Fertilizers

Choose the plant or crop first.

Check whether your plants are in the ground, a raised bed or containers.

Use the product label for amount, timing and application method.

Identify whether the job is feeding, starting a lawn or weed control.

Check your grass type and the product’s stated uses.

Compare coverage and label rate rather than bag weight alone.

Match the stated uses to the plants you’re feeding.

Compare the form and application instructions.

Check whether the product is fertilizer alone or a combination treatment.

Confirm the product’s intended plants and growing medium.

Check whether mixing or dilution is required.

Follow the product label for feeding amount and frequency.

Match the product to the plant.

Distinguish fertilizer from a soil acidifier.

Check soil-test information before choosing a product to change pH.

Confirm that weed control is part of the job.

Check grass type, target weeds and application directions.

Use label restrictions and timing for the exact product.