Fertilizers play a vital role in maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn.

Unfortunately, lawn and garden fertilizers (both organic and non-organic) often contribute to pollution in Minnesota's many lakes and waterways. In order to be a part of the solution, not part of the problem, Bachman's has reformulated all of its lawn fertilizers to reflect the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy lawn in our area.

Proper application of the right fertilizers to lawns doesn't have to cause problems for our lakes. The key to proper application starts with a soil test that will tell you exactly how much nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium your lawn needs. Once you have the right fertilizer, be sure you apply it at the recommended rates. A major source of fertilizer pollution comes from over-application and from fertilizers getting on driveways and streets. Pollution problems related to lawn fertilizers primarily involve nitrogen and phosphorus. In our area, phosphorus is naturally present in the soils at high levels. Unless you are seeding or sodding a new lawn, there is little or no benefit from applying additional phosphorus. It often ends up contributing to the pollution of our lakes, encouraging excessive algae and weed growth. Except for Lawn Starter (where additional phosphorus is appropriate), Bachman's newly formulated lawn fertilizers contain no additional phosphorus. It is also important to limit our use of nitrogen to what the lawn can use. On existing lawns, University experts recommend that you apply no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet each time you fertilize and that you fertilize from 2 to 4 times per season. Total nitrogen per season should never exceed 4 pounds per 1000 square feet. Bachman's Lawn Fertilizers meet these recommendations.

Crabgrass Preventer with Turf Food 18-0-12 This product is a blend of nutrients and a pre-emergent herbicide. While the nutrients help promote lush, green grass, the pre-emergent herbicide prevents the germination of weed seeds such as crabgrass, foxtail and annual bluegrass. Crabgrass Preventer should be applied in early spring and is activated by a light watering or rain. Provides .65 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 ft2.

Weed and Feed 25-0-10 A blend of nutrients and a post-emergent herbicide. While the nutrients promote lush growth, the post-emergent herbicide kills existing broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, chickweed, clover and plantain. Use Weed and Feed in late spring or early summer. Apply it when the leaves are wet. It is most effective if it does not rain for 24-48 hours after application. Provides .9 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 ft2.

Turf Food 27-0-14 A fast-acting green-up formula that helps build a thick, lush lawn. Turf Food should be used in early to mid-summer. Apply evenly for the best results. Provides .97 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 ft2.

Fall Winterizer 18-0-12 Prepares your lawn for winter dormancy and encourages root growth. Use every fall for a vigorous lawn. Apply in September and/or November. Provides .65 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 ft2.

Starter Fertilizer 18-22-6 Its high phosphorus content promotes strong, deep roots for a healthy lawn. Added iron keeps your lawn green without any excessive growth. Extra potassium helps to thicken the grass and prevent disease. Use Starter whenever seeding or
sodding. Provides .65 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 ft2.

© Bachman's 2007