Should we fertilize now?

[Pat]

Is now a good time to fertilize the lawn? We have not really done anything to feed the soil in a long time. Should we consider feeding the lawn now that fall is here?

 

[Esther Knapicius]

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,198603,00.html

 

[Kansas Terri]

I am thinking that if you fertilize now you will encourage tender new growth. And, doesn't Maryland get frost about now?

I would not want tender new growth just before a frost. If you will get frost within the next month or so I would not fertilize now, I would wait until spring.

In my opinion.

 

[Corzhens]

We usually fertilizer the small lawn in the front yard during the rainy season. Some say that the fertilizer is wasted because it will be washed out by the rain. That is true. We sprinkle the compost on the lawn when there is no forecast of rain. On the next day, we water the lawn if it does not rain. Fertilizing the lawn during summer is not a good idea because of the hot weather will dry the grass.

 

[claudine]

I'd wait. Fertilizing will make your grass grow really fast and the new growth might not survive the cold. Let your lawn rest

 

[mgmine]

Yes from mid October to the end of November is a good time to apply winter fertilize. Actually I have it on my list of things to do but first have to get the leaves cleaned up so that the fertilizer don't just sit on them.

 

[Pat]

I am thinking that if you fertilize now you will encourage tender new growth. And, doesn't Maryland get frost about now?

I would not want tender new growth just before a frost. If you will get frost within the next month or so I would not fertilize now, I would wait until spring.

In my opinion.

We have had a frost in Maryland but right now we are having a beautiful Indian Summer, it should last all week. Which is why I asked, if I should take advantage of this beautiful weather. I do think I will wait till spring to fertilize the lawn.

 

[purplepen88]

My husband always fertilizes in the lawn in the fall. He like Scotts brand feritilizer. He'll also do one last mow before the snow falls. He raises his mower blade so that the lawn is little longer than in the summer. You have to be careful with timing, if you fertilize too early it will promote new growth and if you fertilize too late it won't do anything to benefit the lawn. We are having beautiful fall weather here in Ontario. I think my husband will fertilize the lawn this week.