Fall Fertilizing

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By George Ayres
Texas Department of Agriculture
September 2010

Since we often have such long, hot summers here in Texas, we're usually faced with a couple of difficult gardening questions: How do we keep our plants alive during the heat wave? And when the heat finally subsides, how do we rejuvenate our landscapes?

A fertilization program should include timely fertilizer applications in amounts and formulations that meet the requirements of your lawn. Excessive nitrogen applications stimulate production of leaves and stems, and increase the mowing requirements. Higher water requirements, increased thatch and increased susceptibility to insects and diseases also result from excessive application of nitrogen.

"Fall fertilization is the key to prolonging fall color and promoting early spring's recovery of lawns," said Dean Nelson, owner of Nelson Plant Food. "It also helps to produce a dense turf, which resists winter weeds."

Fertilizers used in the fall should be high in nitrogen and potassium, and low in phosphorus. Grass fertilized in the fall with nitrogen and potassium has shown greater survival during winter months and faster spring recovery than grasses fertilized with high phosphorus materials in the fall.

Mulch holds in moisture around your plants while also fending off weeds that are eager to takeover. If you don't yet have mulch in your flowerbeds, now is the time to add it. Also, remember not to water in the heat of the day or in the evenings because in cooler evening temperatures water on your plants can cause fungus. If you water in the early morning, it conserves water because it allows plants a chance to absorb moisture and prevent excessive evaporation. This schedule also gives your water bill a slight break!

Planting appropriate summer plants and fertilizing properly is crucial to maintaining a stellar looking summer lawn. Texas produces many types of fertilizers for all your landscape needs, whether to increase number, size and quality of the blooms, or stem growth.

When applying fertilizer, avoid doing it in the heat of the day, which increases the chance of burning your plants. Also, water thoroughly after every application of fertilizer and continue feeding your turf and flowers throughout the summer. Heat can sometimes cause stress on your plants, and the last thing you want to do is to have your plants be deficient in much-needed nutrients.