Time of the essence when fertilizing

The best time to fertilize spring-flowering bulbs is when the foliage begins to emerge, not at flowering. Fertilizer applied at blooming is wasted because the roots begin to die when flowering begins. Roots are very active when foliage begins to appear; thus, the uptake of nutrients will aide in flowering next year.

If fertilizer has been applied in previous years, the phosphorus and potassium levels in the soil will often be adequate. However, it is best to have a soil test ran to insure proper fertilization. A complete fertilizer should be used if the phosphorus and potassium levels are low, while blood meal can be used if only nitrogen is needed.

Complete fertilizers should be used at the rate of 2.5 pounds per 100 square feet, which is about 1 rounded teaspoon per square foot. Blood meal should be applied at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 feet or 1 level teaspoon per square foot.

If turf grass fertilizers are used, the rate should be decreased by one-third.

Importantly, leave the foliage until it dies naturally as the energy in the foliage will be transferred to the bulb and help the blooms next year.

The warm-season grasses of bermuda grass, zoysia grass, and buffalo grass have a different calender for management practices than cool-season grasses like fescue.

Spot treatment of broadleaves should be done in March on a day above 50 degrees. Effectiveness will be reduced if it rains within 24 hours of application.

Crabgrass preventers can be applied when the Eastern Red cedar is in full bloom or between April 1-15. These preventers must be watered in before they will become effective.

Nitrogen fertilization should occur between May and August. The more applications made results is a deeper green color, but also create more thatch in bermuda grass and zoysia grass.

bermuda grass can be fertilized two to four times, while zoysia grass and buffalo grass should only receive one to two applications. If only one application will be made, apply in June. For two applications, May and July would be the best choices. Apply in May, June and early August for three applications, and for four applications also spread in July.

Products containing Merit or Mach 2 can be used by mid-July as a grub preventer. These insecticides are very safe and effective, but must be watered in to become active. Only if grubs have been a problem, should this step be used.

Again in late October, broadleaf sprays maybe used if broadleaf weeds are present. As with all products, use the rates recommended on the label.

More information pertaining to lawns is available from the Extension Office. Please stop by or call to request information on horticulture, agriculture or family and consumer sciences.

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Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.