{"id":1322,"date":"2019-07-08T07:25:13","date_gmt":"2019-07-08T11:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runningahousehold.com\/?p=1322"},"modified":"2023-08-04T04:03:13","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T08:03:13","slug":"time-put-step-3-fertilizer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runningahousehold.com\/?p=1322","title":{"rendered":"It’s Time to Put Down Your Step 3 Fertilizer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you take care of your own lawn? If so, you need to know when it’s time to put down your step 3 fertilizer.\u00a0 We’re here to help with some\u00a0quick tips.<\/p>\n

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are referral links, which means that if you make a purchase, there is no\u00a0extra cost to you, but\u00a0Running A Household <\/em>will receive a commission.\u00a0 Thank you for supporting our website.<\/p>\n

What is\u00a0Step 3 Fertilizer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The third lawn care\u00a0step of the year is simply fertilizer.\u00a0 This will make your lawn greener.\u00a0 In addition, it will thicken your lawn so that there is less room for weeds to grow.\u00a0 One option is to use a simple Turf Builder like this one:<\/p>\n

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Do You Know When It’s Time to Put Down Your Step 3 Fertilizer?<\/h2>\n

In New England, we typically apply Step\u00a03 around the 4th of July.\u00a0 With all of the heat, you might be a little behind on your fertilizing schedule.\u00a0 According to the manufacturer, you can apply Step\u00a03 in June, July or August.\u00a0 Be sure to wait\u00a04-6 weeks\u00a0since you applied your Step\u00a02 fertilizer.<\/p>\n

How to Apply Step 3 Fertilizer (without iron)<\/h2>\n

You can apply Step 3 fertilizer, also known as Turf Builder<\/a>\"\"<\/span>\u00a0to dry grass, or grass that is\u00a0wet.\u00a0\u00a0The job is easy when you use a\u00a0simple\u00a0Broadcast Spreader<\/a>\"\"<\/span>.\u00a0We found the Scotts broadcast spreader\u00a0easy to use for this project.\u00a0 Just set the spreader to the settings listed on the bag of fertilizer.<\/p>\n

Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

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Or for smaller lawns, consider the Scotts Hand-Held Spreader<\/a>\u00a0\"\"which you can use to apply fertilizer, grass seed, granular products like Preen weed-and-feed, or even ice melt in the winter.<\/p>\n\n

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While it is not necessary to water in Step 3, we prefer to water it in.  That way, pets and kids can return to the lawn sooner.  It also makes the grass greener just a little bit faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to apply when the temperature is below 85 degrees, otherwise the fertilizer may burn your grass.  The manufacturer indicates that if the temperature will be above 85 degrees, you can apply it to dry grass and water it in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does Your Fertilizer Contain Iron?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some of the Step 3 fertilizers contain iron.  This actually helps to keep the grass from burning during the hot summer months. <\/strong><\/em> Check the bag to confirm if your fertilizer contains iron.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Here’s an example: Scotts Step 3 Lawn Food with 2-Percent Iron, 32-0-4<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manufacturer recommends applying fertilizer with iron to a wet lawn.  They also suggest not watering the grass for 24 hours so that the iron can be absorbed through the blades of the grass.  However, if the temperature is more than 90 degrees, you will need to water after applying the fertilizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special Note<\/strong>: \u00a0According to the manufacturer, if your fertilizer contains iron, you will want to keep this fertilizer on the grass.\u00a0 Sweep up any excess left on your driveway or sidewalk, otherwise, the iron\u00a0may cause\u00a0staining.\u00a0 If you apply\u00a0this fertilizer to a wet lawn as suggested, it may also stick to your shoes, so be careful not to track it onto surfaces which may stain from the iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For more details from the manufacturer, see: Scotts STEP 3 Lawn Food with 2% Iron<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Additional articles you may enjoy on our website:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three Lawn Care Tips to Follow<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silver Maple Trees: It\u2019s a Love-Hate Relationship<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s Time to Put Down Your Step 2 Fertilizer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s Time to Put Down Your Step 4 Fertilizer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Want to keep your home running smoothly?<\/h3>\n\n\n
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