Every homeowner knows fertilizing turf is crucial to achieving a lush lawn with the best color. But the biggest challenge is getting the timing right. If watering the property immediately after fertilizing the yard is necessary, can you put granular fertilizer on wet grass? Let’s discuss more about this question in this article.

It is generally safe to apply non-liquid fertilizer including granular fertilizer on wet grass, as long as the ground is not saturated. The moisture improves the product’s effectiveness as it aids in fertilizer breakdown. This makes it easier for turf roots to absorb essential nutrients.

However, applying fertilizer on waterlogged grass is a bad idea as it leads to losing vital nutrients. It also results in overfeeding the lawn, polluting water sources, and uneven distribution of nutrients.

What Is Granular Fertilizer?

Granular fertilizer is a type of dry fertilizing product that comes in the form of pellets instead of powder, spikes, or liquid. You can apply it on your lawn with a spreader or by hand. This fertilizer can be used as a broadcast, as a side dress, or as a band.

Also, you should cultivate it shallowly into the soil for it to be effective. The product is more convenient for heavy pre-plant applications.

Can You Put Granular Fertilizer on Wet Grass

It’s a good idea to apply granular fertilizer on wet grass. The moisture in lawns helps the product stick better to the turf blades and boosts nutrient absorption. However, you must keep some things in mind before applying;

1. It’s not advisable to fertilize soggy grass. Therefore, apply the granular fertilizer only if the lawn is wet from morning dew or mild rain.

2. You’ll be wasting your fertilizer if you apply it on waterlogged soil, as the chemical will dilute too much.

3. Avoid applying this product to frozen grass.

4. If your lawn is wet and the temperature is too high, do not apply the fertilizer, as it’ll be less effective.

There are other reasons you should avoid putting fertilizer on wet grass as much as possible. Keep reading.

Why You Should Not Fertilize Wet Grass

i. If you put fertilizer on wet grass and it continues to rain, the product will be washed away. This will lead to the loss of essential nutrients.

ii. When it rains, the grass becomes saturated and cannot absorb nutrients. Therefore, when you apply fertilizer during that time, it goes to nearby water sources, thus polluting them.

iii. You can overfeed your lawn in some parts of the fertilizer washes away, and then you apply more chemicals. You may think you’re nourishing your grass, but you burn some lawn parts with excess fertilizer instead.

iv. It’s almost impossible to put fertilizer evenly on wet grass. Remember, controlling where the product goes after the application is challenging as it is mobile when wet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I apply granular fertilizer before it rains?

A: It’s a good idea to spread granular fertilizer before it rains, as the rainwater will help break down the product’s nutrients. This will aid in the absorption of these vital nutrients through the roots. However, before application, ensure the rain is light or mild. Heavy downpours will lead to nutrient loss, overfeeding of lawns, and pollution of water bodies.

Q: What is the difference between granular and liquid fertilizer?

A: Granular fertilizers are dry or solid granules that usually come as pellets. You can sprinkle the products on yards using a spreader or hand to nourish the grass. Its effects last longer than that of liquid fertilizer. On the other hand, liquid fertilizers are liquid concentrates that you mix with water and then spray on lawns. You can apply it on your property using a spray bottle, watering can, or sprinkler. The grass absorbs it instantly, unlike the granular fertilizer, which is absorbed slowly.

Final Words

Adding fertilizer to your lawn is beneficial. The chemical provides the turf with the vital minerals and nutrients required to grow greener and healthy. Nevertheless, many gardeners and homeowners always wonder, Can you put granular fertilizer on wet grass? The short answer to this question is yes.

You can apply granular fertilizer on damp grass as the moisture aids in product breakdown. This makes it easier for turf roots to absorb essential nutrients. However, using it on waterlogged grass may lead to losing vital nutrients, overfeeding the lawn, and polluting water sources.