When to Fertilizer and What to Use

The holidays are a good reminder of when to fertilize.

Memorial Weekend – Fertilizer and lime.  This is time to green up the lawn with a high nitrogen fertilizer – Arctic Gro 22-11-11 and use lime to lower the pH. 

Another option is Arctic Gro 16-16-16 and  Arctic Gro prilled (pelleted) lime.

Fourth of July – by this time, the soil and ambient (air temperature) is warm enough to use Arctic Gro Weed & Feed.  With any chemical, if the air and soil are not at least 60° the active ingredient is not effective.

Labor Day -  this is the most important time to fertilize.  Arctic Gro Fall Fertilizer is formulated to strengthen the roots to help them survive the winter.  Also, it includes a bit of iron that will help give a boost of green and help with moss control.

Our fertilizer is made in the building behind the greenhouse! Yes we make it right here in Alaska specificly made for Alaskan soils and temperatures. 

Here are some tips to get you started

*Rule of thumb, don’t fertilize anything thirsty.  The plants can take up too much fertilizer when thirsty.  Water first, wait a few hours or next day to apply the appropriate amount of fertilizer then water in. Yes, fertilizer and lime can be added the same day! They should be spread separately as they are to be applied at different rates. 

Lime – 25# per 1000sqft for new lawns and 12# per 1000sqft for established lawns. Prilled or pelleted lime is the easiest to use.  Agriculture lime or flower lime is messy and only to use with a drop spreader.

22-11-11 – for established lawns

16-16-16 – balanced fertilizer for lawns, trees and shrubs

8-32-16 – for NEW – Lawn, veggies, flowers, berries etc.

Weed & Feed – should be spread when both the soil temperature and ambient (air) temperature are at least 60°.  If it is too cool (this goes with any chemical) the active ingredient will not preform.  It should be applied on a sunny day when the weeds are big.  It should stay on the lawn undisturbed for at least 24-48 hours.  Then water in, now weeds will begin to die.

Moss control fertilizer – The best way to control moss is to rake first, apply moss control, allow the moss to die, turn black or brown, then rake out any dead moss.  If you leave it in place the spores will regrow. After the dead moss is raked out, the ground should be raked well then new grass seed or patch kit to fill in the bare spots.  A shady blend may be the best seed for this customer.  Often moss grows in damp, shady places.