Wondering which fertilizer will make your grass grow greener, organic or synthetic? Before you buy fertilizer for your lawn and greenspaces, consider some basic tips.
Got questions about fertilizer? Here is what you need to know:
What is fertilizer comprised of?
The three key ingredients in fertilizer are nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, each with a distinct purpose. Nitrogen makes your lawn lush and green, while potassium helps make your grass durable and resilient during stressful conditions. Phosphorus fosters strong root development over time. All fertilizers basically contain these same ingredients, but it is the source of these integral nutrients that sets synthetic, organic, and hybrid products apart from one-another.
What are the pros and cons of synthetic fertilizer?
Many buyers lean toward synthetic fertilizers simply due to their economical cost. Synthetic fertilizers have the nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus that your lawn needs, but it is derived from chemicals. Generally, you will need to reapply synthetic additives about once a month through the growing season but remember that these products don’t address any inherent deficiencies or issues with your soil. If your goal is a lush, rich green lawn, synthetic fertilizers will do the job, but use caution to prevent problematic run-off of the chemical components in these fertilizers.
What makes organic fertilizer different?
If you are concerned about the environment, organic fertilizers may be the best option. Using organic additives provides the peace of mind that you are using an all-natural product on your property, though you will pay more for this satisfaction. Organic fertilizers are safe for children and pets, so you won’t have to block off your lawn when you fertilize, which is another selling-point.
Should you consider a hybrid?
If you are still unsure whether to go with synthetic or organic fertilizer, you may want to consider a combination or a hybrid. The benefit is that you could be impacting the underlying health of your soil, while also taking a tried-and-true synthetic approach to making your lawn thick and full. Make sure to read product labels to ensure you are getting some of the beneficial properties when buying hybrids.
Some other things to know about fertilizer include:
- Applying too much fertilizer is wasteful and could contribute to run-off.
- Fertilizer run-off can be detrimental to the environment, particularly if you use synthetic or hybrid fertilizing products.
- Your soil’s health is key in absorbing the nutrients in the fertilizer.
- Test your soil to ensure it possesses the ability to break down nutrients before applying fertilizer; otherwise, you are simply turning these additives into run-off, and potentially contaminating your water supply.
Talk to the experts at Terra Bella Garden Center, a Local Garden & Landscape Design Center, for more information and estimates about fertilizing and maintaining your property in the Charleston area.
