What is the best time to fertilize and what one should use through out the year?

MML Staff_Erin H EXPERT May 05, 2008

You don't mention where you live or what kind of grass your lawn is, so I can only give general recommendations. If you feed your lawn just once a year, fall is the best time, when the grass is actively growing. Another option is to feed in spring and fall, using half the yearly amount each time.

Because you irrigate and have sandy soil, the nitrogen in fertilzier washes out quickly, so you might consider fertilizing in spring once the lawn is growing enough that you have to mow; about 6 weeks later, before the hot part of summer sets in; in late summer once the nights are cooler, and again about 4 weeks later. In that case, apply a quarter of the yearly amount each time.

You can find general informatin about lawn care through the Lawn and Garden Center on Manage My Home -- select it from the ideas & Know-How menu. For specifics about caring for lawn in your region, contact your cooperative extension service -- you can locate the local extension office using the tool on the left side of the Lawn and Garden Center page.

Because your soil is sandy, consider applying a 1-inch layer of compost to it once a year, to help it hold moisture and nutrients better. And mow high, so the grass shades the roots.

One final tip -- you're better off underfeeding your lawn than overfeeding it. A lawn that gets too much nitrigen attacts insects and diseases, and develops thatch more quickly.