If you’re a homeowner who’s interested in gardening, you may be thinking of using milorganite. Milorganite is a type of fertilizer that is commonly used on lawns. If you’re looking to create a healthy lawn with thick, lush grass, you may like to use milorganite to fertilize and encourage new growth. Having a nice yard is appealing to most homeowners as it gives them an outdoor space where they can relax or play soccer with the kids.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about milorganite, including what it is and when you should use it.
What is Milorganite?
Milorganite is a fertilizer that’s produced in Milwaukee using treated sewage. It’s a natural fertilizer that is excellent for lawns and contains 85 percent organic ingredients. The product isn’t allowed to be certified as an organic product as it’s not totally organic and, therefore, can’t be used to commercial grow organic products. Milorganite isn’t a compost, but can be added to compost to fertilize plants and grasses.
Many people prefer using Milorganite, rather than chemical fertilizers as it releases nutrients slowly. This means that more of the nutrients will be absorbed by the plants and will stop excess nutrients from draining into waterways and contaminating groundwater. Milorganite is a slow-release fertilizer that contains nitrogen and is beneficial for lawns.
The use of organic materials means the fertilizer won’t burn plants if it’s overused as a chemical product would. Chemical fertilizers give plants a quick chemical boost, which may make them grow quickly for a limited period. Natural fertilizers, on the other hand, are absorbed by microbes in the soil that digest the nutrients. These nutrients are then slowly delivered to the plants over the next two or three months. The nutrients will stay in the soil and improve its condition. This helps the plants to thrive and optimizes the growing season.
When to use Miloganite
Milorganite is commonly used in parks, golf courses, and gardens to fertilize large, grassy areas. It can also be used by homeowners to improve the health of their yards. Milorganite can be used anytime during the growing season. It’s safe to use and doesn’t contain any chemicals or other ingredients that will burn the grass. As one application of Milroganite can last a few months, it’s most commonly used in the spring to encourage new growth.
You can use Milorganite at any time as it won’t be affected by high temperatures or drought. It won’t be washed away by rainfall. This type of fertilizer doesn’t need to be watered in. However, it is a good idea to water your grass during the dry season as this will help the nutrients get into the soil faster. Many professional gardeners recommend using Milorganite fertilizer four times a year, as this will help to keep your grass healthy year round. If your grass is turning yellow, you’re probably overusing it.
Warm season grasses
If you have warm season grasses, including Zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine, Bahia, or Centipedegrass, it’s a good idea to use Milorganite in the spring as this is when the turf will come out of dormancy. You should use approximately thirty-two pounds of Milorganite per 2,500 square feet of lawn. Milorganite can then be applied again at the end of May, around labor day, and in early October.
Cold season grasses
If your lawn is made up of cold season grasses, you’ll need to follow a slightly different fertilizing timetable. The application of Milorganite can be spread out more evenly throughout the year. Cool-season grasses include Perennial Ryegrass, Fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass. You can use 32 pounds of Milorganite per 2,500 square feet at each application.
It’s a good idea to fertilize cold season grasses at the end of May and then on the fourth of July. As a rough guide, you can then fertilize your lawn around labor day and Thanksgiving.
If you’re unsure whether you have cold or warm season grasses, you should consider where you live and the climate. People in the north of America generally have cold season grasses while those in the south have warm season grasses.
Fertilize new lawns with Milorganite
Milorganite can be used to fertilize a new lawn as it grows. Before planting your grass seed, you should mix it with the topsoil. This will help add nutrients to the soil and encourage the new grass to grow.
After your grass seeds have grown and you’ve been able to mow your lawn three times, you can use Milorganite again to help the lawn establish itself and thrive.
Before you use Milorganite, you should read the instructions on the back of the bag and work out how much you will need. The fertilizer is most effective when used in the correct dose.
Is Milorganite safe to use?
Milorganite has been approved for home gardening by the Environmental Protection Agency and is also commonly used by commercial gardeners. It isn’t toxic to humans or pets as the sewage has been treated during manufacture.
Milorganite is thought to contain traces of pharmaceuticals and has a relatively high iron content. It can cause an upset stomach or vomiting if eaten, so it should be kept out of the reach of pets and children.
Microbes are heat-dried, which makes them safe to use on your gardens and free of pathogens. Milorganite is a safe fertilizer that’s used by millions of homeowners across the US.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to transform the look of your lawn, Milorganite is a fantastic product. It’s an organic nitrogen fertilizer with high iron content, allowing grass to grow thick and dense.
Milorganite will feed your grass and make it appear greener. As it’s not a chemical compound, it won’t burn your grass. The fertilizer can be used after you’ve overseeded your lawn or before planting grass seeds, as it helps to encourage growth and keeps your lawn looking healthy. You may even find that your neighbors envy your well-kept lawn.