Lawn care is a task that involves proper planning and execution. Be it a seasoned gardener or novice, it’s important for all to know about the ways to care for the lawn, especially if your lawn has centipede grass. Fertilizer is one of the key components to maintain lush green centipede grass. There are various fertilizer options available, which creates confusion; hence, gathering knowledge about the different fertilizers, the features of centipede grass, and many more is a must. This blog primarily focuses on one of the best fertilizers for centipede grass.
Understand the Key Features of Centipede Grass
Centipede grass is one of the most preferred grasses of homeowners owing to its low-maintenance and lush green appearance. It adapts to warm and humid climates and has strong resistance to pests and diseases, which is the key reason for a lush green lawn. It has a medium texture and soft feel underfoot.
Nutrients That Centipede Grass Needs
It’s important to know the reason why fertilizer is essential for centipede lawn grass. Here is the list of the nutrients that these grasses need to thrive:
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Nitrogen
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Iron
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Sulfur
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Potassium
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Manganese
| Notes | Avoid using fertilizer rich in phosphorus because centipede grass doesn't handle phosphorus. |
Tips to Consider When Fertilizing Centipede Grass
Though centipede grass is considered a low-maintenance grass, it requires fertilizer with pounds of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. once a year in early spring. Here are some of the tips to consider before fertilizing the grass:
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Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring to keep a check on weed growth. You should plan for a slow-release hybrid fertilizer, as centipede grass is prone to pests and diseases.
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Dethatching the lawn is a must because excess nitrogen content in fertilizer causes thatch growth, which reduces the effectiveness of herbicides.
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Water the grass at least one inch a week, and the best time of watering is 9 PM to 10 AM, as it reduces the moisture loss and also prevents fungal growth on the grass.
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Aeration is much needed because it helps the fertilizer to seep deep into the root system. Aerate the lawn annually.
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Maintain a balanced soil pH to improve the soil quality and help it grow strong.
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Check the composition of the fertilizer and then apply it as per the requirement.
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A soil test is essential because centipede grass needs a soil pH of 5 or 6. In case the soil pH is low, you can increase the pH level by adding lime.
Top Lawn Fertilizer for Centipede Grass
1. Simple Lawn Liquid Fertilizer
Simple Lawn Solutions 15-0-15 Liquid Fertilizer contains the essential nutrients that centipede grass requires to grow and remain lush green. It contains humic acid, which the soil needs to retain nutrients. It protects grass from pests, extreme weather, and diseases, and helps plants handle stress resulting from drought. It is easy to use because it is available in a ready-to-use spray bottle. It is available in liquid form and contains organic ingredients like seaweed. It can be bought online on Amazon or Walmart.
It is available in a packet size of 32 oz and can cover an area of 3,200 sq. ft.
2. Ferti-Lome Centipede Lawn Fertilizer
Ferti-Lome Centipede Lawn Fertilizer 15-0-15 is meant specifically for centipede grass with a 15-0-15 NPK ratio. This fertilizer provides iron, which boosts green grass growth and prevents yellowing of grass blades. It also helps keep pests and diseases away from the lawn. It should be applied in the spring. It is available in granules that slowly release nutrients. It can be bought online on Amazon or Walmart.
It is available in a packet size of 20 lb and can cover an area of 5000 sq. ft.
3. Safer Brand Lawn Fertilizer
Safer brand lawn restore natural fertilizer is categorised as an organic fertilizer for spring. The nitrogen content of the fertilizer helps improve the lush green lawn color and protects it from weather damage. It is preferred by homeowners, especially those with pets and kids, because the lawn can be used immediately after the fertilizer application. It is available in granules, which slowly release nutrients. It can be bought online on Amazon, Home Depot, or Walmart.
It is available in a packet size of 20 lb and can cover an area of 5000 sq. ft.
4. Scotts Turf Builder
As the name suggests, Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food is best suited for homes built in the southern part of the country. This is because Scotts Turf Builder is specially formulated for southern climates and warm-season grasses. It ensures that the roots remain deep and protected from heat and drought. The best time to apply the fertilizer is early summer or spring. It is available in granules and releases nutrients slowly, but it is not organic. It can be bought online on Amazon, Home Depot, or Walmart.
It is available in a packet size of 14.06 lb and can cover an area of 5000 sq. ft.
5. Ferti-Lome Centipede
Ferti-Lome Centipede Weed and Feed 15-0-15 is one of the best fertilizers for centipede turfgrass, which comes with a weed killer. It is known to provide balanced nutrients to centipede turfgrass for a healthy and visually appealing look, and it also controls around 200 broadleaf weeds. This synthetic fertilizer is used for soil with an iron deficiency. It is available in granules and releases nutrients slowly.
It is available in a packet size of 20 lb and can cover an area of 5000 sq. ft.
