3: Potassium fertiliser
Potassium fertilisers are essential for promoting overall plant health and improving drought tolerance.
They are slow-release fertilisers that provide a steady supply of nutrients over time.
Potassium fertiliser comes in different forms, including potassium chloride and potassium sulphate.
Flowers, Fruits and Roots from Plant Doctor is a high-potassium fertiliser designed for flowering and fruiting plants and trees.
4: Complete fertiliser
A complete fertiliser contains all three essential nutrients (N-P-K) in a balanced ratio.
They provide a comprehensive source of nutrients for your lawn and are ideal for promoting overall plant health.
Complete fertiliser comes in different forms, including granular and liquid.
Activ8mate from Plant Doctor is a tried and tested all-rounder that will see your lawn and garden thriving year-round.
Choosing the right fertiliser for your lawn can be overwhelming, but it is essential for achieving a lush and healthy lawn.
Before selecting a fertiliser, you must consider soil test results, grass type, time of year, and application method.
Whether you choose organic or inorganic fertiliser, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid excessive use to prevent burning your lawn.
With this ultimate guide, you are now well prepared with the knowledge to make an informed decision on choosing the right fertiliser for your lawn.
Best system on market
23 June 2023Since I have purchased two unit of ezflow makes my life so much easier when work are flat out n looking after new born. I can just grab my hose n while is watering everything is getting good light feed.
First time owning lawn. Gave the team at plant doctor a ring and they supplied me with a wealth of information. Products turned up quickly.
Will definitely be getting more 8 weeks difference been using stimulizer, activ8mate, soil wetter, seaweed secrets and champion fertiliser. Was super fast delivery.
Only have great things to say about Plant Doctor. Organic products and a competitive price, fast shipping and easy to contact with questions. Have had great results with the special mix for lawns, and my plants (indoor and outdoor) love the seaweed secrets. I am excited to test out some of the animal products soon!
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