What is Weed & Feed?
Weed & Feed is both a fertilizer and a weed killer/preventer all bundled into one product. Applying this singular product rids your lawn of weeds while also feeding and greening your grass. The ‘feed’ part generally improves your lawn’s ability to absorb water and adds key nutrients that promote healthy growth. The ‘weed’ part gets rid of weeds by sticking to their leaves and absorbing into the weed.
Weed & Feed comes in two basic forms, granular or liquid. Most people opt to buy a granular version because it is a bit easier to control. You can spread it by ‘hand’ (wear appropriate protection), but it is more often applied using a spreader. A spreader will allow for a more even distribution and allows you to control the flow of the weed & feed.
When to Weed & Feed
Now that you know the basics of what weed & feed is and how to spread it, it is time to learn when you should be spreading it. Some basic tips to follow are:
- Mow 2-4 days before applying your weed & feed. This ensures that weeds are actively growing and that they have some leaves back. In addition, it will allow for the grass to grow to an adequate height.
- DO NOT water your lawn for 2-4 days following application. A bit of rain is okay, but oversaturation of the weed & feed will simply wash it away and be ineffective.
- Spread the weed & feed uniformaly and avoid any flowers, vegetables or other ornaental shrubbery. Since the ‘weed’ will target any broadleaved plants even if you consider them a friend.
- DO NOT rake your lawn. This will disturb the weed & feed.
The actual WHEN of applying weed & feed is early spring. For most areas this will be the last week of March or very early April. This will set your lawn up to be aerated in the fall.
