Fertilising a South East Queensland Lawn

It’s very important to keep to a regular lawn fertilising routine in South East Queensland. Regular care will ensure that your lawn is in optimum condition and better placed to cope with diseases and weeds as well as the stresses caused by our climate.

In South East Queensland it is recommended that you avoid fertilising just before the wet season making autumn and spring, either side of the dormant winter time, the best times to give your lawn a dose of the minerals and nutrients it needs. Autumn fertilising provides nutrients to allow the lawn to keep its colour and survive through the colder months while Spring fertilising will prepare your lawn for the growing period ahead as the temperature warms. You don’t want to fertilise when the weather is too hot so these times, as well as early morning application is perfect.

Take a walk through any nursery or even hardware store and you will be overwhelmed by the various types, brands and varieties of fertiliser available. So where to start? You first need to be armed with some knowledge of your particular lawn. Firstly determine your soil type, your lawn variety (see our blog) and the current pH level of your soil (see our blog). With these factors in mind you can correctly choose the fertiliser.

Fertilisers can be categorised in many different way but overall fall into two basic types – Inorganic and Organic.

Inorganic or chemical/synthetic fertilisers are granular, pellet, liquid or powder in texture and usually spread over a large area – a little can go a long way. Liquid fertilisers though are usually not as long lasting as other forms and several applications may be needed within a one season. Inorganic fertilisers usually require watering in both before and after to avoid the potential burning of the lawn. These fertilisers are fast acting. Chemical/synthetic fertilisers can contain varying amounts of:

1. Nitrogen
2. Phosphorous
3. Potassium
4. Zinc
5. Calcium
6. Sulfur
7. Magnesium
8. Boron
9. Copper
10. Iron

Organic fertilisers are made up of naturally occurring elements and are the more natural form of fertilising. You will require a larger amount over the same area than with inorganic fertilisers but they won’t burn or harm the lawn. They have a longer positive effect on the soil and a much less negative impact on any nearby groundwater or the growth of surrounding plants . Organic products do contain a lower nutrient concentration so you will need to keep an eye on the Ph levels and health of the plants over time. These natural products contain materials such as:

1. Bat guano
2. Compost from plants, animals, minerals and seaweeds
3. Peat moss
4. Wood ash
5. Manure

Regardless of the type of fertiliser you choice to use, make sure that you read all instructions before handling and applying. This advice is for your health as well as for that of your lawn. Fertilisers can be sourced online easily at Daleys Turf. If you need any advice or tips just contact the team at Daleys Turf.