Can I use lawn fertilizer on flowers and bushes?

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kls_01 Champaign, IL(Zone 5b) Jul 01, 2008

I have some lawn fertilizer(18-25-6) that was left here by the previous owner. I don't really care about fertilizing my grass(mainly because its violets and clover....and lord knows what else) but I was wondering if I could use it in my flower beds and on bushes? Thanks for any advice.

Kristie

Post #5189146
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nifty413 Garland, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 01, 2008

As long as there's not a weed killer in it or the label says something like "Do Not Use on or Near Desirable Ornamental Plants/Shrubs" or similar caution(s), it's probably perfectly okay. The fact that the middle number of the analysis (in your case 18-25-6) is highest is generally considered a plus for flowering plants. That number represents the percentage of phosphorous in the fertilizer. Phosphorous helps promote stem and flower production.

The main caution I can think of would be to have some knowledge of the plants you're going to be fertilizing. You'd want to be careful if you have sensitive plants or plants with delicate root systems. They could be damaged if the nitrogen (18% in your fertilizer) is primarily an ammonia-based, quick releasing type. Likewise, the amount you apply should be factored accordingly. Always safer to apply less fertilizer at a time than the opposite. Try not to let the fertilizer sit on the plants' leaves for any length of time; water as soon as possible after application.

Hope that helps! If anyone else has more advice, by all means jump in!

Post #5189497
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kls_01 Champaign, IL(Zone 5b) Jul 01, 2008

Yes, that helps a lot! It says that the Nitrogen is slow-released, so that sounds like a good thing. They're pellet type things that you're supposed to broadcast with a spreader. It says not to do it by hand....but if I was doing just a small area, it seems it would be safe to do it "by hand"(I'd wear gloves or use a scoop or something). I was thinking I could also use a little hand rake or something to distribute it more evenly if it looked like it needed. Is this a good idea? Thanks again for the help!

Kristie

Post #5189685
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nifty413 Garland, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 02, 2008

Yep, sounds like a good idea.

Happy gardening! ^_^
~n

Post #5190760
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kls_01 Champaign, IL(Zone 5b) Jul 02, 2008

Thanks, you too! :)

Kristie

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