The Grass Doctor

Is there an alternative to Scotts Fertilizer with Halts?

I am looking for a cheaper version but am not sure what to look for.

Public Comments

1. The first thing you should do is get a soil sample and have it tested. Do this by mixing dirt from several areas of your lawn and getting the soil kit at Home Depot. On the fertilizer bags will be 3 numbers. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potash They represent those nutrients in that order. High nitrogen levels are ideal for lawn growth because nitrogen is the nutrient which encourages the production of lush green leafy growth. A good lawn fertilizer may or may not contain phosphorous. This nutrient encourages healthy roots, shoots and the production of flowers. Too high a level of phosphorous, can encourage the lawn to produce seed heads. Potash may or may not be needed in your area. In spring, it is often recommended that a fertilizer containing phosphorous be applied. Since phosphorous remains available in the soil for a year or more after it is applied, only one application with phosphorous is usually recommended per year. Once phosphorous has been applied, your lawn will probably only require additional nitrogen for the rest of that season. Testing your lawn is vital to give it what it needs or your paying for nothing. This pays for itself in spades. http://www.vigoro.ca/soiltest.php You enter the results right online into the interface. Personally I prefer the pellet type of fertilizer as it has less chance of burning the lawn...The BEST time to fertilize is right before a good thundershower...Listen to the weather report! To clarify..you do not need "Scotts" you do need to know how much to give your lawn though.
2. yes
3. I believe that 'halts' is for crabgrass control. I like to use milorganite for fertilizer. you apply it at memorial day, labor day and thanksgiving It usually sells for $9-15 a bag (2500 sq. ft. coverage). it is organic and will provide enough nutrients to keep your lawn looking good. If you are trying to control crabgrass, use corn gluten (sold as wow plus at www.gardensalive.com) it is also organic and probably less expensive the scotts. it also doesn't harm the environment.
4. "Halts" is used for crabgrass control. If you have identified crabgrass as a problem within your lawn, a soil sample is irrelevant. You either have crabgrass, or you don't. I am unsure as to a substitution. In Ontario (where I'm from) cosmetic pesticides/herbicides have been banned. Corn Gluten works well to prevent crabgrass and broad leaf weeds, but is only practically applied when seeding.
5. Haltz is for grassy weed control and application dates depend on where you live. Once crabgrass has germinated, it is too late. You also have to apply a granular broad leaf weed control. If you don't know what to do, hire the service out. In the end, you will spend less, have a better lawn and not have to worry. Now go drink a beer and relax.