DIY Lawn Fertilizer

[kittygilchrist]

UF publication on lawn fertilizer...nice chart for converting percent nitrogen to pounds. I measure by cups...1 cup equals 1/2 lb.

ENH979/EP236: Homeowner Best Management Practices for the Home Lawn (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep236)

[Jima64]

Remember you can harm your lawn with too much nitrogen.

[kittygilchrist]

Remember you can harm your lawn with too much nitrogen.

My dog can kill (permanently dead) grass, applying too much nitrogen. I see spots of greener than the rest where just right dog urine amts were done.
Grass is sensitive..
For UF, they give a max of 1 lb N per 1000 ft, if I have it right...?

[TNLAKEPANDA]

My neighbor's grass turned bight green overnight. Are people painting their grass?

[village dreamer]

My neighbor's grass turned bight green overnight. Are people painting their grass?

yes

[Bosoxfan]

My neighbor's grass turned bight green overnight. Are people painting their grass?

Seems like a waste of money Cuz it sher don't look nacheral!

[villagetinker]

OK, it is not paint, it is a sprayed on fertilizer. Not sure if the color is to know where it was applied, or to provide color until it takes effect, or both.

[autumnspring]

For an ah hah moment. It is very easy to figure. If, you buy a 10-10-10 fertilizer it is 10%
nitrogen (N) 10% phosphate(P) and 10% potassium (K). Thinking as may make more sense to the original poster. If, the bag weighs 100 lbs you bought ten pounds of nitrogen, ten pounds of phosphate, 10 pounds of potassium. Simple math-a 50lb bag is 5 pounds of each. They suggest not more than 1 pound nitrogen per 1000 sq ft. Reason to prevent lawn burning AND lessen fertilizer run off into the sewer system.
100 lbs of 5-5-5 equals 50 lbs of 10-10-10. If, they are priced the same the 100 lbs simply has more filler. It is of course heavier. It might spread easier-without bands etc due to missed spots.
You want at least 25% slow release nitrogen-less likely to burn your lawn and will feed longer. It will also cost more. You can apply less each time but apply more often.
They no longer suggest you apply phosphates regularly to your lawn. Since, the mowing guys leave the cuttings on the lawn it simply recycles. Our soil is high in phosphates anyway and it is a major cause of pollution in the lakes etc,

[autumnspring]

For the empire zoysia they suggest 1-0-1- nitrogen and potassium are equal quantity phosphate is zero. There are several brands available. Lisco has a 15-0-15-reminder it is the ratio that matters. If, you found a 5-0-5 you would need 3x the weight to get the same amount of useful product.
HOPE THIS EXPLAINS IT.

[HiHoSteveO]

Or you can just use "Lesco 8-2-12-4" delivered right to your door for $50/bag

Fertilizer Direct (http://fertilizerdirectfl.com/)

100% slow release palm fertilizer that works great on the lawn too. Just measure as Kitty's link suggests.

[Jima64]

My dog can kill (permanently dead) grass, applying too much nitrogen. I see spots of greener than the rest where just right dog urine amts were done.
Grass is sensitive..
For UF, they give a max of 1 lb N per 1000 ft, if I have it right...?

I know that extra nitrogen does cause lawns to green up within a few days but you would have to use something like Urea which is 46-0-0 and comes in a small pellet. Mix with water and spray.

[jebartle]

Milorganite.....It is a no brainer.... Totally organic, can not over-do!
If you are in LaZamora, check out lawn, 146 Costa Mesa Drive.

[autumnspring]

Or you can just use "Lesco 8-2-12-4" delivered right to your door for $50/bag

Fertilizer Direct (http://fertilizerdirectfl.com/)

100% slow release palm fertilizer that works great on the lawn too. Just measure as Kitty's link suggests.

Fortunately, your plants can't read. You can use PALM fertilizer on your lawn but LAWN fertilizer might hurt your palm. The reason is lawn fertilizer will not has as much Potassium (K) in it. Also, palms are slow growing so with lawn fertilizer you will likely put down too much. Not sure what that last number "4" is. Perhaps trace elements? Iron will turn both your palm and lawn a darker green.

Re: $50 a bag
If, that is a 50 pound bag, it might be worth that to you but I expect you could pick it up at Home depo for less. Shipping 50 lbs to your home is of course expensive and somehow you pay for it. If, they do not charge you a shipping fee, it is hidden in the price.