One of the most effective fertilisers we stock is from ACE Hardware. Their fertiliser keeps grass and lawns looking green and lush.
Grass quickly uses up its natural nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium supply – all key chemicals that are required for a healthy lawn. Fertiliser helps replace these elements keeping your lawn looking green and healthy.
TYPES OF FERTILISER
According to Ace Hardware, there are 3 most common types of fertiliser: natural organic, inorganic and synthetic organic:
Natural organic fertilisers, such as manure, do not dissolve in water. They are converted to usable forms by microorganisms in the soil. They help to create proper physical growing conditions, but can add disease or weeds to the lawn.
Inorganic fertilisers (ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate) do dissolve in water and become readily available to plants. They can cause fast growth for a few weeks, but can also cause foliage burn if improperly applied.
Synthetic organic fertilisers (ureafoam, methylene urea) provide a combination of slow and fast release of nitrogen, combining the best of the other two kinds of fertiliser.
Less popular types of fertilisers include: dry fertilisers, simple-mix ferilisers, pelletised fertilisers, trionised fertilisers and polyform fertilisers. Dry fertilisers are mixtures of the three primary nutrients in a bag. The granules differ in weight and texture so that the heavier ones may work toward the bottom of the bag or spreader. The result is uneven distribution.
Pelletised fertilisers combine all the nutrients into semi-rigid pellets or capsules. This does not ensure a steady release of nutrients unless slow-release sources are included in the pellets.
Trionised fertilisers have the three nutrients bonded into a lightweight carrier such as vermiculite. Nutrients are uniform throughout the granules.
Polyfrom fertilisers require no added carrier, resulting in the lightest-weight fertilisers. A mixture of the three nutrients is screened to uniform size, putting a high proportion of nutrients into the bag.
HOW MUCH FERTILISER TO USE
Most fertilisers indicate on the package the number of square feet they will cover, but to help figure out the amount you will need, take the size of your lot and subtract the feet of the house, garage and driveway.
Two feedings of fertilisers per year are advised to keep the lawn healthy, but most experts recommend at least three feedings. If you opt for only two feedings per year, you may want to look at the local weather pattern to determine when to apply the feeds since differing times of year serve a differing purpose.
Bear in mind that during rainy season, fertilising is not recommended, as it will promote vigorous lawn growth. After rainy season, usually December, is a good time to apply fertiliser to keep the lush growth that has been in check during the wet season. Re-apply again in the springtime to reduce moisture loss and keep your lawn actively growing.
More information is available on fertiliser options in the Ace Hardware Lawn and Garden Essentials section of our website.
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