Fall Lawn Food Guide to Make Grandpa Proud
Every time I’d get together with my grandpa in the months approaching the fall season, he’d say the same thing at some point, “Have you spread your fall lawn food yet?”.
My reply was usually something like “Yeah, totally.”
But the reality was, I had no idea what he was talking about and I also didn’t really care. After all, the grass grows every year and I don’t do anything to help it. But inside, I always felt like I dropped the ball for two reasons.
First, I had obviously not done something to my lawn that my grandpa feels is so important that he brings it up every year.
Second, I didn’t even know what fall lawn food is!
In fact, it’s that very question from my grandpa that inspired me to take my lawn care seriously and create this website.
So, if you are like I was and have no idea what fall lawn food is, this is a guide for you. Let’s dig in.
The Importance of Fall Fertilizer (Lawn Food)
Here’ the deal. As your lawn is about to head into the long, cold winter months, it’s important to feed it the right balance of nutrients to help it survive that cold weather and come back strong in the spring. It’s not hard to do and it really makes a difference in the quality of your lawn. Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefit of applying a good fall fertilizer:
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It helps build strong roots to withstand the winter
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It promotes growth in the spring
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It helps prevent disease and pests
The Best Time to Apply Fall Fertilizer
The best time to apply a fall fertilizer is in late summer or early fall, about 4-6 weeks before the first expected frost. This gives the lawn time to absorb the nutrients and build up its strength before winter.
What is Fall Lawn Food?
Fall lawn food is a specific type of fertilizer packed with potassium and phosphorus, two nutrients that are essential for root development and overall lawn health.
Additionally, a proper fall lawn fertilizer will contain less nitrogen to reduce the rate of growth during the winter months.
You can find a fall fertilizer at most garden centers and home improvement stores. When choosing a product, look for one with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 12-4-12 or 10-10-10 blend.
How to Apply Fall Fertilizer
There are a few steps to follow when applying a fall fertilizer:
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[8 days prior to feeding your lawn] Test the soil pH level using a soil test kit (like this) to determine the acidity of the soil. The acidity level affects how well the lawn can absorb nutrients from the soil. If the soil is too acidic or too alkaline, the nutrients in the fall fertilizer won’t be able to be absorbed properly, which can hinder the lawn’s growth. The results from your soil test will help you determine how to make any necessary adjustments to your fall fertilizer mix. These typically take 6-8 days to receive.
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Mow the lawn to a shorter length than usual.
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Aerate the soil to allow the nutrients to penetrate deeper. Follow our guide on aerating.
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Apply the fall lawn food using a fertilizer spreader, following the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount. Here’s a guide to choosing a good fertilizer spreader.
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Water the lawn thoroughly after applying the fall fertilizer.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your lawn is getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy throughout the winter and be ready for a strong spring growth.
And next time grandpa asks about fall lawn food, you’ll be armed with stats about your soil pH levels to make him proud.
