Scotts 4 Step Program
The Scotts 4 Step program is specially designed to control weeds and feed your lawn at each step.
There are four steps in the Scotts program, all of which come in two sizes, allowing you to purchase the appropriate quantity for your lawn.
You start the season using Step 1. Step 1 is a crabgrass preventer that also feeds your lawn. As a pre-emergent, this will prevent crabgrass for up to four months. This 28-0-7 fertilizer feeds to ensure your lawn greens quickly after winter. This step is applied in early spring, sometime between February and April when temperatures are still below 80ᵒF. Apply this granular product, using a broadcast spreader, on a dry lawn. This product does not need to be watered in, but for best results, the lawn should receive ½ inch of water within two days of application, from either rainfall or watering. A good guide is to apply Step 1 when you see forsythia bushes bloom yellow; this indicates that soil temperature is almost at the point to allow germination. It is important to remember that you should not plant grass seed if using Step 1. This product will prevent your desirable grass seed from germinating, as well as crabgrass seeds. If putting grass seed down in the spring, Use Step 1 For Seeding, which is another Scotts product.
Step 2 of this lineup also weeds your lawn while feeding it. This step contains Scotts Exclusive Particle Technology which kills both visible and invisible weeds, including dandelions and clover. This product has a 28-0-3 analysis, which ensures that thick, green turf is built from the roots up. This product should be applied on a calm day to a damp lawn, allowing the particles to stick to weed leaves. Apply this using a broadcast spreader in late spring, around Memorial Day.
The next step in Scotts 4 Step program is Step 3. This lawn food feeds and strengthens lawn against drought. Containing 2% iron, this product allows for deep greening, as grass needs iron to make chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis. When used as directed, this step is guaranteed not to burn lawns. Using a spreader, apply this product to a wet or dry lawn. If temperatures are consistently exceeding 90ᵒF, water after application to reduce stress on the lawn. Apply in June, four weeks after Step 2. Try to avoid fertilizing in the hot summer months.
Finally comes Step 4, which is a fall lawn food. This fertilizer feeds your lawn to strengthen the grass for the following spring. Step 4 builds strong roots which are needed for winter months, especially in the Northeast. Fall a great time to feed as the grass no longer faces the stress of the heat of summer. Step 4 has a 32-0-12 formula and should be applied using a spreader to a wet or dry lawn. This does not need to be watered in, however, doing so will speed up greening. This should be applied six weeks after Step 3, sometime in the fall.
