How Do I Fertlize the Lawn?

Regular fertilization helps to maintain good lawns. In western Washington, apply N-P-K fertilizers in a 3-1-2 ratio (3 Nitrogen - 1 phosphorous - 2 potassium.) Examples of fertilizers in this ratio would be 21-7-14 or 15-5-10. Sulfur enhances color and helps control some lawn disease problems. Selecting a fertilizer that contains sulfur, or applying the nitrogen two times a year in the form of ammonium sulfate will help your lawn receive sufficient sulfur, at least 2 pounds per 1000 square feet per year. Apply at the proper times. Washington lawns should receive 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet each year; divide this into 4 separate applications. In western Washington, a suggested schedule is 4 applications: November 15-December 7; April 15; June 15; and September 1. Be sure to include the winter fertilization, November 15-December 7, which helps to maintain lawn health through winter.  more