Fertilizer timing matters more than fertilizer brand. Here is when to feed your Middle Georgia lawn for the best results throughout the year.
The most common fertilization mistake in Georgia is applying at the wrong time. Fertilizing dormant grass feeds weeds. Fertilizing during drought stresses the plant. Fertilizing too late in fall pushes tender growth that freezes. Even the best fertilizer applied at the wrong time does more harm than good. Your grass type and the season dictate everything.
Bermuda is the most common grass in Middle Georgia and responds well to nitrogen. Start fertilizing in mid-April once the lawn is fully green. Apply every 6 to 8 weeks through September. Use a slow-release nitrogen source to avoid burn and reduce surge growth. Bermuda can handle 3 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet over the entire growing season.
Centipede and St. Augustine need far less nitrogen than bermuda. Over-fertilizing centipede is one of the fastest ways to damage it. Start feeding centipede in late April or early May and limit total nitrogen to 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet for the entire season. St. Augustine can handle slightly more but still needs a lighter touch than bermuda.
Stop applying nitrogen 4 to 6 weeks before the first expected frost in your area. For Middle Georgia, that means the last nitrogen application should be no later than mid-September. A final potassium-heavy application in early October hardens the grass for winter without promoting new growth.
Common questions
No. Warm-season grasses are dormant in winter and cannot absorb nutrients. Winter fertilization feeds weeds and wastes product.
Fertilizing before your grass is actively growing feeds cool-season weeds and can cause nutrient runoff. Wait until the lawn is fully green.
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