Fall Fertilizing Tips

While a lot of people think of fertilizing lawns and gardens in the spring when they are new, don’t miss out on one of the best times to fertilize – Fall! Here in Central California it’s the perfect time to provide extra nutrients that will strengthen plant root systems and support them through the winter.

Fertilizer 101

Ever wonder what all those letters and numbers mean on bags of fertilizer? They aren’t a secret code, rather an indicator of the mix of ingredients inside so you can choose the best one for your lawn or garden needs. Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are the usual three primary components in lawn fertilizer. You’ll see them listed as N, P, or K.

NITROGEN (N) helps strengthen roots, keeps grass green, and protects it from disease.

PHOSPHORUS (P) is good for root development, health, and tolerance of cold temperatures.

POTASSIUM (K) helps protect grass and roots from cold temperatures.

Labels show N-P-K concentration using a series of three numbers. For example, a bag of fertilizer labeled 5-10-5 is comprised of 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus, and five percent potassium.

To know what’s best for you, a soil test can help determine what nutrients your lawn needs. For plants, trees, and gardens you can’t go wrong with an all-purpose fertilizer. If you think you need something more specialized, consult with a local garden expert or landscape supplier. And always follow applications directions.  

What to fertilize in the Fall

GRASS & GROUND COVER: Fall fertilizing is actually best for grass, even better than springtime. While the top growth of your grass slows or stops altogether in cooler autumn temperatures, the roots continue to grow. Fall fertilizing helps grass develop a thick and deep root system, so it can better survive next summer’s heat.

SHRUBS & TREES: Fall fertilizing gives trees and shrubs a head start in developing a strong and healthy root system before spring’s growth spurt.

ROSES: Roses, in general, are heavy feeders and need nutrients to both produce blooms and ward off diseases. Fertilize now, before winter’s pruning, with a lower-level nitrogen fertilizer to support healthy root growth.

What NOT to fertilize in the Fall

If you have azaleas and camellias, both of which grow very well here in Central California, don’t include these as part of your fall fertilizing plans. Azaleas and camellias are two plants that won’t benefit from fertilizing in fall as it will encourage new growth, delaying dormancy, which can result in plant damage during winter’s cooler temperatures.

Best fertilizer resource in Visalia

Here at Luis’s Nursery we carry a wide range of all-purpose fertilizers for lawns, gardens and all your favorite landscape plants, including:

• Organic Dr. Earth Fruit Tree Fertilizer
• Lilly Miller 16.16.16 All Purpose Lawn and Garden Food
• Green All Citrus and Avocado Food
• Green All Rose and Flower Food

And if you’re looking for something to defend against crab grass and weeds, a fall or winter application of a pre-emergent is also a good idea. We carry two great brands you can add to your list:

• Bonide Crab Grass and Weed Preventer
• Amaze Grass and Weed Preventer