One of the most common questions we hear from Bradenton homeowners is "when should I fertilize my lawn?" The answer depends on your grass type, soil conditions, and Manatee County's specific regulations. Here's the definitive month-by-month schedule we use for our own clients.

February through March is your first application window. Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer with iron to green up your St. Augustine after winter dormancy. Use a 15-0-15 or 16-4-8 formula — the zero or low phosphorus is important because Manatee County restricts phosphorus application unless a soil test shows deficiency.

April through May calls for your second application. This is when your lawn enters its peak growing season. Switch to a complete fertilizer with micronutrients, especially manganese and iron, which are commonly deficient in our alkaline coastal soils. Apply at the rate recommended on the label — more is not better.

June through September is the blackout period. Manatee County prohibits fertilizer application during the summer rainy season to protect waterways. Focus instead on proper mowing height (3.5-4 inches for St. Augustine), pest monitoring, and irrigation management during these months.

October through November is your final feeding. Apply a winterizer formula with higher potassium (the third number) to strengthen roots and improve cold tolerance before winter. A 15-0-15 works perfectly. This application helps your lawn bounce back faster in spring and resist the occasional cold snap we get in January.

Pro tip: Always water in your fertilizer within 24 hours of application, and never fertilize before a heavy rain event. Runoff carries nutrients into our bays and waterways. A soil test every 2-3 years from the UF/IFAS Extension office will tell you exactly what your specific soil needs — it's free for Manatee County residents.