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Which order? Iron Suplhate, Lawn Feed, Scarify

Ivy2Ivy2 Posts: 73
in Problem solving
I applied iron sulphate last week. Lawn went a bit black which I believe is correct (first time I did this).

Next, I have some generic Autumn feed leftover in the garage. Should I apply this too or is this not needed after iron sulphate.

Finally, if I do need to add autumn feed should I do this before or after scarifying?

Thanks

Posts

  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    It's a bit late for feed now even an Autumn one which is designed to strengthen roots. I would just scarify, and feed in spring with normal spring / summer feed.
    AB Still learning

  • Ivy2Ivy2 Posts: 73
    Ok. Will do. Thanks
  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    Its not to late for a proper autumn feed , if it has Iron in the autumn feed I'd advise not to use it after already using iron on the lawn. Can't apply iron again for another 4 week which probably will be to late. 

    Depending on how much moss you have ? heavy infestation - scarify first then iron and feed last . Not so much moss less than a inch applying iron first is fine it will penetrate to the bottom of the moss then scarify and feed last.    

    You'll probably have to scarify again early spring anyway so I wouldn't worry about which order etc this time. 
  • rossdriscoll13rossdriscoll13 Posts: 234
    @Ivy2 the order you need to do things is:

    1. Apply Iron Sulphate.
    2. Once the moss has turned black, scarify.
    3. Apply autumn lawn feed.

      You can apply autumn lawn feed until about mid November, depending on which part of the country you are in.  However avoid applying if there is frost forecast. If your lawn feed contains Iron you’ll need to wait 6-8 weeks before you apply this.  ALWAYS read and follow the instructions on all lawn feeds.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited October 2023
    I find scarifying hard and unnecessary work.   Dead moss quickly rots down in-situ and acts like peat.

    I apply Iron sulphate as a solution in water.  This way only the moss and not the grass goes black.  The grass greens up.  My recipe (excuse the units) is 6 tablespoons FeSo4 in a 1.5 gallon watering can.  Apply thinly and uniformly, 2x a year if necessary.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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