It may seem a little counterintuitive to most people to fertilize in the Fall; however, Fall fertilization is extremely important for providing the proper nutrients to your plants for an even more impressive Spring. Your yard and plants are soon going to be heading into dormancy and you are probably looking forward to lower maintenance with the cooler months. Well, as you see things slowing down above ground, there is a lot happening down below.

During the spring and summer months, photosynthesis is happening at a fast rate because the sun is shining longer and hotter. This is causing your turf and plants to push new growth and blooms. During the spring and summer, you may be using a higher nitrogen fertilizer to help capture more of the benefits of this process. As Fall approaches, the plants biological process changes and they shift their focus from the pretty stuff happening above ground to the essential stuff happening below ground. You see, photosynthesis is still occurring, but not at the rate it was during the longer days. The plant has a surplus of nutrients that it does not need to devote to top growth, but can allocate toward its critical root system. This is the time of year, we as homeowners and landscape professionals, can capitalize on pushing root growth (in both thickness and depth) and helping the plant store nutrients for spring. Stronger, longer roots help with plant stability and drought tolerance. Stored nutrients mean that your turf and plants will be ready to flush at first signs of spring and also have a higher disease resistance.

So, what should you look for in a “winterizer” or Fall fertilizer? Since the growth of the plant is slowing down, you don’t need as high of a nitrogen content (the N in the N-P-K on the bag). The nitrogen source the winterizer has should be labeled as “slow-release”, “time released”, or water insoluable (WIN). Look for a product with higher phosphorous and potassium (the P & K in N-P-K on the bag). Both macronutrients help with root growth, bloom production (when spring returns) and disease resistance.

A great fertilizer for your landscape plants in the Fall would be our NatureStar Natural Flower and Garden Food. With its slow-release natural nitrogen sources and balanced ratio of N-P-K, it’s a safe way to feed. Fall is also a great time to enjoy the benefits of a home garden that offer delicious and decorative vegetables. Try our NutriStar Vegetable Garden Fertilizer to have the most bountiful harvest on the block. Oh, and don’t neglect your potted plants and annuals either. Colorstar for flowering plants was made originally for pansies and you’ll wow your neighbors with the size, color, and quantity of blooms on all your flowering plants when using Colorstar for flowering plants.

If you are uncertain of the type, amounts, or how to apply your fertilizer, consult your local independent nursery professional or call the Nelson Plant Food experts. Remember that a good fertilizer application in the Fall is really setting your turf and landscape plants up for success in the spring!

All the best for Fall success,

The Nelson Plant Food Team