Hey Scotty, What Do I Need to Know Before I Grow?
One thing to remember is that regular feeding can make a big difference to your lawn. The right fertiliser supplies nutrients that support healthy leaf growth, stronger roots and a thicker lawn that is better equipped to handle everyday wear.
The good news is that feeding your lawn does not need to be complicated. Start with the basics, choose a product that suits your lawn and always follow the label directions.
Lawn feeding basics
For most established Australian lawns, aim to feed while the grass is actively growing:
- Feed in early spring to support growth after winter.
- Feed again in early summer, before periods of extreme heat.
- Apply another feed in autumn to support the lawn before growth slows.
- Clear leaves and loose debris before applying granular fertiliser.
- Measure your lawn and apply only the recommended amount.
- Avoid fertilising a heat-stressed, very dry or dormant lawn.
If you only fertilise once a year, spring is generally the most useful time because the lawn is returning to active growth.
How do you choose a lawn fertiliser?
Standing in front of a shelf filled with different lawn foods can feel overwhelming. The easiest way to narrow down the options is to think about your lawn type, the result you want and how often you are prepared to feed.
Here’s a simple guide to the main fertiliser types.
The Good, the Bad and the Growthy: Your Guide to Lawn Fertilisers
Conventional lawn fertilisers
Conventional or fast-release fertilisers supply nutrients in a form that becomes available relatively quickly. They can provide a fast response, but their performance and feeding period vary between products.
Common features
- Often crystalline, powdered or granular
- Nutrients become available relatively quickly
- May require more frequent applications
- Can produce rapid growth
- Must be measured and spread carefully
Applying more than the label recommends will not improve the result and may damage the lawn.
Slow-release lawn fertilisers
Slow-release fertilisers provide nutrients gradually rather than making most of the feed available at once. This supports steadier growth and reduces the sudden growth surge that can lead to more mowing.
Common features
- Slow and continuous nutrient release
- More consistent feeding
- Lower application rates than many traditional fertilisers
- Fewer applications across the year
- Reduced risk of lawn burn when correctly applied
For reliable long-term feeding, use Scotts Lawn Builder™ All Lawn Types Lawn Food. Its slow-release formula feeds for up to three months and promotes thicker growth and deeper roots without unwanted surge growth.
It is suitable for common Australian lawn types, including buffalo, couch, kikuyu, bent, fescue and carpet grass.
What about natural and organic fertilisers?
The term “organic” can cause confusion. Some products contain natural ingredients but are more accurately described as organic-based, while certified organic products must meet specific certification requirements.
Check the product packaging rather than relying on the word “natural”. Look at the ingredients, nutrient analysis, application directions and any recognised certification displayed on the pack.
For an easy lawn and soil health boost, consider Scotts Lawn Builder Liquid Lawn Food Lawn Health. This ready-to-use hose-on lawn food contains humic acid to support nutrient absorption, beneficial soil microbes and moisture retention. It also contains potassium and key nutrients to support greener, stronger and more resilient growth.
This product is not certified organic. Its role is to provide regular liquid feeding while supporting lawn and soil health.
Granular or liquid lawn food?
Both formats can be useful, depending on the result you want.
A granular slow-release lawn food is a good option for steady, longer-lasting feeding. A liquid lawn food is useful when you want a convenient, ready-to-use boost that can be applied more regularly.
For a simple lawn-care routine, use Scotts Lawn Builder™ All Lawn Types Lawn Food for slow-release feeding, then use Scotts Lawn Builder Liquid Lawn Food Lawn Health between granular feeds if your lawn needs additional support. Always follow each label and avoid overlapping fertiliser applications.
Top tip
Correct application is good for your lawn, your budget and the environment. Measure the lawn, use only the recommended amount and sweep stray granules off paths, paving and driveways.
More fertiliser does not mean better results. Getting the rate and timing right is what helps your lawn grow thick, green and healthy.
