You should fertilize your lawn five times per year: early spring, spring, early summer, late summer, and fall.

Early Spring

The first application is put on around March. This application should help prevent weed grasses, like Crabgrass, from growing.

Spring

Once the lawn really gets growing, it's a good idea to add another shot of nutrients. In addition, keep a lookout for weeds. Now is the time to get them while they are small. This application is in May.

Early Summer

Around the fourth of July you should perform another application. This application will focus on getting grubs out of the lawn and adding another shot of nutrients.

Late Summer

Towards late August you should perform the late summer application. The lawn will need to get this additional application to preserve the color and thickness.

Early Fall

Fall fertilization helps the lawn rebound after the hot summer.

Late Fall

Have you ever noticed that some lawns are really green in early spring? This is because they had a fall fertilizer application. The fall fertilizer application allows the plant to store food in the roots for spring.

Holidays

For each holiday, you should apply one fertilizer application. For example, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July. Many people choose to do three applications; instead of five. If this is the case for you, holidays are a perfect way to remember all applications.

Spreaders

Two wheeled push spreaders (broadcast spreaders) are the best. They have a more uniform application than hand spreaders.

Hardware Stores and Garden Supply Stores

If you aren't sure what application is due, just buy whatever is at the store at the time. They usually do a good job keeping track of what fertilizer is needed.

Scotts - Retail Brand Fertilizer

Most hardware stores carry Scott's fertilizer products. You can sign up for an email through their website and they will email you a reminder of when and what kind of fertilizer should be applied.