I’d be rubbing it in if I said, “It’s been a soggy summer.” There, I said it. Pansies are pouting and for many gardeners and homeowners, lawns are soggy, with water pooling up in spots.
No surprise if you use chemical fertilizers or no fertilizer at all. That’s because chemical (synthetic) fertilizers do not support the root zone, which is where ‘survival of the fittest lawn’ takes place. In order for turf to look beautiful and thrive year round — whether you live in Kodiak or Cleveland — plants need a good support system.
Chemicals don’t provide that kind of support; organic fertilizers do. For one thing, synthetic fertilizers are highly concentrated and are harmful to plants unless diluted properly. Many homeowners follow the “more is better” theory of application.
Thus, it’s easy to burn the lawn with synthetic fertilizers. I especially recommend slow-dissolving organic fertilizers or compost for use on lawns, Organic fertilizers are less concentrated and therefore less likely to cause damage. As my garden writer friend Larry Hodgson would say, “Fertilizer manufacturers aren’t in the business of making beautiful lawns, they’re in the business of selling as much product as possible.
” Larry recommended “turning a deaf ear when they urge you to overuse their product.” Topdressing with compost is more beneficial than using chemical fertilizers for your lawn. By enriching the soil with balanced nutrients and improving its structure (tilth),.
