A regular lawn fertilization schedule is your BEST defense against weeds, fungus, and insect damage! We recommend a lawn fertilization application AT LEAST in spring and fall. However, if your lawn is badly damaged, you may benefit from the additional fertilization recommendations listed between the spring and fall dates. The following dates are guidelines for when to make your lawn fertilization applications. Keep in mind that the weather is really what we need to go by. It can dictate an earlier or later application time.
*Try your best when applying fertilizers (synthetic or organic) to keep it on the turf as much as you can. Avoid over-spreading onto sidewalks, driveways and streets, as this leads to run off. Fertilizers with iron can stain concrete. Nitrogen and phosphorous are great for the lawn but not for our water supply.
What do the numbers on the fertilizer bag mean?
They are the ratio of nitrogen (N) to phosphorous (P) to potassium (K). Nitrogen is responsible for making turf green, phosphorous (slower-acting) promotes root development, and potassium works to feed turf and keep it strong during drought or other stressful conditions.
What’s the big difference between synthetic and organic fertilizers?
Should I choose a synthetic or organic fertilizer?
This is a decision you will ultimately need to make, but here are a few differences.
Soil Testing
If you continue to have issues with your lawn, even after sticking to a lawn fertilization schedule, it might be time to have your soil tested. The turf on top can’t do much if the soil below is horrible. Follow the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension advice in this link to properly obtain and send in soil samples.
~The Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy
Do you suggest fertilizing newly planted grass? I have placed an order of Bermuda Celebration and not sure what fertilizer to use for this type of grass and when to fertilize? Reply
Happy Gardener on 06/03/2020 at 11:15 AMHi Katherine,
very sorry for the delay in my reply. You can safely use Hasta Grow For Lawns by Medina. Just follow the directions on the label to give your lawn a good jump start. Reply
I want to purchase a yellow ribbon magnolia tree that will mature at 15′-20′. Do you have them, and can I plant one now or wait until the spring season? Reply
Happy Gardener on 08/20/2020 at 9:23 AMWe do not currently have any yellow magnolias in stock, but as far as planting any tree, fall is the absolute best time to plant trees, shrubs, woody perennials in Texas. Reply
RoseMary Castillo on 09/22/2020 at 2:56 PM What is the best fertilizer for St. Augustine grass? When should I apply it?For fall fertilizing, our Rainbow Gardens 18-6-12 is a great fertilizer that has been specially formulated for lawns in our region. Apply early to mid October. In spring, opt for our Rainbow Gardens 19-5-9 formula. More info on application times and why fertilizer is important for our lawns is found on this blog you commented on.https://www.rainbowgardens.biz/news-events/san-antonio-lawn-fertilization-guide/ Reply
Mike Flores on 01/18/2024 at 9:14 PMwhat about applying weed and feed now, in January. we have 4 days of rain coming and would like to spread it this weekend. Reply
Happy Gardener on 01/22/2024 at 12:37 PMHi Mike,
We never suggest weed and feed products. Reason being, fertilizing and weed prevention gets applied at different times in San Antonio. Organic fertilizer can get put down mid to end of February. Synthetic fertilizer gets put down mid April.
Weed pre-emergent can start to get put down end of February into March (depending on the weather), or after the second good spring rain. Reply
The optimal time to put down organic lawn fertilizer is the beginning of September. I am attaching this link about organic fertilizer so you can see why there is a difference in application timing between organic and synthetic fertilizer. October is prime time for applying synthetic fertilizer like 18-6-12. Reply
Sandra Moody on 08/22/2021 at 3:37 PM New leaves on numerous woody shrubs are turning yellow. Is this an Iron problem? Reply Happy Gardener on 08/23/2021 at 10:47 AMIt could be, but sometimes the new growth comes out a little yellow and just need a little time to progress and green up. What is your watering schedule and your soil drainage like? Are these newly planted shrubs or established shrubs. What type of shrubs and what kind of light are they getting? Reply
GardenGirl on 08/25/2023 at 12:23 PMHello! We put down 32000 pounds of topsoil on our lawn in the Spring and the St. Augustine looks great overall but there are a couple of areas that are looking a little drought stressed and one small area where crabgrass is working it’s way in. What do you recommend to help keep it all under control? With the drought, is it too early to fertilize? Thanks! Reply
Happy Gardener on 08/27/2023 at 11:45 AMOrganic lawn fertilizer like Texas Tee, Fertilome, or Medina, can be put down mid September, or you will need to wait until mid October through mid November to apply a synthetic fertilizer like Rainbow Gardens Winterizer 18-6-12. Fall fertilization can greatly help drought stressed lawns recover through winter and also gives winter protection and allows for quicker ‘green-up’ come springtime. Applying a broad pre-emergent, like Crew, mid September, as well, can offer protection against future weeds, but current needs will need to be either puller or mowed and bagged. Reply
GardenGirl on 08/27/2023 at 12:15 PM Thank you Happy Gardener 🙂 Reply Happy Gardener on 08/27/2023 at 12:22 PM Absolutely! Reply GardenGirl on 08/25/2023 at 12:24 PM And nutsedge in St Augustine! What’s the solution? Reply Happy Gardener on 08/27/2023 at 12:18 PMUgh. Nutsedge! It requires at least two doses of product and very specific timing. Here is a link to a quick answer from Neil Sperry, but it is most likely cutting it too close for effectiveness. (But….with the extended heat, could be a possibility?) Reply
Verla on 01/05/2024 at 10:32 AM My lawn is being taken over by clover or something that look a lot like that. What can I do Reply Happy Gardener on 01/10/2024 at 8:49 AMHi Verla,
Right now you will need to pull or mow the weeds. You may be able to spot treat some areas in your lawn with a post emergent wee killer but make sure you read the labels and only choose one designated for your specific type of turf. Applying yearly pre-emergent will help in preventing new weeds from sprouting. However, you must apply these at the right time of year. I am attaching our lawn care maintenance calendar and a blog about weeds for extra info. Lawn Care Calendar, Weed Blog Reply
Hi Natalie,
Main advice will have to do with lawn maintenance practices, and then I’ll offer some products for severe cases, or if you’ve tried everything already. Just keep in mind that you will most likely have to do multiple applications, and for the most part, you can control the rust with better practices in the lawn. Make sure your lawn is getting enough sunlight. If you have trees that have filled in or overgrown, it might be time for a trim to let in some more light. If you haven’t fertilized yet, now is the time through mid May (if you live in San Antonio). low nitrogen levels can be a culprit for rust developing. When you mow, bag clippings of disease grass and throw them away rather than leaving them on the lawn, and mow often taking only 1/3 of the blades of grass at each cutting. When you water, water deeply and but infrequently. Products that may be helpful are Bonide’s Captain Jack Copper Fungicide (organic), and Banner Max (synthetic). Always read the labels for safe and correct application and to know if you will need any follow up treatments and when. Best of luck to you! Reply
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