The beginners guide on fertilising your lawn (Full guide)
Feed Your Lawn the Right Way
The free course that makes fertilising simple
Feeding your lawn is one of the easiest things you can do to make it look great. This course walks you through everything, from measuring your lawn to applying fertiliser like a professional. Once you learn this, your lawn will thank you!
Why is this free?
This course draws on over 30 years of experience working with turf and 20 years as a greenkeeper. Other companies charge for this kind of education.
We give it away because once you understand how to properly feed your lawn, you will see the difference.
Course Modules
Introduction to Lawn Fertilising
Feeding your lawn might seem simple, and it is. But doing it the right way is the difference between patchy grass and a lush green carpet you can be proud of. This module covers why proper fertilising matters and what you will learn throughout this course.
Lesson 1.1
Course Overview
A quick introduction to what we will cover in this course and why it matters for your lawn.
Lesson 1.2
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Before you can fertilise properly, you need to know exactly how much lawn you are dealing with. This lesson explains why guessing leads to expensive mistakes.
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
Question 1 of 10
Choose the best answer for each question
Explanation:
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Measuring Your Lawn
Knowing your lawn size means you can order the right amount of fertiliser — no waste, no guesswork. 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
Our free measuring tool uses Google Maps to calculate your lawn area. It works brilliantly for most lawns — unless your garden is not on Google or hidden under thick trees.
Type your address, click "Draw Your Lawn" to outline it, close the shape by clicking the first point, then view your total area and the amount of fertiliser you need. Simple.
Lesson 2.2
The Basic Method — Pacing It Out
Pacing your lawn is quick but not the most accurate. Everyone's stride is different, and it is easy to miscount or go off in a wonky line. Handy for a rough estimate or if your lawn is not on Google.
Lesson 2.3
Using Markers to Divide Your Lawn
This method works well if your lawn is not on Google and has an odd shape. Measuring into smaller areas and adding them up takes a little longer but gives better accuracy than pacing.
Module 2 Knowledge Check
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Explanation:
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Spreaders and Calibration
Now you know the size of your lawn, it is 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. Then we show you how to calibrate it properly so you apply exactly the right amount.
Lesson 3.1
Spreader Options Overview
A quick look at some of the most popular types of spreaders. We particularly like the Einhell battery-powered spreader — you will see why later in the course.
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.
Lesson 3.2
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.
If it is too much or too little, just adjust the setting and try again. Small tweaks make a big difference, so it is 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 3.3
Calibrating: Budget Spreader
Our cheapest spreader option — perfect for small lawns and tight budgets.
Lesson 3.4
Calibrating: Mid-Range Spreader
A step up in quality and features while still being affordable. A good all-rounder for most lawns.
Lesson 3.5
Calibrating: Battery-Powered Spreader
The Einhell battery-powered spreader — our favourite option. Makes the job faster and more consistent, especially on larger lawns.
Lesson 3.6
Hand Spreaders Roundup
A comprehensive look at various hand spreader options, their pros and cons, and calibration tips for each.
Lesson 3.7
Calibrating: Push Spreader
Push spreaders are excellent for medium to large lawns. Consistent coverage and easier on your arm than hand spreaders.
Module 3 Knowledge Check
Question 1 of 10
Choose the best answer for each question
Explanation:
Quiz Complete!
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Professional Application Techniques
This is something we see all the time — people being told incorrect methods of applying fertiliser. Here is how the professionals do it, and the common mistakes you need to avoid.
Lesson 4.1
What Most People Get Wrong
Before we show you the right way, here are the most common mistakes that waste fertiliser and create uneven results.
Lesson 4.2
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.
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 4.3
The Professional Application Method
The bit you have been waiting for — actually getting the fertiliser onto the lawn properly. Remember the golden rule: throw it to your footprints at half rate.
Apply at half rate and throw the fertiliser to where your steps were. This achieves double coverage at half rate without risking chess board striping.
Lesson 4.4
Post-Application Care
Water the fertiliser in as soon as possible to help it work faster and give you quicker results.
Lesson 4.5
Final Pro Tip
Simple but so often forgotten. A small change that can make a big difference to your results.
Module 4 Knowledge Check
Question 1 of 10
Choose the best answer for each question
Explanation:
Quiz Complete!
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Congratulations — Course Complete!
You now know more about proper lawn fertilising than 98% of homeowners. You have learned professional techniques that lawn care companies charge hundreds for — and you got it all free.
Ready to put it into practice? Measure your lawn, grab the right fertiliser, and go make your neighbours jealous.