When Should I Fertilize?

Though many plants in the garden benefit from fertilizing in
late summer, the type of fertilizer we use needs to be
altered. Here are some tips on fertilizing in August:

LAWNS

There’s time to get one last application of high nitrogen lawn fertilizer on to produce lush, healthy blades of grass. Turf Revolution’s Green Revival 8-1-6 is meant for summer heat. It’s 100% organic and non-burning. With slow release nitrogen and added micronutrients, sulfur and magnesium, it will keep your lawn a beautiful dark green colour.

Your last application of lawn fertilizer should be no later than August 15th. After, you should switch to a lawn fertilizer with a high middle number (i.e. 20-27-5) that encourages good root development for the fall.

TREES & SHRUBS

In August, we want to ensure we promote a strong root system. High nitrogen fertilizers (first number) are not recommended; if lots of lush, new growth is produced late in the season, it will not have enough time to ‘harden off’ prior to our heavy frosts. This can result in a high amount of winter damage to your trees and shrubs.

Plant Prod 20-20-20 is suitable as an all around fertilizer and Plant Prod 15-30-15 is good for flowering trees and shrubs. These two fertilizers should only be applied on established plants and not later than the middle of August.

Turf Revolution’s Trees ‘n Shrubs 6-1-6-2S contains sulfur to help produce the protein and chlorophyll necessary to maintain the colour and vigor of your trees and shrubs. It is slow release and will provide nutrients and minerals to the plant in fall and early spring.

ANNUALS & VEGETABLES

Annuals still need constant nutrition to promote buds and blooms. Your container plants have worked hard all summer, and may tend to look a little ‘tired’. If you continue fertilizing, you’ll be rewarded with buds and blooms right up until frost. A high phosphorous fertilizer such as 15-30-15 is perfect.

CIL Garden Fertilizer 8-8-8 is granular and is great for vegetables, ensuring plants reach their maximum yield potential. A 7kg bag covers 376 sq. ft.