How Long Does Milorganite Take to Work on a Lawn (And the best time to apply it)

Applying fertilizer is an effective way to revamp grass growth in your lawn. Milorganite is a popular product because it is organic, so it leaves your soil free of harmful chemicals.

While chemical fertilizers have their strength in quick, visible results, many wonder how long it will take before they can see any results after applying milorganite.

How long does milorganite take to work on a lawn?

You will see positive results on your lawn in as little as 1 week after application. Bright, healthy color is the first obvious effect, followed by accelerated growth in the second and following weeks. This is a slow-release fertilizer so you can expect it to remain effective for up to 10 weeks.

How Long Does Milorganite take to work on a Lawn?

The effects of milorganite application will be visible in the first week after application.  You will first notice that grass which was pale takes on a lush, healthy green color. In the second week, you will notice definite signs of accelerated growth. In the third and following weeks prominent results are in the form of fuller, greener grass.

These time frames are on condition that application is done correctly. That is, the right amounts are applied and in the right way.

How much milorganite fertilizer do I need?

Like all other fertilizers, it must be used in the correct quantities in order to produce the desired effects.

The manufacturer recommends a standard application ratio of 32 pounds for every 2500 square feet. This product is packed in 32-pound bags so you can assume one bag is sufficient for the mentioned lawn area.

There is one exception to this ratio and that is in the case of grass planted for the first time. If you are planting fresh lawn grass, the recommended amount is doubled. That is 64 pounds (2 32-pound bags) for every 2500 square feet.

Application method

How application is done is an important factor in overall success. If it is improperly done, you will notice the benefits but they may not be in the mentioned time frames. Poor application methods may also lead to uneven progress on a lawn.

Here is a summary of the steps to follow to get the best results from milorganite fertilizer application.

1. Water the grass about 3 days before applying the fertilizer. The aim here is to have the soil moist but the grass dry on the day of application. If temperatures are exceptionally high, watering a day or two before application may be necessary.
2. Use a spreader to apply a layer of the fertilizer on all the grass. It can be done by hand but a spreader is recommended to ensue even application. Make an effort to walk in straight lines, also for even spread.
3. After application, water the lawn. This serves to soak the fertilizer into the soil which makes it work more effectively. Watering also removes small amounts of the product which may have settled on grass blades and washes it into the soil.

When to Fertilize Your Lawn with Milorganite

This is a common question whose answer carries two crucial elements in milorganite use. When should fertilizer be applied and how frequently?

The ideal time for application depends on the type of grass. Recommended frequency is 4 times a year for all, though schedules differ depending on grass type.

Cool-season grass varieties

Cool-season grass in the north such as Kentucky bluegrass, Fescue grasses and Perennial ryegrass should be fertilized according to a holiday-based schedule provided by the manufacturer. In these areas fertilizing is best on:

• Memorial day
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving day

It goes without saying that application should be done any time around the time of these holidays and not necessarily the actual day.

The final application in fall, also known as the ‘dormant feeding’ can be done as late in the fall as possible. As long as it is before the snowfall or deep freeze. This helps it to green up faster come spring.

Warm-season grass varieties

Warm-season varieties in the south like Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass and St. Augustine grass should be fertilized around:

• Easter
• Memorial Day
• Labor Day
• Early October

Exceptions to this rule are Bahia grass and Centipede grass. These require fertilization only twice a year around Easter and Labor Day.

Grass types	Examples	Recommended application schedule
Cool-season varieties	–          Kentucky Bluegrass –          Fescue grasses –          Perennial ryegrass	–          Memorial Day –          4th of July –          Labor Day –          Thanksgiving Day
Warm-season-varieties	–          Zoysia grass –          Bermuda grass –          St. Augustine grass	–          Easter –          Memorial Day –          Labor Day –          Early October

Milorganite Over-application

A common misconception around organic fertilizers is that adding higher than recommended amounts is harmless because it is organic.

An overdose of milorganite causes grass to scorch out resulting in yellowing or browning of the blades. Excessive amounts of nitrogen removes water from plants so such discoloration is essentially a sign of dehydration

Too much fertilizer could also cause root stunting as well as contaminate ground water. That said, the grass will likely survive the overdose and not die as happens with chemical-based fertilizer overdoses.

Conclusion

Milorganite is a popular, nitrogen-based organic fertilizer used to repair patchy lawns. It takes as little as a week to see the first results of application with more prominent ones appearing after the second and third week.

The best times to apply it depend on the specific type of grass you have in your lawn. A holiday-based schedule is used to make it easy for users to remember when to re-apply, although effects of each application generally last about 10 weeks.

FAQs

Is milorganite harmful to pets?

It is neither poisonous nor harmful to pests. It is actually one of the safest organic products on the market because it undergoes stricter checks than government regulations demand.

Will milorganite help to deal with weeds?

No, this is strictly a fertilizer with no herbicides added to it. You will need to use an independent method to deal with overly pesky weeds.

Why does milorganite smell?

That familiar but unpleasant smell in milorganite is caused by the organic matter in it. It should clear a week or two after application although it may get stronger in hot and humid weather.