Quality fertilizer is essential for keeping plants healthy year in and year out. But the definition of “good” fertilizer depends heavily on what you're using it for. Your usual gardening supplies may not be the ideal choice for a gorgeous green lawn. To find the best lawn fertilizer, consider a few important factors.

The Chemical Needs of Grass

The best lawn fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is the most important and will have the greatest effect on your lawn's growth, so if your fertilizer contains all three, the ratio should be roughly 4-to 1-to-2. This information should be available on the packaging.

Recycling

The actual amount of fertilizer you need to use depends upon several factors. One of the most important is grass clippings. If you leave your clippings on the lawn or use them for compost, you return a significant amount of organic matter to the soil, which will reduce your fertilizer needs. A well-established lawn with regularly recycled clippings will need little additional nitrogen and no added phosphorus. On the other hand, if you remove your clippings, you'll need to supplement that with more fertilizer.

Soil Testing

To get an idea of where your lawn currently stands, a soil test is the way to go. You can test for current nutrient content, as well as the soil pH, allowing you to adjust your lawn treatment regimen for optimal results. The exact conditions you should aim for depend on the type of grass you're growing and the final effect you're looking for, so consult with an expert to interpret your results and plan how much and what type of fertilizer is necessary.

A healthy, thriving yard is an essential component of maintaining a beautiful home. The staff at Clifton Feed and Service Center in Bosque County, TX, will help you choose the best lawn fertilizer and everything else you need to keep your grass and landscape in top condition. Contact them at (254) 675-3416 or online to learn more.