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Fertilizer
Home » Lawn & Garden » Landscaping - Products » FertilizerFertilizer benefits your landscaping in several ways: it improves the color of your landscaping, makes your plants strong and resilient, and prevents weeds from appearing. It doesn't automatically work, however; you need to use your fertilizer wisely--both to maximize its positive effects and to minimize its negative effects.
Your soil type (acidic, sandy, nutrient-rich, etc.) determines the correct fertilizer for your landscaping. You'll need to find out what are the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) needs of your soil, and purchase a fertilizer with corresponding NPK levels.
Your purpose in fertilizing will also help you determine what type of fertilizer to use. Winterizer fall fertilizer strengthens your plants' roots while starter fertilizer is designed for new lawns. Balanced fertilizers are designed specifically for certain soil types while complete fertilizers are designed for general purpose. Slow-release fertilizers, meanwhile, are organic compounds and thus are better for the environment.
Along with deciding what type of fertilizer to purchase, however, you'll also need to learn how and when to fertilize your landscaping. You can use a handheld, broadcast, or drop spreader, or even a water sprayer (if you have a soluble fertilizer). As for when to fertilize, the most important time is actually during the fall to promote root growth, but you can also fertilize once or twice during the late spring and summer. In any case, however, you should follow the instructions on the fertilizer and review any nursery instructions for your landscaped plants to determine exactly when and how you should fertilize.
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