Plants, especially grass, have it the roughest in the winter since they may have to endure snowfall. Because of this, you’ll need to apply a special fertilizer called winter fertilizer just before winter sets in. But what is winter fertilizer, and why is it so different from others?
What Is Winter Fertilizer?
Winterize is the name of the winter fertilizer typically applied to grass in late fall. This fertilizer aims to stimulate grass food storage to enhance the root system in the early spring. You should use this fertilizer after your healthy lawn has stopped growing. Your grass will be green on top and active underground as you apply this fertilizer as the final stage in your annual lawn maintenance. This will help your grass stay healthy even if it is dormant.
Choosing the Best Winter Fertilizer
When purchasing winter fertilizer, check if it has the optimum levels of nitrogen and potassium. These nutrients help restore your plant’s carbohydrates, ensuring the grass has enough food to last the winter season. Potassium also gives your plant the nourishment it needs to survive the winter.
A winter fertilizer must have a 2:1 or nitrogen to potassium. This combination gives the best food and energy to get through the winter. Furthermore, your fertilizer should have a water-soluble formula for rapid release. This will instantly feed nitrogen to the grass, giving it enough energy to start strong and withstand harsh weather.
Essential Tips Before Applying Winter Fertilizer
Applying fertilizer in the winter is the same as any other time of year, but there are several things to keep in mind beforehand:
Conducting a Soil Test
If the soil test indicates that the potassium levels are satisfactory, you need only apply a nitrogen fertilizer. The soil can be tested at home, or samples can be sent to a lab.
Fertilizers used in the winter typically contain high levels of nitrogen and potassium, although some manufacturers also include phosphorus. For optimal development, maintain nitrogen:phosphorus:potassium ratio of 16:4:8.
Apply Winterizer Early
Generally, you should apply it in November or earlier whenever you see the signs of winter. If you are late and December has already started, you might not get the best results.
Use Less Than Recommended
This might feel weird, but using less than recommended can save money and prevent over-fertilizing. This is a suitable option for first-time users who don’t want to mess things up.
A winter fertilizer can help your lawn stay robust by providing it with the nitrogen and potassium it requires. The grass can store food effectively, allowing it to stay alive when dormant during the winter. We included vital information on purchasing and applying winter fertilizer for the best results.