{"id":486,"date":"2013-04-23T09:25:16","date_gmt":"2013-04-23T13:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runningahousehold.com\/?p=486"},"modified":"2023-05-13T14:05:32","modified_gmt":"2023-05-13T18:05:32","slug":"time-put-step-1-fertilizer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runningahousehold.com\/?p=486","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s Time to Put Down Your Step 1 Fertilizer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hopefully you\u2019ve picked up all the branches, and raked your yard.\u00a0 Next, it\u2019s time to put down your step 1 fertilizer.\u00a0 There are two schools of thought when it comes to fertilizer.<\/p>\n

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  1. One method is to use straight fertilizer several times during the year.\u00a0 A lot of landscapers use this method.\u00a0 If you have weeds,\u00a0they apply a one-time weed killer in June or July.<\/li>\n
  2. Another method is to use the 4-Step Fertilizer Program.\u00a0 It is designed for homeowners to use, and takes care of fertilizing your lawn and preventing specific weeds.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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

    When to put down step 1 fertilizer<\/h2>\n

    Early Spring is the time to use Step 1 Fertilizer.\u00a0 In New England, we typically put this down around Tax Day, April 15th<\/span><\/sup>.\u00a0 A general rule of thumb is to put it down before the yellow flowers from the forsythia bushes start to fall off.<\/p>\n

    \"Forsythia<\/a><\/p>\n

    The manufacturer recommends putting this down before your 3rd<\/span><\/sup> or 4th<\/span><\/sup> mowing.\u00a0 They also recommend spreading it onto a dry lawn<\/strong><\/em>, before the temperatures are in the 80s.\u00a0 Be sure to read the label before using.<\/p>\n

    You\u2019ll want to thatch, rake and mow your lawn prior to putting this down.\u00a0 Once the Step 1 fertilizer is down, you\u00a0should not\u00a0rake for 4 months.\u00a0 Otherwise the crabgrass barrier will be broken.<\/p>\n

    The 4-step lawn program is often discounted when buying all 4 fertilizers at once.<\/p>\n

    For more details about the 4-step fertilizing program, see:
    \n    Scotts Complete 4 Step Lawn Program<\/a><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Can you use step 1 fertilizer\u00a0for new lawns?<\/h2>\n

    Don’t use this product if you just seeded your lawn.\u00a0 You’ll need to mow new grass at least 4 times before it’s safe to use this fertilizer.\u00a0 This product will also prevent new grass from growing.\u00a0 So if you need to plant grass seed, you’ll want to hold off on using this fertilizer.\u00a0 Instead, use a fertilizer like this one, designed for new lawns: Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food – Starter Food for New Grass Plus Weed Preventer<\/span><\/a>\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

    Do you need to water step 1 fertilizer?<\/h2>\n

    Step 1 fertilizer\u00a0requires water once it is spread.\u00a0 Plan to put the fertilizer down right before it rains.\u00a0 Otherwise, you\u2019ll need to water it in within 2-3 days.\u00a0 Need to water with a sprinkler?\u00a0 We use products similar to these:<\/p>\n

    Brass Sprinkler Pulsating<\/a>: We’ve tried sprinklers with a plastic spike, only to have them break.\u00a0\u00a0Sprinklers with metal spikes are more durable.\u00a0\u00a0Although they cost a little more than the\u00a0ones with plastic spikes,\u00a0they last\u00a0longer.<\/p>\n

    <\/a>\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Oscillating Sprinkler with Width Control<\/span><\/a>: While this may seem like a basic sprinkler, we love the width control feature.\u00a0 It is especially helpful if you target a specific part of your lawn.\u00a0 Just adjust the width and the water will spray where you need it.<\/p>\n

    <\/a><\/p>\n

    Nelson Three-Arm Sprinkler<\/span><\/a>\"\": Sometimes, just a simple rotating sprinkler is the right one for the job.\u00a0 This type of sprinkler delivers a gentle spray to the lawn, and this style has been around for decades.<\/p>\n

    <\/a><\/p>\n

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    How to apply step 1 fertilizer<\/h2>\n

    We 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

    <\/a><\/p>\n

    What to do if you missed the dates for Step 1 fertilizer<\/h2>\n