When was the last time you did a soil test? What were the results?

Are you going with synthetics or organics? Either way I've already dropped soybean meal and corn. Milorganite would be another great option to drop now depending on your iron needs. So drop organics now, often, or whenever. With synthetics wait until you mow 3 or 4 times. Also wait for someone else to chime in. I use organics partially because its hard to screw up.

Last time tested: 2 years ago

Readings: EVERYTHING. They recommended 150lbs of lime, and a balanced hit across the yard of 10-10-10.


Keep in mind, I'm the first person to manage this yard in 40 years. My neighbors have told me that no one has ever taken care of the yard...ever.

So I hit the yard hard 2 years ago, and then followed the new seeding diet last year based on feedback here. (documented in this thread)

I started out the same, although mine had regrettably NOT been left alone for 40 years. It had been corn field, so every resource was thoroughly tapped. My first soil test more or less came back with, "What have you been doing?" written across the top.

I found organics to be the answer, plus judicious use of synthetics to boost specific nutrient levels (like phosphorus, since starter fertilizer is cheaper and more effective than the organic alternatives).