When Do I Apply Ironite on New Bahia Sod?

Facts

• Ironite is manufactured by the Gro Tec company out of Madison, Georgia, and is available in the solid form as a 1-0-0 mineral supplement and a 12-10-10 lawns and plant food. It is also available in liquid form, as a 6-2-1 liquid lawn and garden spray, and a 7-6-6 liquid plants and flower food.

Benefits

• Since a yellowing lawn is often a sign of low iron levels, some gardeners use Ironite to correct this problem. Adding Ironite to a lawn, such as bahiagrass, often turns the yellow blades green.

Application

• While you shouldn't use any chemical or nonorganic fertilizer until about 30 days after installation of new sod, you can use Ironite two weeks after installation because it is organic and won't burn the lawn. Follow manufacturer's instructions for quantity and methods since application will vary based on your lawn and the specific product you use. Reapply Ironite every four to six weeks or as recommended by your sod supplier.

Tips

• Conduct a soil pH test to see if your established bahiagrass needs regular Ironite applications, suggests the National Gardening Association. Regular testing may indicate a severe iron deficiency suggesting you may need regular applications as opposed to yearly applications. Knowing the pH levels of your lawn also will help determine if you need other additives and help you plan regular lawn maintenance.

Considerations

• Despite the fact that Ironite is widely available at home and garden centers, the Rutgers Cooperative Research Extension warns that Ironite is a toxic substance containing high levels of arsenic and lead. While the New Jersey Department of Agriculture prohibited the sale of Ironite 1-0-0 in 2005, other Ironite products are still on the market. Always follow manufacturer's packaging instructions when handling and applying Ironite to limit the danger of contamination.