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csimmons222

Expert Gardener 29-0-4 Fertilizer - Worth Using?

9 years ago

I am located in NW Pennsylvania and we put in our lawn last year. I am a complete noob when it comes to lawn care. One of the local big box stores here has the Expert Gardener 29-04-4 fertilizer on sale since the season is winding down.


Is this stuff worth buying up to use on my lawn? If so, what time of year is best to use this type of fertilizer? Or I am better off buying the 4 stage seasonal fertilizer that Scott's sells?

Comments (7)

  • 9 years ago

    I'd snatch some up, it's probably perfect for fall fertilizing. Post a picture of the nutrient analysis on the back of the bag.

  • 9 years ago

    Get it now, because it might not be available in November. That is the product to use AFTER your lawn has stopped growing but before the frost and freezes send it into complete dormancy. There's a sweet spot there when this should be applied. The idea is to feed the roots without stimulating new top growth. The result will be seen in the spring when yours is the first grass to green up.

    The 4-step Scott's program was marketing genius. It might not be the best thing for every lawn, or any lawn, but it sells a lot of product. And when you have boat payments to make all year, that's what you need to do. Here's the general timing for most lawn products.

    Fertilize on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and about Thanksgiving (winterizer). You can use chemical fertilizer or organic. The application rate for organic fertilizer is always 15-20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. You can't damage anything by using too much organic.

    Herbicide: Preemergent herbicide (with no fertilizer) when the forsythia start to bloom in your neighborhood. This might be in late Feb or March. Spot spray weeds in mid April.

    Insecticide: Since the 1960s I have never used an insecticide, but if you need one, you need one. Usually it takes until July for insect damage to become visible. You don't need to apply anything unless you see the damage. Far too many people think they should apply it in June just in case. That's part of the problem with Scott's seasonal plan. Insecticide is bad for the health of the soil itself.

    Fungicide: This is another area where you should not apply it in anticipation of getting a disease. It's bad for the soil, too. But when you need something you need it. With fungal disease there is an organic solution that works for many of us. If you are interested in that then use ordinary corn meal at 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

  • 8 years ago

    Huge (29) nitrogen payload seems likely to be overkill.

  • 8 years ago

    Lol..so that a yea or nea?? I spread it on the morning..About 6 hrs ago

  • 8 years ago

    I don't think it is a problem for pets. It should be watered in, though, because the high N can burn the grass. You water enough to dissolve the product.

    I assume you are in a warm part of the country with a southern grass?

  • 8 years ago

    Bermuda LOVES this type of fertlizer I use it in june and again in august