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FERTILIZE APPROPRIATELY GUIDANCE


How and what to buy

  • Get soil test and base fertilizer purchases and application on results.
  • Calculate area to be fertilized before you purchase fertilizer, so you know how much to buy.
  • When irrigating with reclaimed water, adjust your fertilizer rate to take nutrients in the water into account.
  • Always read fertilizer label to determine content.
  • Do not use combination products like “weed and feed”. These contain fertilizer and pesticides.This broadcast application of a pesticide is not Florida-Friendly.
  • Follow UF/IFAS fertilizer recommendations for fertilizer products.Consider using controlled release products.
  • Palms should be fertilized with a UF/IFAS recommended palm special product.

How to Apply

  • Be sure that any professional applying fertilizer has their Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certificate issued by FDACS.
  • Use a broadcast spreader, not a drop spreader, with an operational deflector shield to apply fertilizer to turf areas.
  • Calibrate your fertilizer spreader so you know how much you are applying.
  • Sweep grass clippings, fertilizer and soil from driveways and streets back onto the lawn.
  • If you spill fertilizer on the lawn, sweep it up.
  • Never fertilize within 10 feet of any water body.
  • Store unused fertilizer in a dry area separate from pesticides, fuel, and solvents.
  • Always follow important safety and application instructions.

When to Apply