Use a soil test to determine actual nutrient needs first

What to Do

Before buying any fertilizer, send a soil sample to your county extension lab. The test costs $15-30 and tells you exactly what your soil needs — and what it already has enough of.

Why It Works

Virginia Tech says it plainly: don't guess — soil test. Many lawns already have adequate phosphorus and potassium but homeowners apply complete fertilizers anyway, wasting money and risking nutrient runoff. Some states (Wisconsin, Minnesota) even restrict phosphorus application unless a soil test shows deficiency.

Tips

• Test every 3 years. Fall sampling is preferred for planning, but spring works too.
• Collect 5-6 samples from different areas at 3-4 inch depth, mix together, and send to the lab.
• The results will include lime and fertilizer recommendations specific to your soil.