- The NPK ratio of winter fertilizers<\/a><\/li>
- Best winter fertilizer NPK for cool-season grasses\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Best winter fertilizer NPK for warm-season grasses<\/a><\/li>
- The type of nitrogen in winter fertilizers<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
The NPK ratio of winter fertilizers<\/span><\/h2>
Synthetic fertilizers have three numbers separated by dashes on their bag labels. They are the N-P-K ratio and tell you how many parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are in the product. For example, 21-0-20 means 21 parts nitrogen, 0 phosphorus, and 20 parts potassium.<\/p>
Here\u2019s what each of these important turf nutrients offers your grass when applied in the fall:<\/p>
- A small amount of nitrogen (N)<\/strong> applied in late fall keeps cool-season grasses green for longer, allows the plants to build nutrient reserves, speeds up greening in the spring, and helps the grass develop healthier roots.<\/li>
- Potassium (K)<\/strong> is essential when winterizing a lawn<\/a>. <\/strong>When <\/strong>provided in the fall to correct a deficit, it strengthens the cell walls, improves nutrient and water absorption, and reduces water loss. It increases cold hardiness and drought resistance, reducing the risk of winter kill.<\/li>
- Phosphorus (P)<\/strong> supports root development and general growth. It\u2019s also a significant water pollutant. Use a fertilizer with phosphorus only if a soil test<\/a> shows deficiency.<\/li> <\/ul>
Best winter fertilizer NPK for cool-season grasses <\/span><\/h2>
![\"Fertilizer](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fertilizer-NPK-1.jpg\")
ooddysmile<\/a> | Adobe Stock | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> John Fech, an Extension Educator for the University of Nebraska\u2013Lincoln<\/a>,<\/strong> says a good winter fertilizer for cool-season grasses should have a 1-0-1 or 1-0-0.5 ratio<\/strong>. This means looking for a product with equal amounts of nitrogen and potassium or up to two times more nitrogen (e.g., 21-0-20 or 19-2-13). <\/p>
Too much potassium in the grass leaf can sometimes increase the risk of snow mold<\/a> and diseases, so be mindful when choosing the right winter fertilizer for your lawn.<\/p>
The best way to choose a winter fertilizer: <\/strong><\/p>
- Check the lawn for signs of potassium deficiency (older leaves turn yellow then brown around the margins; visible on the entire lawn)<\/li>
- If you see any, take a soil sample and send it to the local Extension Office for a soil test.<\/li> <\/ul>
The test will return with recommendations on how much potassium to apply, and you can use them to choose a proper winter fertilizer. <\/p>
The easy way to choose winter fertilizer (if not willing to do a soil test): <\/strong>Travis Shaddox, assistant professor at the University of Kentucky, advises using a 2:1 fertilizer<\/a> (two times more nitrogen than potassium) if you\u2019re unsure your turfgrass has a potassium deficiency. This way, you add some potassium to treat an eventual deficit but not so much as to harm it. <\/p>
Best winter fertilizer NPK for warm-season grasses<\/span><\/h2>
![\"feeding](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Fertilizing-Lawn-1.jpg\")
Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> \u201cSummer-type fertilizers or winterizers containing nitrogen are not recommended for southern lawns,\u201d says Keith Collins, county agent for the LSU College of Agriculture<\/a>. He explains that stimulating fall growth with nitrogen can increase brown patch disease and winter kill.<\/p>
\u201cThe only fertilizer that should be applied in the fall is potash. Muriate of potash, 0-0-60, may be applied in September or October to provide increased cold tolerance. Apply at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For extra color on fall turf, apply a foliar iron spray. This will help extend greenness into fall,\u201d Collins says.<\/p>
Further south, in Florida, nitrogen applications are banned from June 1 to Sept. 30. To feed the hungry lawn and prepare it for winter, some nitrogen may be added in the fall. Larry Williams, an extension agent for the University of Florida<\/a>, recommends winter fertilizer with an NPK of 9-2-24, 5-2-14, 8-2-34, or 5-0-22. <\/p>
The above products have roughly a 1:2.5 to 1:4.5 ratio, with much less nitrogen than recommended for cool-season grasses and a lower risk of triggering late growth for summer grasses.<\/p>
The type of nitrogen in winter fertilizers<\/span><\/h2>
In an interview for Turfgrass Epistemology<\/a>, Dr. Eric Miltner, agronomist with the Koch Turf & Ornamentals, advises using a quick-release water-soluble fertilizer<\/strong><\/a> if applying a small amount, up to 0.5 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. <\/strong><\/p>
For late fall applications at a higher rate, Dr. Miltner recommends using a fertilizer that also includes some slow-release nitrogen, such as polymer-coated urea (PCU), to prevent off-site mobility and leaching into the water table. <\/p>
Soluble nitrogen feeds the grass until dormancy, while slow-release nitrogen shuts down during winter and stays in the soil until the spring greens up to provide food for new growth.<\/p>
FAQ about winter fertilizer<\/span><\/h2>
What\u2019s the difference between fall fertilizer and winter fertilizer?<\/span><\/h3>
The main differences between a fall fertilizer and a winter fertilizer are the time of application and the nitrogen content. Fall fertilizers are slow-release and are typically applied in early fall while the grass is actively growing. Winter fertilizers are mainly quick-release and are applied in late fall when the grass is close to dormancy.<\/p>
What are the main benefits of a winter fertilizer?<\/span><\/h3>
The main benefits of a winter fertilizer are:<\/p>
- Better fall and winter color<\/li>
- Richer nutrient reserves for winter and spring<\/li>
- More robust root, stolon, and rhizome growth in fall, winter, and spring<\/li>
- Improved cold hardiness, disease resistance, and drought tolerance <\/li>
- Earlier green-up in the spring with denser shoots. <\/li> <\/ul>
When is the best time to apply winter fertilizer?<\/span><\/h3>
The best time to apply a winter fertilizer is after the last mow of the season<\/a>. It\u2019s when the grass is still green and biologically active (making photosynthesis) but stops growing leaves and shoots and focuses on roots and nutrient reserves.<\/p>
Get it right! Call the pros to winterize your lawn<\/span><\/h2>
Winter fertilizer applications can help your lawn green up faster and healthier in the spring, but can also break your turf if you choose the wrong product. Play it safe! Hire an experienced lawn care pro with Lawn Love<\/a> to winterize your turf, sit tight, and enjoy the lush, green results. <\/p>
There\u2019s more to winterizing a lawn than the right fertilizer. Lawn Love pros can also handle the last mow of the season<\/a>, leaf removal,<\/a> yard cleanup<\/a>, and lawn aeration<\/a>. <\/p>
\t\t\t\t\t\tSources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t
<\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t- Collins, K. (2011, August 30). Fall lawn fertilization and maintenance. https:\/\/www.lsuagcenter.com\/portals\/our_offices\/parishes\/richland\/features\/horticulture\/fall-lawn-fertilization-and-maintenance<\/a><\/li>
- Fech, J. (n.d.). Winterizer lawn fertilizer. University of Nebraska\u2013Lincoln.\u00a0 https:\/\/hles.unl.edu\/winterizer-lawn-fertilizer<\/a><\/li>
- Soldat, D. (2023, March 29). Potassium fertilization affects winter disease and survivability. University of Wisconsin-Madison. https:\/\/winterturf.umn.edu\/potassium-fertilization-affects-winter-disease-and-survivability<\/a><\/li>
- Turfgrass Epistemology (2023, October 18). Late fall and winter nitrogen is applied in the Pacific Northwest.[Video]. Youtube<\/a><\/li>
- Turfgrass Epistemology (2024, April 13). Efficient potassium applications to turfgrass [Video]. YouTube<\/a>. <\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>
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- Fech, J. (n.d.). Winterizer lawn fertilizer. University of Nebraska\u2013Lincoln.\u00a0 https:\/\/hles.unl.edu\/winterizer-lawn-fertilizer<\/a><\/li>
- Collins, K. (2011, August 30). Fall lawn fertilization and maintenance. https:\/\/www.lsuagcenter.com\/portals\/our_offices\/parishes\/richland\/features\/horticulture\/fall-lawn-fertilization-and-maintenance<\/a><\/li>
- Potassium (K)<\/strong> is essential when winterizing a lawn<\/a>. <\/strong>When <\/strong>provided in the fall to correct a deficit, it strengthens the cell walls, improves nutrient and water absorption, and reduces water loss. It increases cold hardiness and drought resistance, reducing the risk of winter kill.<\/li>
- Best winter fertilizer NPK for cool-season grasses\u00a0<\/a><\/li>