Why You Should Fertilize Before Watering | Top Benefits

Fertilize before watering your trees, shrubs, vegetables, or fruit trees. When you water after you fertilize, it will start to release the nutrients in the fertilizer into the soil. If you are adding fertilizer to your lawn, make sure you water it in well to prevent the lawn shoots and new leaves from burning.

How Soon to Water Your Garden After Fertilizing

You should water your garden straight after fertilizing. This will help to release the nutrients, prevent leaf or root burn and stop it from blowing away in the wind. Even when I apply liquid fertilizer, I will water it in with a watering can or hose straight away.

The amount of water that you add with liquid fertilizer is not enough to give the plant a deep water. Watering after adding liquid fertilizer will also help to dilute the fertilizer in case you accidentally added too much. Organic liquid fertilizer is a gentle option and will lower the risk of root and leaf burn. Watering it in will make it sure that there is no risk of damage.

Fertilizing Your Garden After Rain

Fertilizing your trees, vegetables and shrubs after rain also has its benefits. The soil will be well hydrated and will help to prevent root burn. It is best to still water your fertilizer in a small amount after adding it, even after rain. This will help to allow the fertilizer to start to release nutrients into the soil.

​Water established plants around the root zone and over the feritlizer. For lawns it is best to turn on irrigation, use a sprinkler or shower head attachment on your hose.

I will add a fish emulsion or liquid fertilizer and seaweed solution monthly to my vegetables, trees, and shrubs. I also add slower release, pelletized chicken manure every season, to keep my garden growing well. I like to sprinkle it around the base of the plant, but keeping it 1-2 inches away from the main stem. Water it in with enough water to see the fertilizer granules start to break up. Avoid adding fertilizer during the winter months as your plants and lawns will start to slow their growth and will not need the excess nutrients.

When I plant out new vegetables, I will always add some pelletized chicken manure to the soil and dig it in as well as compost and worm castings if I have them. I replant my vegetable garden fully twice per year, in spring and fall the garden will have extra fertilizer added at these times. Between this I will add organic liquid fertilizer monthly or whenever I remember.

Adding too much fertilizer can burn the roots so make sure you check the pack and follow the instructions. Start with small amounts and add more a few weeks later if your plants need it. The best time to add fertilizer is early spring. A balanced organic fertilizer will give your plants a range of nutrients to help them to establish new growth, stems and flowers.

Watering After Applying Liquid Fertilizer

Always water plants after applying liquid fertilizer. I live in a warm area, so it is a good opportunity to give the plants a good water. If I only add the amount of water needed to mix up the fertilizer, it will not be enough to give the plant a deep water. Shallow watering can encourage roots to stay near the surface, so trees and shrubs won’t develop the deep root system that will help support them in the long term.

Top Tip:  Don’t add too much water after applying liquid fertilizer as you may cause it to run off and it won’t help the plant. If you are using an inorganic fertilizer, then the runoff can reach drains and waterways and be damaging to the environment.

Applying liquid fertilizer before rain

You can add liquid fertilizer to the plants before rain. If you are certain it will rain in the next hour or so, you can add a liquid feed to your garden which will be watered in by the rain. The only time you shouldn’t add liquid fertilizer to your garden beds before rain is if you live in a tropical area or if the rain is going to be very heavy. This will just wash away the fertilizer from your plants.

Fertilizing Lawn When it’s Wet

If you are using non-organic granular lawn food it is best not to fertilize your lawn when it is wet. If you are using liquid or organic fertilizers, you can fertilize your lawn when it is wet but it is best to water it in afterwards so it doesn’t sit for too long on the lawn shoots.

Granular Lawn Food

It is best not to fertilize your lawn with granular lawn food when it is wet. Non-organic fertilizers can stick to the leaves, which can activate the granules and burn your lawn. You may see the lawn turn yellow or brown on the tips. To solve this, you will need to make sure you water the fertilizer in and wash the granules off the leaf blades.

Liquid Fertilizer

You can add liquid fertilizer when the lawn is wet. The only exception is if you have heavy clay soil. The fertilizer may sit on the surface of the soil and run off into drains and waterways. It is best to wait until the conditions are dryer to use liquid fertilizer on your lawn.

Organic Fertilizers – Compost, fish emulsion and liquid seaweed tonic

Organic fertilizers can be applied to lawn when it is wet. These are a great choice as they are a mild fertilizer, that is easily absorbed by your lawn and is less concentrated that synthetic fertilizers.

You can top-dress your lawn with an organic compost mix by simply raking a thin layer over the top. To help the compost to reach the soil and roots, prick the lawn with a fork or lawn aerator. This is a great process to do once per year, in spring to keep your lawn looking great.

You can spray on a mix of fish emulsion fertilizer and liquid seaweed throughout the year. I like to do this in the early morning and evening so that the sun won’t dry the fertilizer onto the leaf blades. Liquid seaweed is a fantastic root tonic, not technically a fertilizer but it will increase the good microbial activity in your soil and support great lawn growth.

Organic fertilizers are great for your lawn and a good option if you are trying to reduce the amount of synthetic chemicals in your home. You can also buy slow-release lawn fertilizer, made from organic materials which will release the nutrients over time and will need to be applied less often than liquid feeds.

How Long to Stay off Grass After You Fertilize

It is best to keep everyone including kids, dogs, and cats off lawn for 48 hours after fertilizing if you are using an inorganic fertilizer. If you are using an organic fertilizer, is best to be watered in and left for 1-2 days to break down and be absorbed by your lawn. 

Organic fertilizer still contains bacteria and microbes so if you let people or pets onto the lawn, it may end up sticking to their feet and clothes and they can bring it into your house which can be quite a mess to clean up.

Fertilizing in the Rain

You can fertilize in the rain if you are using an organic fertilizer. The rain will cause it to stick to your hands and clothes so if you give your hands and yourself a good wash afterwards you can fertilize plants in the rain. Fertilizing in the rain will make the job a bit trickier as the organic fertilizer will be more difficult to spread.

If you are using an inorganic granular fertilizer, I suggest waiting until the rain has stopped and the water has dried. This will avoid any leaf damage in case the fertilizer sticks to them, will make it easier to spread and avoid fertilizer run off.

Benefits of Fertilizing Before Watering

When it comes to maintaining a healthy and vibrant garden, fertilizing before watering can make a big difference. Here are some of the essential benefits of fertilizing before watering:

1. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption

Fertilizing before watering allows the soil to absorb the nutrients more effectively. When you water first, the water can dilute the fertilizer, making it less potent. This means that your plants may not be getting all of the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. By fertilizing first, you ensure that the nutrients are available to the plants when they need them the most.

2. Reduced Fertilizer Runoff

When you fertilize after watering, there is a higher risk of fertilizer runoff. This is because the water can carry the fertilizer away from the plants and into nearby water sources. This can be harmful to aquatic life and can also lead to nutrient pollution. By fertilizing before watering, you reduce the risk of fertilizer runoff and ensure that the nutrients stay where they are needed most – in the soil and in the plants.

Overall, fertilizing before watering is a simple and effective way to ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need to thrive. By following this simple step, you can help your garden reach its full potential and enjoy a beautiful and healthy outdoor space.

3. Optimizing Plant Growth

To ensure that your plants grow healthy and strong, it is important to optimize their growth by providing them with the right nutrients at the right time. One way to do this is by fertilizing before watering. This simple technique can provide your plants with several benefits that can help them thrive.

4. Stimulating Root Development

Fertilizing before watering can help stimulate root development in your plants. The nutrients in the fertilizer can penetrate deeper into the soil, encouraging roots to grow deeper as well. This can result in stronger, more stable plants that are better able to withstand environmental stressors such as wind, drought, and extreme temperatures.

5. Promoting Efficient Photosynthesis

Fertilizing before watering can also promote efficient photosynthesis in your plants. The nutrients in the fertilizer can help your plants produce more chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis. This can result in healthier, greener plants that are better able to produce energy from sunlight and grow more quickly.

In addition to these benefits, fertilizing before watering can also help prevent nutrient burn, reduce water waste, and save you time and money in the long run. By optimizing your plant growth with this simple technique, you can enjoy healthier, more beautiful plants that will thrive for years to come.

Best Practices for Fertilizer Application

When it comes to fertilizing your plants, there are a few best practices to keep in mind to ensure that you get the most out of your efforts. Here are some tips to help you achieve optimal results:

Understanding Soil Types

Before you apply fertilizer, it’s important to understand the type of soil you’re dealing with. Different soil types have different nutrient levels, and some may require more fertilizer than others. For example, sandy soils tend to have low nutrient levels and may require more frequent fertilization than clay soils.

To determine your soil type, you can perform a simple soil test. This will help you identify any nutrient deficiencies and determine the right type and amount of fertilizer to use.

Determining the Right Time to Fertilize

Timing is also important when it comes to fertilizing your plants. In general, it’s best to fertilize early in the growing season, before the plants have started to flower or fruit. This will help ensure that the nutrients are available when the plants need them most.

It’s also important to avoid fertilizing during periods of drought or extreme heat. During these times, the plants may not be able to absorb the nutrients effectively, which can lead to fertilizer burn and other issues.

When applying fertilizer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This will help ensure that you apply the right amount of fertilizer and avoid over-fertilizing, which can be harmful to your plants.

How to Conserve Water When Fertilizing

Conserving water is essential to maintain a healthy and sustainable garden. By adopting the following water conservation strategies, you can reduce water usage and save money on your water bill.

Improving Soil Water Retention

Improving soil water retention is an effective way to conserve water. You can achieve this by adding organic matter, such as compost or mulch, to the soil. Organic matter acts like a sponge, absorbing water and releasing it slowly over time. This helps to keep the soil moist and reduces the need for frequent watering.

Another way to improve soil water retention is by using soil additives, such as hydrogels. Hydrogels are polymers that can absorb and hold large amounts of water. They release the water slowly, providing a constant source of moisture to the plants.

Encouraging Deep Watering Practices

Deep watering practices help to conserve water by encouraging the plants to develop deep roots. Deep roots are more efficient at absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.

To encourage deep watering practices, water your plants deeply and infrequently. This means watering the plants until the soil is moist to a depth of six inches or more. You can also use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots of the plants.

By adopting these water conservation strategies, you can reduce water usage and maintain a healthy and sustainable garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of fertilizing your lawn before watering?

Fertilizing your lawn before watering has several benefits. Firstly, it ensures that the nutrients in the fertilizer are evenly distributed throughout the soil. This promotes even grass growth and prevents patchy lawns. Secondly, fertilizing before watering allows the nutrients to be absorbed more efficiently by the grass roots, resulting in a healthier lawn. Lastly, watering after fertilizing helps to prevent the fertilizer from burning the grass blades.

Can fertilizing a lawn increase grass growth efficiency?

Yes, fertilizing a lawn can increase grass growth efficiency. Fertilizer provides essential nutrients that are necessary for healthy grass growth. When grass has access to the right nutrients, it is able to grow more efficiently and quickly. This results in a thicker, healthier lawn that is more resistant to pests and diseases.

What is the optimal lawn fertilizer schedule to maximize lawn health?

The optimal lawn fertilizer schedule will depend on several factors, such as the type of grass, climate, and soil conditions. However, a general guideline is to fertilize your lawn every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to nutrient burn and other issues. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and consult with a lawn care professional if you are unsure.

How does watering after fertilizing impact nutrient absorption?

Watering after fertilizing is important for nutrient absorption. When you water your lawn after fertilizing, the water helps to dissolve the fertilizer and distribute the nutrients evenly throughout the soil. This allows the grass roots to absorb the nutrients more efficiently, resulting in a healthier lawn.

Why is it important to consider rain when planning to fertilize your lawn?

It is important to consider rain when planning to fertilize your lawn because rain can affect the absorption and distribution of the fertilizer. If it rains shortly after you fertilize your lawn, the water can wash away the fertilizer and nutrients before they have a chance to be absorbed by the grass roots. On the other hand, if it does not rain after fertilizing, you may need to water your lawn to ensure proper nutrient absorption.

What could be the consequences of fertilizing a lawn without subsequent watering?

Fertilizing a lawn without subsequent watering can lead to several consequences. Firstly, the fertilizer may not be distributed evenly throughout the soil, resulting in patchy grass growth. Secondly, the grass roots may not be able to absorb the nutrients efficiently, resulting in a weaker, less healthy lawn. Lastly, the fertilizer may burn the grass blades, resulting in brown or yellow patches on your lawn. Always water your lawn after fertilizing to prevent these issues.