Fertilizing Made Easy

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All fertilizers are not created equal.

The two basic types of fertilizers are water-soluble and slow release.

Water soluble fertilizers disappear like sugar in hot coffee as they travel rapidly out of the root zone, completely dissolved in the water that runs through it. This type of fertilizer causes a rapid flush of growth and must be reapplied often in order to keep the lawn green.

Slow-release or water insoluble fertilizers are derived either from organic sources such as blood meal or bone meal, or chemical fertilizers encapsulated or compressed to slow down their nutrient release. These fertilizers reduce fluctuations in the green coloration of lawns.

The analysis of the fertilizer will typically be posted on the front of the bag or box in the form of three numbers (13-4-8, for example). These numbers refer to the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N-P-K) in the product, which will help you determine its effect on the plant.

Nitrogen (N) Shoots & Top Growth

Phosphorus (P) Fruits & Roots

Potassium (K)Strong Roots & Winter Hardiness

For an established lawn, look for a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen level, such as our Key-to-Green Maintain (13-4-8). This will keep the lawn lush and green, with controlled growth.

Strong Roots will be produced by a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen level and a relatively higher percentage of phosphorus and potassium. Our Key-to-Green Starter Fertilizer (10-16-10) or a fertilizer with a similar analysis will encourage root growth that provides winter hardiness to an established lawn. This would also be an excellent choice for starting wildflower seed or most any plant material.

Key-to-Green Organic Plus (14-2-8) is a blend of composted manure and slow-release fertilizer that offers the combined benefits of stimulating your soil’s microorganisms and providing long-lasting nutrition.

When it comes to maintaining a fertile soil capable of supporting a healthy lawn, fertilizers alone will not be enough. The key to a healthy, green lawn is sufficient sunshine, air and water, along with the living environment they need.

For grass plants to thrive, barriers which prevent water and nutrients from
reaching the roots must be removed. Here’s how:

Remove the thatch layer using a dethatcher. Core-aerate the lawn to relieve soil compaction, a major barrier to water and nutrient entry. Back fill the aeration holes with Turface, a porous ceramic soil amendment, to provide permanent air and water space in the root system. Porous ceramics also promote microbial growth in the soil. Microbes break down fertilizer, making it available to the plant.