Your Lawn Loves a Good Feed

Like any living thing, grass needs the right nutrients to thrive, and that’s where fertiliser comes in. For Aussie gardeners, fertilising isn’t just about boosting growth – it’s about helping your lawn withstand our unique climate, from hot summers to chilly winters. Here’s how to feed your lawn the right way and keep it looking great all year round.

Know Your Lawn and Your Soil

Before you start fertilising, it’s crucial to understand your lawn’s needs. The type of grass, the condition of your soil, and your local climate all play a role in determining the best approach.

For example, warm-season grasses like buffalo, couch, and kikuyu thrive in most parts of Australia and benefit from fertilising in spring and summer. Meanwhile, cool-season grasses like ryegrass and fescue, more common in cooler regions, need a different feeding schedule.

Testing your soil is also a game-changer. A simple pH test kit from your local garden centre can tell you whether your soil is acidic, alkaline, or neutral. Most lawns prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If the pH is off, adjust it with soil conditioners to ensure your fertiliser works effectively.

Choose the Perfect Fertiliser

Not all fertilisers are created equal. Choosing the right one for your lawn makes a big difference. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types:

  • Slow-release fertilisers: These are great for busy gardeners because they gradually release nutrients over several weeks, reducing the risk of over-fertilising.
  • Liquid fertilisers: Perfect for a quick green-up, these deliver nutrients directly to the grass blades but need more frequent applications.
  • Organic fertilisers: If you prefer a natural approach, organic options like compost or seaweed solutions improve soil health while feeding your lawn.

Look for a fertiliser with a balanced mix of nitrogen (for growth and green colour), phosphorus (for strong roots), and potassium (for stress resistance). A typical NPK ratio for Aussie lawns is around 10:5:10.

Fertilising at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to fertilising. Applying the right product at the right time ensures your lawn gets the nutrients it needs without waste or harm.

  • Spring: This is prime feeding time as your lawn wakes up from winter dormancy. Apply a fertiliser rich in nitrogen to encourage healthy growth.
  • Summer: Focus on maintaining your lawn’s health during the heat. A slow-release fertiliser with a balanced formula works well.
  • Autumn: Prepare your lawn for cooler weather by boosting potassium levels to strengthen roots and improve cold resistance.
  • Winter: If your grass goes dormant, skip the fertiliser until spring. For cool-season grasses, a light application of nutrients can keep growth steady.

Always fertilise when the soil is moist, ideally after watering or rain, to prevent burning the grass. Follow up with light watering to help nutrients soak in.

Apply Like a Pro

Proper application techniques are key to getting the most out of your fertiliser. Even distribution prevents patchy growth and keeps your lawn looking uniform.

For small lawns, hand spreading is fine, but for larger areas, a spreader is a worthwhile investment. Make two passes over your lawn in a criss-cross pattern for even coverage. Always read and follow the fertiliser’s instructions, as over-application can do more harm than good.

Keep an eye out for signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing grass or slow growth, and adjust your fertilising schedule accordingly. And don’t forget to clean up any excess fertiliser from paths or driveways to avoid runoff that could harm local waterways.

The Best Tools for The Job

Fertilising is just one part of the equation. The tools you use to mow, edge, and maintain your lawn are equally important for keeping it healthy. That’s where EGO Power Plus comes in.

EGO Power Plus Mowers ensure clean, precise cutting that allows your fertiliser to work its magic, while the EGO Power Plus Edger helps define those perfect borders for a polished look. With advanced battery technology, EGO’s tools make lawn care easier, quieter, and more efficient.

With the right fertiliser, proper timing, and the support of reliable tools, your lawn will stay healthy and resilient no matter what Mother Nature throws at it.

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