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The beginners guide on fertilising your lawn (Full guide)

by Robbie Lynn 04 Jul 2025

The Complete Lawn Fertilising Course

Step-by-Step Training for Beginners

This is a complete, step-by-step guide to feeding your lawn properly. We've broken down everything from measuring your lawn to choosing the right spreader and applying fertiliser evenly.

Follow this guide and you'll understand exactly what you're doing - no more guesswork, no more wasted money on products that don't work properly.

By the end, you'll know more about how to feed a lawn properly than 98% of other people.

Why is this free?

Because we want you to be part of the iGrow Carpet community, and you deserve the same expert knowledge we use ourselves to grow amazing lawns.

Module 1

Introduction to Lawn Fertilising

Feeding your lawn might seem simple, but doing it the right way makes all the difference between patchy grass and a lush, green carpet you can be proud of. In this module, we'll cover why proper fertilising matters and what we'll be teaching you throughout this course.

Lesson 1.1

Course Overview

A quick introduction to what we'll be covering in this complete training course.

Lesson 1.2

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

Before you can fertilise properly, you need to know exactly how much lawn you're dealing with. This lesson explains why guessing leads to expensive mistakes.

Key Takeaway: Accurate lawn measurement prevents over-application (which wastes money and can burn your lawn) and under-application (which gives poor results).

✅ Module 1 Knowledge Check

Test what you've learned before moving on

Why is accurate lawn measurement so important?

Answer: Accurate measurement prevents two expensive problems: over-application (which wastes money and can burn your lawn) and under-application (which gives poor results). When you know your exact lawn size, you can calculate the right amount of fertiliser and avoid guesswork.
Module 2

Measuring Your Lawn

It's important to know the size of your lawn so you can order the right amount of fertiliser. This module covers three different methods, from high-tech to basic, so you can choose what works best for your situation.

Lesson 2.1

Using the iGrow Carpet Lawn Measuring Tool

iGrow Carpet has its own measuring tool, powered by Google Maps. It works great for most lawns—unless your garden isn't on Google or it's hidden under thick trees.

How to use the tool:
1. Type your address into the search bar
2. Click "Draw Your Lawn" to begin outlining
3. Click on the map to create points (minimum 3)
4. Close the shape by clicking the first point
5. Repeat for additional lawn areas
6. View total area and required fertiliser amount
Lesson 2.2

The Basic Method - Pacing It Out

Pacing your lawn is quick, but it's not the most accurate method. Everyone's stride is different, and it's easy to miscount or go off in a slightly wonky line. It's handy for a rough estimate, or if your lawn isn't on Google.

Lesson 2.3

Using Markers to Divide Your Lawn

This method works well if your lawn isn't on Google and has an odd shape. Measuring your lawn into smaller areas and then adding them all up takes a little longer but can be more accurate than pacing.

✅ Module 2 Knowledge Check

Test what you've learned before moving on

What are the three methods for measuring your lawn covered in this module?

Answer: 1) Using the iGrow Carpet online measuring tool (powered by Google Maps) for accurate digital measurement, 2) Pacing it out by walking the length and width (quick but less accurate), and 3) Using markers to divide the lawn into smaller sections and adding them up (good for odd shapes).
Module 3

Understanding Spreaders

Now you know the size of your lawn, it's time to look at how to apply fertiliser. We tested different spreaders at various price points to help you find one that works well for your needs and budget.

Lesson 3.1

Spreader Options Overview

Here's a quick look at some of the most popular types of spreaders. We particularly like the Einhell battery-powered spreader - you'll see why later in the course.

Key Takeaway: The best spreader for you depends on your lawn size, budget, and physical ability. Hand spreaders work for small lawns, while larger areas benefit from push or battery-powered options.

✅ Module 3 Knowledge Check

Test what you've learned before moving on

What factors should you consider when choosing a spreader?

Answer: The three main factors are: your lawn size (small lawns can use hand spreaders, larger lawns need push or battery models), your budget (hand spreaders are cheapest, battery-powered are most expensive), and your physical ability (battery-powered models are easiest, hand spreaders require more effort).
Module 4

Calibrating Your Spreader

Calibrating your spreader means setting it up to apply the right amount of fertiliser - not too much, not too little. If you skip this step, you could end up with patchy results, waste money on product, or even burn your lawn.

Lesson 4.1

Introduction to Calibration

What works for one person might not work for the next, depending on walking speed and technique. This lesson covers why calibration is essential and how to approach it.

Key Takeaway: If it's too much or too little, just adjust the setting on the spreader and try again. Small tweaks make a big difference, so it's worth taking a few minutes to get it right.

Jump to Your Spreader Type

Click the spreader you own to jump straight to its calibration guide:

Or scroll down to watch all spreader calibration guides ↓

Lesson 4.2

Calibrating: Budget Spreader

Our cheapest spreader option - perfect for small lawns and tight budgets. Here's how to calibrate it properly.

Lesson 4.3

Calibrating: Mid-Range Spreader

A step up in quality and features while still being affordable. This is a good all-rounder for most lawns.

Lesson 4.4

Calibrating: Battery-Powered Spreader

The Einhell battery-powered spreader - our favourite option. It makes the job faster and more consistent, especially on larger lawns.

Lesson 4.5

Hand Spreaders Roundup

A comprehensive look at various hand spreader options, their pros and cons, and calibration tips for each.

Lesson 4.6

Calibrating: Push Spreader

Push spreaders are excellent for medium to large lawns. They give consistent coverage and are easier on your arm than hand spreaders.

✅ Module 4 Knowledge Check

Test what you've learned before moving on

Why do you need to calibrate your spreader?

Answer: Calibration ensures your spreader applies the correct amount of fertiliser. What works for one person might not work for you, depending on walking speed and technique. Without calibration, you could end up with patchy results, waste money, or even burn your lawn with over-application.
Module 5

Professional Application Techniques

This is something we see all the time - people being told incorrect methods of applying fertiliser. Here's how the professionals do it, and the common mistakes you need to avoid.

Lesson 5.1

What Most People Get Wrong

Before we show you the right way, let's look at the most common mistakes that waste fertiliser and create uneven results.

Lesson 5.2

Never Do This

This is a critical mistake that can damage your lawn and waste product. Learn what NOT to do when filling your spreader.

Key Takeaway: Never fill your spreader while standing on the lawn. Always fill on a hard surface like a driveway or path to avoid concentrated spills that burn the grass.
Lesson 5.3

The Professional Application Method

The bit you've been waiting for - actually getting the fertiliser onto the lawn properly. Remember the golden rule: throw it to your footprints at half rate.

Professional Technique: Apply at half rate in one direction, then apply the other half rate in a perpendicular direction. This ensures even coverage and prevents striping.
Lesson 5.4

Post-Application Care

This doesn't always need to be done straight away, but the sooner you do it, the quicker you'll see results.

Lesson 5.5

Final Pro Tip

This one's simple but so often forgotten. A small change that can make a big difference to your results.

✅ Module 5 Knowledge Check

Test what you've learned before completing the course

What is the "golden rule" for professional fertiliser application?

Answer: Apply at half rate in one direction, then apply the other half rate in a perpendicular (crossing) direction. This ensures even coverage across your entire lawn and prevents striping or missed patches. Always "throw to your footprints" to avoid double-application.

🎉 Congratulations! You've Completed the Course

You now know more about proper lawn fertilising than 98% of homeowners. You've learned professional techniques that lawn care companies charge hundreds for, and you got it all free.

Go put this knowledge into action - your lawn will thank you for it!

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