How and when to fertilize the lawn: basic rules
Content
What substances to use
Until recently, gardeners and summer residents preferred natural fertilizers for the lawn, such as humus, peat, compost. Nowadays, ready-made complex mixtures containing a full range of mineral and organic substances necessary for the cultivation and maintenance of lawn grass are more popular. Of course, the composition of such mixtures may be different, but the basis of each of them are three main substances:
- Nitrogen. In complex fertilizer for the lawn, it must be present. Nitrogen contributes to the development of plants: accelerates the growth of grass, improves the density and intensity of color. The substance tends to evaporate from the soil, as well as be absorbed by the roots, therefore, its reserves must be replenished several times during the season, mainly in spring and summer.
Particular emphasis should be placed on nitrogen fertilization in early spring, when the grass begins to grow actively. During this period, complex mixtures of rapid action are used, containing nitrogen in high concentration. In autumn, nitrogen fertilization of the lawn should be minimal, since intensive grass growth before wintering is undesirable. Manure and bird droppings contain a lot of nitrogen from organic fertilizers. Peat is not very rich in nitrogen, therefore, when it is introduced in the spring, additional fertilizing with minerals is required.
- Phosphorus. Promotes the strengthening and growth of the root system, improves the nutrition of the grass, thereby accelerating its growth. After fertilization with phosphorus, lateral shoots begin to actively develop in the grass, and soon the lawn turns into a thick green carpet. Top dressing containing phosphorus, are introduced into the ground in spring and autumn.
- Potassium. Increases the resistance of the grass to diseases and the effects of natural factors: drought, frost. Potassium is no less important for the lawn than phosphorus and nitrogen - it prolongs the green period of plants, and contributes to the preservation of color. Potash fertilizers are applied in the spring and also in the fall.
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Top dressing of the lawn
Fertilization of the lawn is carried out in stages during the spring-autumn season. In the spring, before digging up and sowing the grass, starting fertilizers are introduced into the soil, which increase the properties of the soil. These can be both complex granular preparations, and herbal mixtures, which have already been supplemented with useful components. For depleted soil, before laying a lawn, it is recommended to sow green manures - plants that, after being embedded in the ground, turn into organic fertilizer, similar to peat, manure. Siderates such as mustard, lupine, buckwheat are suitable as a top dressing for the lawn.The most suitable time for planting them is spring and summer, so that by autumn they can be processed, and over the winter they have turned into humus.
With a strong depletion of the soil, it is recommended to sow green manures 2-3 times per summer. As soon as the green mass grows, it is dug up with the ground, after which the disembarkation procedure is repeated. Green manure can solve many problems with soil fertility and are a good alternative to other organic materials: peat, dung, manure.
Seasonal feeding is carried out in spring, summer and autumn. The best feed for spring are complex mixtures with a high concentration of nitrogen, as well as phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizers, which include these components, are applied to the soil in early spring, immediately after the snow melts. The granulated mixture is evenly scattered over the lawn, and then watered abundantly. Simultaneously with ready-made dressings, peat and compost can be introduced into the soil.
For summer feeding, fertilizers are used, which include potassium. If the lawn has lost its brightness, weeds and moss have begun to grow, potassium will help restore the condition of the grass and return the coating to its former luxury. Many gardeners also use Fertika brand fertilizer for this purpose. This company produces several types of products that can be used for the lawn: "Fertika lawn", "Fertika spring-summer" and "Fertika autumn".
"Fertika lawn" is a dry granules that need to be laid in the soil in spring. After applying the drug, the soil must be well watered, and only then sow the grass. In the future, fertilizer is applied once a month after cutting. Fertik's lawn product consumption is 5 kg / 100 sq. m. To maintain a healthy look of the grass cover, Fertika is recommended to be used from early spring to August.
In the process of preparing the lawn for winter, Fertika Osennoe fertilizer is used. The last feeding is carried out immediately before digging the site in early autumn. The consumption of granular fertilizer in this case is 1 bag / 30 sq. M. In the middle of autumn, when the lawn grass needs to be prepared for wintering, potassium-phosphonic dressings with a predominance of phosphorus are introduced into the soil. This component strengthens the roots and promotes the development of lateral shoots, which helps the grass to survive cold temperatures. Potassium increases the protective functions of plants, prevents the development of diseases. Also, during the autumn feeding, peat or other organic materials are introduced into the soil for the lawn.
How does the weather affect
Before applying fertilizer to the lawn, it is recommended to study the weather forecast for the coming days.
In order for useful substances to dissolve more quickly and more fully assimilated, the soil must be moist. Therefore, the days after precipitation and before the onset of rain, when the ground is wet and the greens are dry, are considered ideal for fertilization. It is also good to fertilize before the rainy season, but in this case, the soil should be wetted before fertilizing.
During a drought, experts do not recommend feeding the grass. If spring or summer turned out to be dry, and the condition of the lawn requires immediate action, then suitable conditions must be created artificially. The turf should be thoroughly watered the day before the top dressing is applied, and then repeat the watering a couple of days after application.
Fertilization technology
There are several of the most acceptable ways to apply fertilizer to the lawn:
- Manual application. The simplest method involves evenly distributing one half of the fertilizer along the lawn and the other half across the lawn. The method is equally good for complex and pure organic fertilizers such as peat and manure.
- Using a spray bottle or watering can. It is convenient to use these devices for liquid fertilizers in the form of a concentrated solution that is diluted with water.Also, by soaking, you can prepare top dressing from peat, mullein. When working, you should observe safety measures: wear protective clothing and rubber gloves, wash your hands thoroughly after work. For a large lawn, it is better to purchase a special sprinkler in the store - this will help save time and energy.
- Mechanical method. In this case, a special seeder is used, which must be carefully moved over the lawn. This method allows the fertilizer to be spread more evenly. After applying top dressing, the seeder should be thoroughly washed and dried.
Any of the above methods is effective only if you comply with:
- correct dilution of top dressing in accordance with the instructions;
- uniform distribution of the composition over the surface - uneven fertilization for the lawn leads to burning of the grass and the formation of stains.
In addition, after the completion of the feeding procedure, the lawn must be watered well.
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