Dear Seasoned Spade,
I’ve got a lawn that’s looking more like a jungle than a backyard, and I’m ready to tackle it. I need to mow it, but it also desperately needs fertilizing. Is it okay to do both on the same day, or should I space them out?
Mowing in Madison, Mike
Hi Mike,
Ah, the classic conundrum: you’re standing there with your trusty mower in one hand and a bag of fertilizer in the other, asking yourself, “Can I just knock out both of these jobs in one fell swoop?” It’s a tempting idea—get everything done at once and reclaim your weekend. But, as anyone who’s ever tried to multitask knows, some things just aren’t meant to be juggled. So, let’s break it down. Should you mow and fertilize on the same day, or is that a recipe for lawn disaster? Grab your gardening gloves—this might get a little dirty.
Mowing and Fertilizing: A Tale of Two Tactics
First, let’s talk about why this question is even a thing. Lawn care enthusiasts everywhere have tried this combo move, hoping to save time. And who can blame them? It’s like when you think you can skip your morning coffee and your morning workout to get ahead of the day—and we all know how that turns out (spoiler: no one wins). The reality is that mowing and fertilizing on the same day is something of a lawn care gamble. But, like all good gardeners, we’ll figure out how to make it work without landing on the losing side.
The Plan of Attack: How to Mow and Fertilize Like a Pro
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of it. First of all, yes, you can mow and fertilize on the same day—but with a little prep work. Here’s the secret: don’t mow and fertilize back-to-back. You’ve got to give your lawn a little breathing room between the two.
Start by mowing first, but not in the middle of a heatwave. You’ll want to mow when the grass is dry, as wet grass can leave clumps that just look sad and smell worse. Plus, mowing after a heavy dew or rain can ruin the grass. So, make sure your lawn’s had time to dry off. The mower will cut cleaner, and you won’t end up with a shaggy mess.
After you’ve made your lawn look sharp, it’s time to give it a little treat—fertilizer. But wait! You can’t just throw fertilizer on willy-nilly. You need to follow the instructions like it’s a recipe for your favorite dish. Too much fertilizer can burn your grass faster than a toddler at an all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet. So, apply your fertilizer with care—early in the morning or in the evening when it’s cooler, giving the nutrients a chance to settle in.
A quick pro tip: if you’re using a granular fertilizer, water it in after application. This helps the nutrients reach the roots. If you’re using liquid fertilizer, water the lawn first to ensure the grass isn’t too dry to absorb it.
Keep the Dream Alive
I know, I know—it sounds like a lot of work. But here’s the deal: you can totally have the lush, green lawn of your dreams. It just takes a little patience, a little planning, and maybe a second cup of coffee. And if you slip up and do both on the same day anyway? Don’t worry. The lawn will survive—probably a lot better than your ego will after you forget to wear sunscreen.
At the end of the day, the key is balancing timing and technique. Fertilizing right after mowing can work, but it’s all about spacing out your efforts just enough to get the best results. Keep it up, and soon you’ll be the one giving the neighbors a little lawn envy.
Seasonedly yours,
The Seasoned Spade
