Plant Nutrients Tips

A healthy, green lawn starts from the ground up. Providing your lawn with the right nutrients is essential, especially in South Australia’s dry, nutrient-poor soils. Understanding how to feed your lawn properly and manage its water needs will keep it strong, drought-resistant, and vibrant throughout the year.

Your lawn relies on key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow thick, healthy, and green. In South Australia, where soils can often be sandy or low in nutrients, feeding your lawn correctly is even more important.

• Apply Fertiliser Seasonally Fertilise your lawn in early spring to encourage strong growth and again in autumn to strengthen the roots for the cooler months.
• Use a Balanced Lawn Fertiliser Choose a slow-release fertiliser that contains nitrogen for leaf growth, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall health.
• Don’t Over-Fertilise More isn’t always better. Over-fertilising can burn your lawn and lead to excessive growth that requires more mowing and water.
• Test Your Soil South Australian soils vary, so it’s worth testing your soil to understand which nutrients it may be lacking. This ensures you’re applying the right products for your specific lawn needs.

Water Needs and Drought Protection Tips

In South Australia’s dry climate, using water wisely is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn. Smart watering habits and drought protection strategies can make a big difference, especially during water restrictions or extended heatwaves.

• Water Early in the Morning Watering before the heat of the day reduces evaporation and ensures more moisture reaches the roots where it’s needed most.
• Deep, Less Frequent Watering Water deeply but less often to encourage your lawn’s roots to grow deeper, making them more drought-resistant.
• Use Wetting Agents South Australian soils can become water-repellent, especially sandy ones. Applying a soil wetting agent can help water soak in evenly.
• Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn Mulching your clippings can help conserve soil moisture and provide a natural source of nutrients.

Lawn Nutrients Tips

Lawn nutrients aren’t just about fertilisers—good mowing habits, organic matter, and soil health all contribute to a well-nourished lawn. Here’s how to keep your South Australian lawn naturally rich in nutrients.

• Mulch Mow Whenever Possible Returning grass clippings to the lawn as you mow provides nitrogen and helps maintain soil moisture—perfect for dry South Australian summers.
• Incorporate Organic Matter Aerate your lawn and top-dress with organic compost to improve soil structure, boost nutrient levels, and encourage healthy microbial activity.
• Use Lawn-Specific Fertilisers Lawn fertilisers have the right balance of nutrients for grass—avoid using garden plant fertilisers, which can upset the nutrient mix your lawn needs.
• Feed According to Grass Type Different grasses have different nutrient needs. For example, Buffalo lawns need less nitrogen than Kikuyu lawns, which are fast-growing and more nutrient-hungry.