When is the best time to fertilize a lawn – before or after a rain? Too much rain could wash away the fertilizer before it has a chance to soak into the soil, so plan to fertilize several days before a heavy rain arrives or several days later. Here are more tips from the professionals at Jonathan Green. 
The Jonathan Green company is built upon innovative scientific research and time-honored traditions. We have studied turfgrass and what it needs to thrive since 1881, developing products that provide lasting results year after year. Currently, we use the latest scientific technology to test all of our products to make sure they will perform well on your lawn. The result will be a beautiful green, healthy lawn for you and your family.
About Fertilizer
Fertilizer provides nutrients that allow grass plants to grow and flourish. It keeps the lawn looking good, maximizes the dark green color, and helps it better tolerate seasonal turf stresses, such as heat, drought, and cold. A thick, lush lawn with strong roots can also choke out weeds by preventing them from getting established in the first place.
Fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; three nutrients that are vital to the health of your lawn:
- Nitrogen: This nutrient is responsible for the green color of your lawn as well as lush, vigorous growth.
- Phosphorus: This nutrient stimulates root growth and helps seeds sprout.
- Potassium: This nutrient helps grass resist drought, disease, fungus, wear from foot traffic, and extreme weather conditions.
Should You Fertilize Before or After Rain?
Does it matter if you fertilize before a heavy rain? Yes, it does. This is not a good time to apply fertilizer because a heavy rainfall could wash away the fertilizer before it has an opportunity to break down and be absorbed. This is especially true on steep slopes. If you would rather not waste your time and the money you’ve invested, it’s best to fertilize when no rainfall is expected for two days, or spread the fertilizer before it rains if you’re anticipating only light rainfall. The light rainfall can substitute for watering in the fertilizer after application.
When Should You Fertilize Your Lawn?
Essentially, the perfect time to fertilize your lawn is just as it is running out of food from its last feeding which, with Jonathan Green fertilizer, means about three months after the last fertilization.
Early Spring – In March or April, apply our Veri-Green with Crabgrass Preventer to the lawn. This will gently feed it while helping it recover from winter and also control crabgrass before and after it germinates.
Late Spring – In May or June, apply Veri-Green Weed and Feed. It provides your lawn with everything it needs to grow green and strong, and controls dandelion, clover, chick weed and over 250 other kinds of broadleaf weeds.
Summer – In July or August, loosen up hard soil and balance the pH level to make it optimal for grass growth. MAG-I-CAL Plus soil food is specially formulated to activate the microbial life in your soil to make the nutrients easier for grass roots to absorb.
Fall – In September or October, it’s time to get your lawn ready to survive the winter. Winter Survival will keep your lawn fed through the winter and fend off late winter/early spring turf diseases, such as pink or gray snow mold.
If you have questions about the best time to fertilize a lawn, before or after rain, visit Jonathan Green online or contact your nearest independent hardware or home and garden store where you will always get valuable lawn care advice.
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As an enthusiast deeply versed in lawn care and fertilization practices, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge founded on both extensive experience and a commitment to staying abreast of cutting-edge scientific advancements. My expertise draws from a profound understanding of turfgrass, a topic I've passionately explored through years of research, aligning with the ethos of a renowned authority in the field—Jonathan Green. The Jonathan Green company, a stalwart since 1881, seamlessly integrates innovative scientific research with time-honored traditions, setting a benchmark for excellence in the realm of lawn care.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article, dissecting the nuances of lawn fertilization and the critical decision of timing in relation to rain.
1. About Fertilizer:
- Role of Fertilizer: Fertilizer is essential for providing nutrients that foster the growth and well-being of grass plants. It enhances the appearance of the lawn, intensifies its green color, and bolsters its ability to withstand various seasonal stresses like heat, drought, and cold.
- Key Nutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the trio of vital nutrients present in fertilizers.
- Nitrogen: Responsible for the lush, green color and vigorous growth of the lawn.
- Phosphorus: Stimulates root growth and aids in seed sprouting.
- Potassium: Enhances the lawn's resistance to drought, disease, foot traffic, and extreme weather conditions.
2. Should You Fertilize Before or After Rain?
- Impact of Rain: Fertilizing just before heavy rainfall is cautioned against, as it may lead to the washing away of the fertilizer before it has a chance to be absorbed. This is particularly true on steep slopes.
- Timing Considerations: Optimal times for fertilization are when no rainfall is expected for two days, or before light rainfall, allowing it to substitute for watering and aid in the fertilizer's absorption.
3. When Should You Fertilize Your Lawn?
- Feeding Schedule: The ideal time to fertilize is when the lawn is running out of nutrients from its last feeding, typically around three months after the previous fertilization.
- Seasonal Recommendations:
- Early Spring: Apply Veri-Green with Crabgrass Preventer to aid post-winter recovery and control crabgrass.
- Late Spring: Use Veri-Green Weed and Feed to provide comprehensive nutrients and control broadleaf weeds.
- Summer: Address hard soil and balance pH with MAG-I-CAL Plus soil food for optimal grass growth.
- Fall: Prep for winter with Winter Survival to keep the lawn fed and resist turf diseases.
4. Jonathan Green's Approach:
- Scientific Rigor: Jonathan Green employs the latest scientific technology to test and ensure the efficacy of its products, resulting in a beautiful, green, and healthy lawn year after year.
- Historical Legacy: With roots tracing back to 1881, Jonathan Green merges scientific innovation with traditional practices, embodying a legacy of expertise in turfgrass care.
In summary, the mastery of lawn fertilization lies not only in understanding the nutrients crucial for a vibrant lawn but also in the strategic timing of application, considering the weather conditions and the specific needs of the grass at different seasons. For personalized advice and further inquiries, Jonathan Green stands as a beacon of reliable information in the realm of lawn care.
