Fall is almost officially here and that means it’s time to get ready for fall fertilization. Fall fertilization improves soil quality and strengthens the roots over winter, providing better nutrient uptake, disease resistance and stronger trees. Here are 5 quick & easy steps for fall fertilization.

1. Test Your Soil

• Why: Understanding your soil’s nutrient levels and pH is crucial for selecting the correct type and amount of fertilizer. Soil tests can reveal deficiencies in essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
• How: You can purchase a home soil testing kit or send a sample to a local agricultural extension office. Follow the instructions to collect samples from different areas of your lawn or garden, mix them, and send them in for analysis.

2. Choose the Right Fertilizer

• Why: Fall is the ideal time to promote root growth and prepare your plants for winter. Fertilizers high in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) help strengthen roots and improve resilience against cold weather.
• How: Look for a slow-release or “winterizer” fertilizer labeled with a high second (P) and third (K) number, such as a 10-20-20 mix. Avoid fertilizers with too much nitrogen (N) in fall, as it can stimulate excessive leaf growth, which isn’t ideal going into winter.

3. Apply Fertilizer at the Right Time

• Why: Timing is crucial to ensure plants can uptake nutrients effectively before they go dormant in winter. Applying too early may result in nutrients being wasted; too late, and plants may not have time to absorb them.
• How: Aim to fertilize when daytime temperatures are consistently between 50-70°F (10-21°C), and around 4 to 6 weeks before the first hard frost. Check your local frost dates online or via an almanac.

4. Spread Evenly

• Why: Uneven application can lead to patchy growth or nutrient burn, where some areas are over-fertilized while others are underfed.
• How: Use a broadcast or drop spreader for a lawn, ensuring to overlap passes slightly for even coverage. For garden beds, use a hand spreader or scatter granules by hand, lightly raking them into the soil afterward. Make sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling fertilizers.

5. Water the Fertilizer In

• Why: Watering helps dissolve the fertilizer granules and ensures the nutrients reach the plant roots where they are needed most. It also prevents the fertilizer from sitting on the surface, where it could burn grass or plants.
• How: After applying fertilizer, water your lawn or garden with about 1/2 inch to 1 inch of water. If rainfall is expected, you might skip this step, but ensure that the fertilizer gets adequate moisture within a day or two of application.

By following these steps, you can give your plants the nutrients they need to stay healthy through winter and emerge strong in the spring.