Summer Fertilizers

Summer fertilizers help support lawns and gardens through the growing season, but the right feeding plan starts with what you’re growing and how it handles the heat. For summer lawn fertilizer, grass type matters: warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass generally benefit from feeding during active growth, provided they have enough moisture. Cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass often slow down in hot weather, so heavy nitrogen applications can push growth at the wrong time. Skip fertilizing grass that’s dormant, drought-stressed or struggling through extreme heat, and follow local extension recommendations for seasonal timing. A soil test can help you choose a fertilizer with the appropriate nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium balance instead of adding nutrients your lawn doesn’t need. For actively growing lawns, a formula containing slow-release nitrogen can provide nutrients over a longer period. Follow the label’s application rate, measure your lawn before spreading and account for nutrients from earlier feedings to help prevent overfertilizing. Summer garden fertilizer needs vary by crop, soil conditions and watering routine, so give vegetable beds, flowers and container plants their own feeding plans. Tomatoes, peppers and other fruiting crops need adequate nutrients throughout the season, but too much nitrogen can favor leafy growth over fruit production. Choose a garden fertilizer based on soil test results and crop recommendations rather than assuming every planting needs the same fertilizer ratio. Container plants may need more frequent feeding because regular watering can carry nutrients out through drainage holes; follow directions for the plant and fertilizer rather than increasing the dose. Apply fertilizer during a cooler part of the day, avoid feeding wilted or drought-stressed plants and follow label directions for watering before or after application. Keep lawn and garden fertilizer off driveways and sidewalks, sweep stray granules back onto the intended growing area and avoid applications before heavy rain to help limit runoff. Steady watering, suitable mulch and sensible feeding work together to keep your summer landscape growing without treating fertilizer as a fix for every brown patch or yellow leaf.