A Guide for Selecting the Right Fertilizer for Kentucky Bluegrass

1. Source: https://www.minds.com/StoverSeed/blog/a-guide-for-selecting-the-right-fertilizer-for- kentucky-blue-912283330090438656 A Guide for Selecting the Right Fertilizer for Kentucky Bluegrass Kentucky bluegrass has become one of the most popular choices for high-quality lawns. Kentucky bluegrass has an attractive texture and has an aesthetically pleasing dark green color. However, Kentucky bluegrass will not stay like this naturally as the lawn owner has to utilize the right type of fertilizer. Fertilizers for Kentucky bluegrass provide the lawn with all of the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium it needs. These are all key elements for successful lawn growth. However, a lawn owner can’t use just any fertilizer for their Kentucky bluegrass. There is a method for

2. choosing the correct one. By choosing the right fertilizer for their Kentucky bluegrass, a lawn owner is maximizing the lawn’s growth potential and is setting themselves up for years to come. Understanding the Roles that Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Play Before purchasing a fertilizer for your Kentucky bluegrass, it is important to have a solid understanding of the roles that nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium play in the grass growing process. Nitrogen is the most important of the elements, as it affects the growth and color of the Kentucky bluegrass. Phosphorus is key for freshly seeded Kentucky bluegrass lawns. However, it is less important for well-established lawns. On the other hand, potassium is important for all types of lawns, as it helps it deal with stress. Get a Soil Test By getting a soil test done, a lawn owner can get a better sense of what their Kentucky bluegrass lawn needs. A soil test is an easy way of learning valuable information such as the lawn’s element ratio. Those that are opposed to soil testing can do it themselves, however, it is important to know the many factors for finding the element ratio for a Kentucky bluegrass lawn. Some of these factors include foot traffic, access to water, sunlight and the age of the lawn. Utilize Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer When it comes to Kentucky bluegrass or any other type of lawn, it is important to utilize slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. This is because nitrogen can be a double-edged sword for Kentucky bluegrass. Even though nitrogen helps Kentucky bluegrass grow,

3. it can burn through grass if too much of it is applied at once. By utilizing a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, the lawn will able to access the correct amount of nitrogen when it needs it. This will minimize the chance of your Kentucky bluegrass getting burned. Before investing in fertilizer for your Kentucky bluegrass lawn, it is important to know how to choose the fertilizer correctly. Be sure to have a solid understanding of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is also wise to get a soil test and to utilize slow- release nitrogen fertilizer. For all your Kentucky bluegrass fertilization needs, contact the experts at Stover Seed .