{"id":119,"date":"2026-03-09T21:10:55","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T04:10:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/andyslandscape.ca\/blog\/?p=119"},"modified":"2026-03-09T21:10:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T04:10:57","slug":"how-to-fertilize-lawn-and-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/andyslandscape.ca\/blog\/how-to-fertilize-lawn-and-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginner\u2019s Guide: When and How to Fertilize Your Lawn and Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of my clients recently told me that they had never fertilized their lawn or garden plants before<\/strong>.
They asked a simple question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhich fertilizer should I use, and when should I apply it?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer I sent in an email may also be helpful for people who are new to fertilizing their garden<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lawn Fertilizer Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many different lawn fertilizers, but you don\u2019t need to make it too complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, a regular lawn fertilizer<\/strong> made for grass will work just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lawn fertilizers usually contain three main nutrients<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nitrogen (N)<\/strong> \u2013 helps grass grow green and healthy
Phosphorus (P)<\/strong> \u2013 supports root development
Potassium (K)<\/strong> \u2013 helps plants resist disease and stress<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Understanding Fertilizer Numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On fertilizer bags, you will usually see three numbers<\/strong>, such as 20-0-3<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These numbers represent the ratio of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nitrogen \u2013 Phosphorus \u2013 Potassium<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grass usually needs more nitrogen<\/strong>, so fertilizers with a higher first number<\/strong> are commonly used for lawns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many lawn fertilizers have numbers like 20-0-0<\/strong> or 20-0-3<\/strong>, where phosphorus and potassium are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For most home gardens, simply using a standard lawn fertilizer<\/strong> sold at garden stores is perfectly fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Liquid vs Granular Fertilizer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another choice is how the fertilizer is applied<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some fertilizers are mixed with water<\/strong>, while others come in granular form<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Granular fertilizer is usually easier to apply and releases nutrients slowly over time<\/strong>, which is why I usually recommend it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can buy lawn fertilizer at places like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n