For gardening enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like stepping out onto a lush, green, weed-free lawn. However, achieving such a lawn can be challenging. After harsh winters, many lawns can look less than ideal. Before you rush to the garden centre or feel discouraged, here’s everything you need to know about using weed and feed products to revive your lawn.
What is Weed and Feed?
Weed and feed products are designed to fertilise your grass while controlling weeds simultaneously. They save time by eliminating the need to perform these tasks separately. Typically, these products combine fertiliser and herbicide: the fertiliser promotes healthy grass growth, while the herbicide selectively targets and controls undesirable weed growth.
When Should I Weed and Feed My Lawn?
Timing is crucial for effective lawn care. Applying weed and feed too early might miss the weeds that haven’t started growing yet, making the treatment ineffective. Conversely, applying it too late can deprive your grass of the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. The best time to apply weed and feed is early spring, around the same time you give your lawn its first trim of the season.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Applying weed and feed just before rain can wash away the herbicide, rendering it ineffective. If an unexpected downpour occurs shortly after application, avoid reapplying to prevent overfeeding your lawn, and apply a separate selective herbicide application.
How Often Should I Weed and Feed My Lawn?
Generally, gardeners apply weed and feed in April and then again in September or October. However, the frequency depends on the specific product you’re using, and the climatic conditions that prevail. Each manufacturer provides different instructions, so always refer to the product label for the best results.
Tips for Successful Weed and Feed Application
Even with ideal weather and timing, things can still go wrong. Here are some tips to increase your chances of a successful application:
- Apply weed and feed when your grass is actively growing
- Lightly moisten your lawn with irrigation or a sprinkler before application.
- Avoid watering your lawn for at least 48 hours after application.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What is the Best Weed and Feed for Lawns?
If your lawn is plagued by weeds and moss, a weed, feed and mosskiller product can help. However, not all products perform equally well. Some may be excellent for promoting grass growth but less effective at controlling weeds and moss, while others might excel at weed and moss control but fail to nourish the grass. If in doubt speak to the supplier.