Do you dream of a lawn so green and thick that your neighbours are jealous? Getting a beautiful yard takes a bit of love and care, and fertilization is pretty much the key to success! Just like us, the blades of grass in your lawn need to "eat" to be strong. The sun gives them energy, but they draw essential water and minerals from the soil. Over time, especially if we bag the clippings, the soil becomes depleted. Fertilization steps in to give it a boost, providing the necessary nutrients so your lawn can better withstand foot traffic, our cold winters, pests, and diseases.
The ABCs of Fertilizer: Understanding N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium)
On every fertilizer bag, you'll see three numbers. This is the N-P-K code, indicating the percentage of the three most important elements for your lawn:
- Nitrogen (N): The Growth Champion. This is what gives your lawn its beautiful green colour and makes it grow.
- Phosphorus (P): The Root Builder. It helps the grass develop a strong, deep root system, essential for drawing water and nutrients and better resisting diseases.
- Potassium (K): The Bodyguard. It strengthens the lawn against stresses: drought, disease, intense cold. It also helps the plant store energy to get through the winter and restart well in the spring.
Example: A 10-4-8 fertilizer contains 10% nitrogen, 4% phosphorus, and 8% potassium. You'll notice the numbers change depending on the program step – that's because the lawn's needs vary throughout the seasons!
Choosing Your Side: Synthetic or Natural Fertilizer?
Before picking a program, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Synthetic Fertilizers:- Pros: Fast-acting, results often visible quicker, precise formulations developed by experts. Often, part of the nitrogen is slow-release to feed the lawn between applications.
- Cons: Risk of "burning" the lawn if you apply too much. Less beneficial for long-term soil structure. If not absorbed, nutrients can be washed away by rain (leaching) and pollute waterways. You need to follow the dosages exactly!
- Pros: Improves soil health and structure over the long term (adds organic matter), feeds beneficial soil microbes. Lower risk of burning. Stays in the soil, so less risk of pollution from leaching. Often safe for children, pets, and wildlife.
- Cons: Slower acting, requires a bit more patience to see the full effects. Can sometimes be a bit more expensive or require larger quantities.
A four-step program - synthetic fertilizers
This selection of nutrients has a proven track record. These synthetic fertilizers are created by specialists to meet lawn grass needs. They're mostly mineral elements that are quickly assimilated by the plant. Most of the nitrogen, though, is released gradually so it's available between applications. It's very important to respect the prescribed doses on packaging. Too much could burn roots and low er the percentage of organic material in the soil. The mineral salts that are not absorbed by the grass can be picked up by rain or watering and carried into water courses and the water table.
| 1st step | 2nd step | 3rd step | 4th step |
| 21-2-4 April/May |
16-0-4 May/June |
10-0-4 July/August |
8-2-15 September |
| Nitrogen rich, it's perfect for rapid grass growth in early spring. 40% of the nitrogen is slow-release, so it's available to the grass for about six weeks. | Constant fertilizing ensures stability of growth and greening. Iron and magnesium support dense grass and uniform colour. | This balanced formula helps grass build a reserve and resist difficult midsummer conditions. | This is the most important step: preparing your lawn for winter. It promotes root development and reserves that will kick-start your grass the following spring. |
Practical Tip: Use a rotary or drop spreader for an even application. If rain isn't expected, a light watering helps the fertilizer reach the roots.
A four-step program - 100% natural
The 100% natural program poses no danger to humans, domestic animals, flora or fauna, and it protects the life of the soil. It's also easy to apply. The benefits become clearer in the medium and long-term, so be patient, long-term soil quality improvements will soon become visible.
This 100% natural lawn fertilizer not only has the three essential ingredients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), but it also contains organic material and important micro nutrients that improve plant beauty and safety, such as iron and calcium.
| 1st & 2nd step | 3rd step | 4th step |
| 7-3-1 + 1% Fe (iron) April/May/June |
5-4-2 July/August |
4-4-9 + 1% Fe (iron) September |
| Improves soil structure and water retention, increases levels of organic material, and encourages soil life. The nitrogen helps quick spring greening. Regular application of organic material helps grass realize its full development potential. | Balanced fertilization allows the grass to continue growing. Soil micro-organisms provide increased resistance to dry spells. | This step boosts your grass'resistance to the rigours of winter and disease, thanks to its natural potassium. It enables the grass to shore up reserves for the next spring. |
These soil-fixed fertilizers are not washed away by rain or normal watering. Since such losses are minimized, there's less risk of polluting water courses and water tables. Minerals that aren't immediately absorbed by the roots stay in the soil for future use.
Fertilize, Yes, But That's Not All! Other Key Steps for a Great Lawn
Fertilization is essential, but it yields the best results when part of a complete maintenance program:
- Smart Mowing: Mow regularly, but not too short! A height of 3 inches (7-8 cm) is ideal. This helps retain moisture, prevent weeds, and makes the lawn more resilient. Consider grasscycling: leaving finely cut clippings on the lawn is free fertilizer!
- Wise Watering: Less often, but more deeply. A good, deep watering once a week (unless during a heatwave or drought) encourages roots to grow deep. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
- Aeration (if needed): If your soil is very compacted (hard to push a pencil into), aeration (making small holes with an aerator) helps water, air, and fertilizer penetrate better to the roots. Best done in spring or fall.
- Soil Test: To be absolutely sure what your lawn needs, a soil test (available at garden centres or through specialized services) will tell you exactly what your soil requires (or has too much of!). This helps adjust fertilization and avoid waste.
A Good Deed for Your Lawn and the Planet
Be considerate of the environment:
- Never fertilize just before heavy rain is forecast (risk of runoff).
- Sweep any fertilizer that falls on sidewalks or driveways back onto the lawn so it doesn't end up in storm drains.
- Check your local municipal regulations; some have restrictions on fertilizer use (especially those containing phosphorus).
No matter which product you choose, the golden rule is simple: ALWAYS read the label before use. It's your best guide! Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding:
- Dosage (never over-apply!)
- How to use (how and when to apply)
- Precautions to take (protective gear if needed)
- Storage conditions
By following this advice and choosing the program that suits you, you'll give yourself the best chance of having a lawn you can be proud of! Happy gardening!
