Last Updated on June 7, 2022 by Mark Brian
It feels great to have a lush green and healthy turf grass. However, growing grass has many aspects to it, one of which is fertilizing. The triple 13 or 13-13-13 fertilizer is a good option for use if you are starting out. It is a balanced fertilizer that can provide all the macronutrients needed by the grass to look its best.
What is 13-13-13 fertilizer?
A 13-13-13 fertilizer has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, so it is also called N-P-K or triple fertilizer. These nutrients are important for the overall growth of a plant.
The primary function of nitrogen is to increase the production of chlorophyll and help in growth. While phosphorus aids in the development of roots. In addition, potassium regulates the flow of water and nutrients within the plants and makes them resistant to a lot of diseases.
When to Use 13-13-13 Fertilizer?
It is best to use the triple 13 fertilizer when the grass is newly seeded. The newly applied sods require a high amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium for growth. So, the 13-13-13 is a good blend to give the initial boost.
However, if the grass is already established in the garden, triple 13 may not be a good option for a fertilizer. It is because as the grass grows it needs less amount of phosphorous and more percentage of nitrogen. Moreover, a ratio of 4:1:2 can increase the grass strength and root system without damaging it.
In addition, this fertilizer can also be used for flowering plants and some vegetables. The phosphorous present in the mixture boosts flowering and may increase production.
Is 13-13-13 Good for Lawn?
There are all different kinds and types of lawns with a variety of grass types. So, it is difficult to give a collective yes or no. This is because using a fertilizer largely depends on the soil pH and what nutrients it is deficient in. Also, the type of grass and the climate play their role.
However, as a general observation, 13-13-13 fertilizer performs exceptionally well for newly seeded grass. Also, it is a quick release fertilizer, so nutrients are readily available. The only hitch is that the nutrients can run off with heavy rainfall. If that is not likely to happen any time soon then 13-13-13 fertilizer is an affordable option to consider.
On the other hand, 13-13-13 fertilizer can potentially damage the already grown grass. It is because of the high phosphorus level that is not required. So, it is best to avoid using it on established sods.
Types of Fertilizers
Fertilizers are either in granular, powder, or liquid form. Depending on their mode of action, there are three types of fertilizers.
Slow Release
Slow release fertilizers are more sustainable as they as used up by the soil at a controlled rate. Also, they are not easily washed up by heavy rains. Slow release fertilizers come in form of granules that can be spread with ease. The best thing about these is that there is almost no risk of grass burn. Some of these fertilizers even need 48 hours to sit in the lawn soil before watering it.
Fast Release
As the name signifies that fast release fertilizers are quickly used up by the grass. They are often a quick fix for making the grass greener and healthier. To be readily available to the grass, it comes in liquid form. It is quite inexpensive and gives an instant boost. However, it cannot hold on for a longer period on the lawn.
Concentrated Liquid
Another type of fertilizer is the concentrated liquid that needs to be diluted before applying to the lawn. In contrast to the fast release fertilizer, it needs to be sprayed in limited amounts. It comes in both fast and slow release forms.
What are the 5 Best Fertilizers for Grass in 2022?
Lawn fertilizers are different from vegetable or flower fertilizers as they have different requirements. For instance, applying flower fertilizer can burn the grass.
Moreover, before using any fertilizer, review your goals for the said lawn. For example. you want to use fertilizer for greener grass, to revive dormant turf, or for growing new grass from seeds.
13-13-13 fertilizer is great for applying to seeding lawn, as it has the perfect blend for growth and rooting system. Grass flourishes when it is applied in the early stages. Following are some of the best 13-13-13 fertilizers you can find:
Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food
This is the best fertilizer for lush green and stronger turf grass. Another problem that often occurs with seeding is the weeds. Scotts Turf builder makes the grass resistant and strong enough that it eliminates most of the weeds.
In addition, it protects the grass against severe heat and drought conditions in the south. This leads to better water and nutrition retention and eventually better grass. Moreover, it is a fast release particle type fertilizer that can be readily available. It can cover 5000 sq. ft. of an area with the given weight of 14 lbs.
GreenView Multi-Purpose Fertilizer
It is an ideal starter fertilizer for a lawn. The balanced formula covers all the nutrient requirements of most grass types. Moreover, it can also be used for vegetables and fruit gardens for optimum output.
GRF 13-13-13 NPK Granular Fertilizer
For those who want a natural fertilizer, GRF is a good option. It is also safe to use, along with being a slow release granular fertilizer with a longer impact. The best time to apply this fertilizer is at the start of spring before seeding. You can also apply it to established lawns in the early summer or in the fall after harvest.
Super Rainbow 13-13-13 Fertilizer
Using Super Rainbow fertilizer will give you the best quality and high yielding lawn. Its homogenous granular fertilizers are easily spread. This blend also contains micronutrients that give grass a healthy and fresh look. Moreover, it weighs around 50 pounds so it can cover a large area with just one pack.
Garden Grower 13-13-13 Fertilizer
This is another good fertilizer for grass as well as vegetables. The Garden Grower fertilizer has pelletized small grains along with lime and other small micronutrients. If you are worried that upcoming winters may undo all your hard work on the lawn, then this fertilizer is perfect for you. It can help the grass to sustain throughout the winter and even revive the winter stricken grass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of fertilizer makes grass greener?
Fertilizers containing nitrogen in a significant amount make the grass greener. Balanced N-P-K fertilizers such as 10-10-10 fertilizer or 13-13-13 fertilizer have a high amount of nitrogen. For a healthy turf, this macronutrient is a must.
How long does it take for triple 13 to work?
A variety of fertilizers such as quick release and controlled release are available on market. They claim different times taken for triple 13 fertilizer to work. Usually, it lies between 2 to 5 days after applying fertilizer to show its effect. You will notice a deeper darker green color with a flourish in the overall health of the grass.
How often can you use triple 13 fertilizer?
The best time to use 13-13-13 fertilizer is the early spring, or summer to boost the already present grass. Usually 10 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. is applied for the first time. After that, the lawn is just top dressed with 7 lbs per 1000 sq. ft.. So, this leaves a window of 8 to 10 weeks between which triple 13 fertilizers can be applied once.
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