How and what to fertilise your lawn & turf with

If you have a lawn in place, or if you are trying to renovate your lawn, then your choice of fertilisers is important.   There are three main types of lawn fertilisers.  1.  Traditional granular fertilisers 2. Liquid fertilisers 3. Organic fertilisers.   Each of these has benefits, all will under correct conditions make your lawn grow to a more or less extent. 

1. Granular fertilisers are the most commonly used.  They have the benefits of being slow or quick effecting depending on the blend you choose.   Generally speaking most lawn fertilisers are simply NPK, the three major nutrients required for plant growth.   You can purchase lawn blends and these are most used on lawns.   Each region due to climatic and soil conditions has different blends that are available.   When spreading your granular fertiliser it can be done by hand or by using a fertiliser spreader.   When spreading by hand use gloves and broadcast the fertiliser in sweaping movements, the trick is not to put too much in one spot.  The general application rates for granular fertiliser are around 30 to 50 grams per sq mtr.   Better to do a light application, and then a second light application over the top to get good coverage.   Fertiliser spreaders are the most popular way of fertilise you lawn.   Hand held and push models are available.   Hand held models are easy to use and spread a light spread so coverage is good, however they are not suitable for large areas.  Push models are the best way to cover a large area and suited to lawns over 200 sq mtrs.   Generally minimum of around three applications are required per year (or more) mostly in spring, summer and autumn. 

2.  Liquid fertilisers are also popular.  Liquid fertilisers have the drawback of needing regular applications, but the effect is quicker acting and produces lush growth.   When using liquid fertilisers applications once a month during the growing season are required.    Liquid fertilisers are best suited to gardeners who take great pride in their lawns as the treatments are frequent.  Most liquid fertilisers are NPK based, they can come ready made, which connect to a hose, or granular which you need to mix.   Newer types of ready made liquid fertiliser, also have seaweed solution.  Seaweed solution has many great benefits, particularly in overcoming fungal problems in soil (which are common).  Seaweed solution is also a great soil improver and helps activate soil micro organisms. 

3.  Orangic fertilisers have their own benefits also, particularly in helping to build up soil organic matter.   Organic fertilisers are usually very slow acting, however they do create long lasting growth and build up soil nutrients.  Most organic fertilisers are based on chicken manure.   Organic lawn fertilisers are usually pelletised, making them easier to spread.  The best way to spread organic fertilisers is to broadcast them by hand.   Around 80 to 100 grams per square mtr is required.    It is important to let organic lawn fertilisers break down before mowing.   Around three applications are required each year, once in spring, summer and autumn for best results.   The one drawback to using organic fertilisers is that they can have a strong odor, regular watering after application will reduce the smell of organic fertilisers. 

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