Should I water before applying water soluble fertilizer?

July 1, 2016 3:52 PM

Let's say I'm going to use water soluble Miracle Gro on my lawn or garden. The rate suggested is 1 gallon of solution per 10 square feet. Should I water first, then apply the fertilizer solution? Or is the fertilizer application usually treated as a sufficient watering as well?
posted by theshire to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

Spray as directed. I would water a day later in case you put a little too much in some areas. A good watering can remedy a little overfertilization.
posted by sanka at 4:22 PM on July 1, 2016

My practice is to water a bit first, let soak in, then apply liquid fertilizer solution.
posted by maggieb at 4:29 PM on July 1, 2016

Don't fertilize really dry soil and plants. In that case, water first then fertilize. In the case of reasonably moist soil, go ahead and fertilize without previously watering.
posted by sciencegeek at 4:39 PM on July 1, 2016