What is fertiliser?

What is fertiliser?

After a long, cold and wet winter everything is starting to grow again. Getting it back in tip top shape can involve moss killing, weeding and regular mowing.

This post will focus on what lawn fertiliser is and when to use it to achieve a healthy green lawn.

At The Grass People, we have a range of fertilisers that all do different things and can be used at different times of the year. Obviously, at this time of year, you want a fertiliser best used in spring/summer. And we’ve written a simple guide to help you choose the right fertiliser.

After all, getting that first feed at the start of spring is key and will impact how your grass looks for the rest of the season.

Knowing your NPK

NPK stands for the symbol of the chemical elements that make up plant fertilisers.

  • N – Nitrogen
  • P – Phosphorous
  • K – Potassium

They are vital for healthy plant growth but are not always readily available in the soil. Some soils are deficient in one or more elements and need extra help, and certain plants require exceptionally high levels of an element.

There are different ratios of each element. The percentage levels of each element present in the fertiliser are indicated by three numbers, representing the N P K in that order. It's a bit like a balanced smoothie for your grass!

Liquid Fertiliser:

Make it Grow: Spring/Summer Liquid Fertiliser

  • Rapid repair
  • Nutrient-dense boost for your lawn
  • It contains seaweed extract and humic acid
  • Can be used for root and foliar application
  • NPK Breakdown: 9.4.6. (9 nitrogen / 4 phosphorus / 6 Potassium)

Make it Green: Spring/Summer Liquid Fertiliser

  • Fast-acting grass feed
  • Nitrogen-rich formula
  • For established lawns
  • Can be applied every 6-8 weeks
  • NPK Breakdown: 15.3.3. (15 Nitrogen /3 phosphorus/ 3 potassium)

Make it Strong: Autumn/Winter Liquid Fertiliser

  • Strengthens your lawn against cold temperatures and harsh winter weather
  • Locks in nutrients and fights off diseases
  • Ideal for use in autumn and winter
  • For established lawns
  • NPK Breakdown: 3.6.6. (3 nitrogen / 6 phosphorus / 6 potassium)

Granular Fertiliser:

QUICK RELEASE: Pre – Seed Fertiliser

  • This is strictly for newly sown grassed areas.
  • Should be spread at the time of sowing or shortly afterwards.
  • This will fill the ground with rich nutrients and help create the perfect environment for seed germination.
  • If spreading on new seedlings, it’s important to water the area thoroughly after application.
  • NPK Breakdown: 6.9.6. (6 nitrogen / 9 phosphorus / 6 potassium)

QUICK RELEASE: Spring/Summer Fertiliser

  • This acts fast and can give your lawn a real boost. You’ll notice that the colour becomes a deeper green and looks much healthier.
  • This can be just what the doctor ordered after a harsh winter.
  • Use a spreader, as uneven distribution can scorch the grass.
  • NPK Breakdown: 9.7.7 (9 nitrogen / 7 phosphorus / 7 potassium)

SLOW RELEASE: Spring/Summer Fertiliser

  • Slow-release fertiliser is a better option for feeding your lawn over a long period.
  • Will feed grassed areas consistently over 12-16 weeks.
  • It will promote much more uniform grass growth.
  • Minimal risk of scorching in comparison to quick-release fertilisers.
  • Watering will promote an immediate effect as the granules need moisture to break down.
  • NPK Breakdown: 16.7.15 (16 nitrogen / 7 phosphorus / 15 potassium)

Feed, Weed & Mosskiller

  • This does exactly what it says on the tin.
  • If you have a problem with moss and weeds, then this is what you need.
  • If you have a lot of moss and weeds, you’ll need to remove these.
  • This will lead to bald patches, which you will need to overseed. Check our overseeding guide here.

For spreading rates and usage times, check out the usage guides on each fertiliser product page. For an overall best fertiliser guide click here. And we have tips if you have pets using your garden!

But if you have any questions or would like advice on the specifics of your own lawn, then please drop us an email, and we will be happy to help!