Now, grass tends to grow at the rate of 2-3 centimeters every week. How to Apply Milorganite? Like, summer, autumn, and spring. If the space you’ll be fertilizing is particularly small, use a hand-held spreader such as the type used to spread grass seed. Set the spreader to dispense the fertilizer at rates specified by the spreader's manufacturer. On the other hand, you apply Ironite only when the grass leaves turn yellow. Created Date : … Based in the American Southwest, Bridget Kelly has been writing about gardening and real estate since 2005. This allows you to apply nitrogen fertilizers less frequently, and the slow steady release provides nutrients for up to 10 weeks. Drop spreaders are best for small or confined spaces. If you’re not careful, you could apply more nutrients than your lawn actually needs, increasing the risk of damaging your lawn and nutrient runoff. Water the soil at least 3 days before applying the fertilizer. No matter what variety of cool-season or warm-season grass you have, Milorganite is ideal for fall fertilization. In warmer areas where warm-season grasses don’t go dormant, fertilize in early-October. All this is conducted by the Metropolitan Sewerage District. 1.1 Benefits of using Milorganite; 1.2 Why should you not use Milorganite as your only lawn fertilizer? Apply 36 pounds of Milorganite per … It’s easy to remember when to fertilize by using our “holiday schedule.” In the North, you’ll want to fertilize around Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day and Thanksgiving. This creates a header strip that you’ll use to make turns when you fertilize the length of the lawn. Microbes are used to react with the sewage water. The best conditions to apply Milorganite is when the soil temperature is around 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit and when there is adequate soil moisture. Milorganite is an organic nitrogen fertilizer. of Milorganite per shrub in the root area. It is a type of fertilizer made from the dried microbes, processed through heating, with the organic matter totally digested in water. Moreover, it takes about ten weeks for the grass to fully break down the nitrogen available in one dose. Warm-season grass varieties should not be fertilized in late fall. Apply the fertilizer with a rotary spreader. It’s best to apply Milorganite to your lawn up to 4 times a year. After your grass seedlings germinate and you’ve mowed your lawn three times, apply two bags (32 pounds each) for every 2,500 square feet of grass. Always place the spreader on a hard surface, such as the sidewalk or a driveway and not the lawn when adding fertilizer to the hopper. I mentioned that I know some who apply monthly or bi-weekly and was shocked to hear Milorganite's response that you are simply wasting money when applying more than once within the 8 week cycle. Cool-Season Grass. Yes, it’s possible to apply too much Milorganite, just as it is with any fertilizer, but with Milorganite, you’re not going to face the same consequences. 3 years ago. Although applying Milorganite every month may produce a quick abundance of blade growth, you’re actually sabotaging your lawn’s future by weakening the roots. How to apply Milorganite? Yes, it’s possible to apply too much Milorganite, just as it is with any fertilizer, but with Milorganite, you’re not going to face the same consequences. You won’t have to worry about wasting it on grass that will not grow. Annual Flower Beds - Mix 3 lbs. Your yard will mostly have cool-season grasses when you live up North. I'm trying to determine if it would be worth spoon feeding Milorganite this Summer. It will protect your lawn from fertilizer burn although Milorganite is an organic fertilizer so that should not be the problem. Applying Milorganite before the rain will also save your lawn from fertilizer burn if any. The fertilizer will feed the weeds and both can damage the dormant grass. Mowed or not. Transplanted: Mix with soil at the bottom of the hole prior to inserting shrub. Manufactured by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, the fertilizer is made by treating wastewater with microbes that ingest the nutrients in the water. 213. How Often To Apply Milorganite On The Lawn? To apply fertilizer safely you’ll need to use a lawn spreader -- either a drop-type spreader or a broadcast spreader. A slow-release fertilizer is less likely to push the grass to grow too rapidly and exhaust itself. An alternative is to remove the mulch from the bed or rake back the mulch a few inches from the base of plants, apply Milorganite, work it lightly into the soil, then return the mulch. Post by TylerTNT » February 12th, 2013, 11:14 am Is there such a thing as putting down too much Milorganite? Read the labels and do the math, or better yet have a soil test taken! Yes, in addition to Milorganite, you can apply multiple fertilizers and amendments to your lawn, but you have to read all of the product labels. This is actually two questions wrapped into one: “When should I apply Milorganite?” and “How many times a year should I apply Milorganite?” The best time and how often to fertilize your lawn depends on the grass variety and local climate. You won’t have to worry about wasting it on grass that will not grow. It can, however, make spreading grass seed easier and more accurate, especially for smaller seeds, such as bermuda grass. ft. into the soil when preparing a flower bed. Put your Lawn on a Healthy Diet. The last fertilizer application in fall, the “dormant feeding,” should be done as late in the season as possible, but before the first deep freeze or snowfall. I was told that yes it takes 8-10 weeks for the fertilizer to go through its cycle. Actually the best time to apply Milorganite is before rains. Bear in mind that it normally does not require watering, however, during the dry season, watering will push the material into the soil faster. Northern, cool-season grass varieties, such as Kentucky bluegrass, Fescue, and Perennial Ryegrass, should be fertilized four times a year. bags per 2,500 sq. Water the lawn two or three days before applying Milorganite. To make sure the fertilizer reaches the grass roots, mow it lower than usual. Using a rotary spreader, it will take around 36 pounds for a 2,500 square foot lawn. Applying Milorganite before the rain will also save your lawn from fertilizer burn if any. As a great supplement enriched with iron, within days you will see a great result. 0 0. fluffernut. Applying too much fertilizer can also harm the environment. This is precisely when the microbes break down the Milorganite nutrients, making them accessible for soil consumption. The best time and how often to fertilize your lawn, Fertilize warm-season grasses with Milorganite, The nutrients in Milorganite are released slowly, Synthetic fertilizer may green-up your lawn faster. It is advised to put Milorganite not more than 4 times annually. Fertilize four times every year. You can apply it at any time. Typically the way to know when to apply fertilizer is when the bermudagrass is at least 80 or 90% green. Ensure that the hopper vents are closed and add the desired amount of Milorganite to the hopper. Is Milorganite® effective in clay soil? The folks at Milorganite suggest making that fourth application just before the soil freezes, which around here is usually after Thanksgiving. Applying Milorganite before rain is a very good practice. The product then goes through a rigorous testing process to ensure that it complies with human health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. The Ratio; Milorganite is a … As I mentioned earlier, it’s essential for Milorganite to be applied properly, so it reaches its full effectiveness. In this regard, Milorganite packaging provides pertinent information on how much of it to apply. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. (9 cups) of Milorganite per 100 sq. Milorganite Every Month. To fertilize grassy, large areas, many sports fields, golf courses and parks, use Milorganite. Check with local ordinances for fertilizer blackout dates. Don’t apply herbicides or quick release fertilizer to dormant lawns. What you will learn. When something is manufactured from wastewater, people will naturally be concerned about the product’s impact on health and safety. The Milorganite smell will wear off in less than two weeks. Annual Flower Beds - Mix 3 lbs. Final Thoughts. 1 Response. How to Apply Milorganite? Milorganite On Roses. Furthermore, an application of milorganite is capable of lasting for ten weeks, making it perfect for use in your lawn. First off, it is a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Maximum Milorganite Application. To do so, follow the steps below. Mow the lawn. Patience, my friend. Centipedegrass and Bahiagrass are the exceptions. Applying it once per month as opposed to the recommended July 4th feeding? You can also fertilize in conjunction with overseeding, which replaces fall fertilization. It won’t burn even during a drought. Please don’t apply too much fertilizer. You’ll notice your lawn greening-up faster in spring. I know there are others out there, but curious about these. If Milorganite is not permissible, are there other compliant brands of organic turf fertilizer that you can recommend? I mentioned that I know some who apply monthly or bi-weekly and was shocked to hear Milorganite's response that you are simply wasting money when applying more than once within the 8 week cycle. Apply milo and spot treat weeds. If you’re only going to fertilize once a year, fall is the best time. It encourages blade growth, but not root growth. Over application of nitrogenous fertilizers will burn the grass giving it a sickly yellow look. There’s no need to worry. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing. The main purpose of applying it is to re-green your lawn grass. To make sure the fertilizer reaches the grass roots, mow it lower than usual. As I mentioned earlier, it’s essential for Milorganite to be applied properly, so it reaches its full effectiveness. What happens if I over apply Milorganite. Re: Maximum Milorganite Application Post by andy10917 » February 12th, 2013, 10:03 pm grass uses nitrogen the same way,and does not know whether it is organically or synthetic sourced.Once in a form usable to the plants,nitrogen is nitrogen. Many home ownersmaintain gardens and landscapes around their homes. (Just be a little more careful next time. Safety. All this procedure produces sewage sludge as a byproduct. Remember that excess Milorganite applied too frequently will only end up causing more harm than good. Too much Milorganite can damage your grass by promoting weak roots, making your lawn less resistant to drought, summer heat, and winter lows. Here are three frequently asked questions and their answers. Why does it take longer to work on a lawn? These extremely high temperatures not only dry the microbes, but they also kill off pathogens. per 2,500 square feet of lawn area, for both warm- and cool-season grasses. Can I apply Milorganite before rain? To do this, mix the fertilizer with your chosen grass seeds, with a recommended 4:1 ratio (four parts Milorganite to one part grass seed). Milorganite Fertilizer Application Guide. If you live in the transition zone, where both cool-season and warm-season grass varieties may grow, depending on the local climate, it’s important to identify which grass varieties you have and fertilize accordingly. Spreader settings to use depend on the brand of spreader you are using. When flower buds form, apply an additional 2 lbs. Therefore, the formula is more eco friendly in terms of production and its effects. Thank you! It’s best to apply Milorganite to your lawn up to 4 times a year. Though Milorganite is a natural, non-burning fertilizer there are some basic guidelines for usage and application. FOLLOW-UP APPLICATION–After the third mowing of the newly seeded or sodded lawn, apply one 40-lb. Milogranite is 85% meaning that it will always have that organic smell that some people might find repulsive. Milorganite works well in clay soils, because it contains 85% organic matter by weight. Decrease the amount of Milorganite applied during your normal fertilization schedule to avoid over-fertilization. We figured for every customer that asks a question, there are likely many others who have the same question, but haven’t asked. Milorganite will green-up your lawn, just give it a little time. Wheel the spreader to the farthest end of the lawn, open the hopper and walk briskly across the width of the lawn. Applying more won’t speed things along. This means it … The extensive research conducted in the development of 40 CFR Part 503 established concentration limits of metals, as well … Because it's so late in the season, there is still fertilizer available to give the lawn an early greenup in the spring . Apply Milorganite and weed and feed fertilizer to cool-season grasses in spring, such as on or around the Memorial Day weekend. Close the hopper, move to the opposite end of the lawn and create another strip. Synthetic fertilizer may green-up your lawn faster, but for a much shorter period. The Ratio; Milorganite is a 5-2-0 fertilizer whereas the ratio for Ironite is 1-0-1. The smell will be stronger and hang around for longer if it is hot and humid. To keep the grass healthy, you can apply Milorganite 4 times a year on your lawn. When to Apply Milorganite. After clean water is pumped to Lake Michigan, the leftover microbes are heat-dried to become Milorganite. If you are looking for a lawn that perfect green, then milorganite is the ideal fertilizer for the job. Usually, we can look at as much as a 10 week time frame over which a single application of Milorganite will continue to have its impact. All Rights Reserved. Once you let your lawn go dormant, leave it dormant until the weather cools and rains return. Lawns (All types) - 36 lbs per 2,500 square feet in spring, early summer, and late summer / early fall. By using our website you are consenting to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy. These microbes breakdown the organic components in this wastewater. Milorganite is an organic fertilizer that is manufactured through sewage sludge treatment. After mowing, otherwise you may end up picking up clipping and fertilizer. When something is manufactured from wastewater, people will naturally be concerned about the product’s impact on health and safety. If so, were your results different than applying it once at bag rate around July 4th? Though Milorganite is a natural, non-burning fertilizer there are some basic guidelines for usage and application. Therefore, considering the above two factors, we can easily hypothecate that visible results will be apparent to you within about 2 weeks from the time you apply Milorganite. (Does anyone know of an early-October holiday?) Once you experience warmer weather after the cold months, it’s the perfect time to use Milorganite. A 36-pound bag of Milorganite will cover a 2,500-square-foot lawn. On the other hand, you apply Ironite only when the grass leaves turn yellow. With this fertilizer, you are assured of vibrant green grasses within a few days after application. Put on gloves for protection. The best time to feed roses (Rosa spp.) ), Milorganite Please don’t apply too much fertilizer. Her articles have appeared at Trulia.com, SFGate.com, GardenGuides.com, RE/MAX.com, MarketLeader.com, RealEstate.com, USAToday.com and in "Chicago Agent" magazine, to name a few. The best time to apply Milorganite to your lawn is within the first weeks of spring. It's time for the first application of Milorganite fertilizer for the 2017 Lawn Care Season. SEED BED AND SODDING PREPARATION–Apply two 40-lb. After the microbes are removed from the water they are dried under temperatures between 900 and 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. When and How to Apply Milorganite The frequency by which you should be fertilizing your plant depends on the plant species and the fertilizer you are using. Organic fertilizers like Milorganite are also non-burning. is in early spring, when they begin to wake from their winter dormancy. Milorganite organic fertilizer is a general fertilizer (for gardens too, not just lawns) and so you will find it available for sale. Additionally, rainfall, drought, and high temperatures do not prevent the Milorganite application. One pound of Milorganite by weight is equal to 3 cups, if measuring fertilizer by volume rather than weight. The all-purpose, non-burning formula feeds for up to 8 to 10 weeks. You also risk burning your lawn if applying synthetic fertilizer. 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Know there are others out there, but curious about these one 32 lb bag of to! To 4 times a year of questions regarding lawn fertilization work on a Healthy Diet me, but root... Will cover a 2,500-square-foot lawn evenly over the surface of the lawn an early greenup in the spring longer it!