Spring/Summer Fertilizer

[347Mike]

What should I use right now? It is getting much warmer and would like to fertilize again but not sure if I should use a spring or a summer blend. I aerated, fertilized, and seed about 4 weeks ago and my lawn looks 10x better. The small thin patches are much more full and grow the same length as the rest of the gress. The downside is, it seems to have unleashed crabgrass hell. Half of my front yard is covered with it and I want it gone.

[bcoop]

Sperry says a weedkiller/ fertilizer should never be used. You are trying to achieve two different results, and the best results when you treat separately. I use Image for crabgrass killer. I use Sperry's fertilizer, at a 24-0-0 ratio. I always treat the weeds first, let a week or three pass, then fertilize. That's just how I do it, not saying it's the right way.

Also, weeds are a byproduct of bad soil conditions. If you treat the soil, weeds will be much more managable. You can take a soil sample to a Calloway's or other nursery, and they can tell you what you need to add to your soil to get it healthy again.

[SEB]

I wouldnt worry about killing weeds till Oct. That way you can do all your weed killing for your lawn in the Winter & then Fertilize in Spring during the rainy season so it takes & come summer you will have a plush green yard!

[347Mike]

Sperry says a weedkiller/ fertilizer should never be used. You are trying to achieve two different results, and the best results when you treat separately. I use Image for crabgrass killer. I use Sperry's fertilizer, at a 24-0-0 ratio. I always treat the weeds first, let a week or three pass, then fertilize. That's just how I do it, not saying it's the right way.

Also, weeds are a byproduct of bad soil conditions. If you treat the soil, weeds will be much more managable. You can take a soil sample to a Calloway's or other nursery, and they can tell you what you need to add to your soil to get it healthy again.

I used the normal Scotts Weed and Feed with Crabgrass preventive and it seems like it was a straight up steroid for the weeds. lol It didn't prevent shit.

[miketyler]

Also, weeds are a byproduct of bad soil conditions.

I think this is often overlooked. The lime treatment addresses this I think and help[s stablize the PH of soil. When we had our lawn analyzed, it was the first thing TruGreen recommended. I will have to see if I can contact a Calloways and get a soil analysis.

[bcoop]

I used the normal Scotts Weed and Feed with Crabgrass preventive and it seems like it was a straight up steroid for the weeds. lol It didn't prevent shit.

Exactly. Hence why you shouldn't use a weed and feed type product.

[SEB]

If you are using weed & feed at this time of the year. You wont have a lawn very long. I suggest putting this stuff down towards Oct to kill off all your weeds in the Fall & come spring then fertilize. Also use Sod in spots where your grass just wont grow.

[347Mike]

Exactly. Hence why you shouldn't use a weed and feed type product.

I understand what you're saying but if it is such crap why does just about everyone use Scotts?

SEB I put it down 4 weeks ago..

[bcoop]

I understand what you're saying but if it is such crap why does just about everyone use Scotts?

Because it's what HD and Lowe's sell. Go to a real nursery, Scott's products won't be found in many, if any. I know the nurseries I frequent don't have them. Honestly, I don't have much more of an explanation than that. I can tell you this - I've had TERRIBLE experience with all Scott's products, applying as directed, with only one exception. I'm a firm believer in their coated EZ Seed. But I think their weed and feed is shit, their weed killer is shit, and their fertilizer is shit. What type of grass do you have, Mike?

http://www.neilsperry.com/maq/lawns/how-good-are-weedandfeed-fertilizers.html

http://www.neilsperry.com/maq/lawns/

Neil Sperry is a VERY respected horticulturist, and has been in N TX his whole life. You can probably count on one hand the number of people that are even in the same ballpark of his level of knowledge on lawns, plants, etc in the N Tx area. I don't recommend listening to his show, because it's boring as shit, though if you can get past that he covers a variety of topics. I do, however, recommend reading through his entire site, and if you can pick up any of his books, they are good reading as well. I've read 2 of them. He also has a magazine, but that's probably further than you want to go. I'm getting in to gardening, so I am reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.