While working for K-Mart, I had the opportunity to visit a Scott’s fertilizer plant and take a two-day class from Scott’s on lawn care and the correct use of fertilizers. Here is some information from my class.
Lawn Care using the EMIL method
What is the EMIL method?
EMIL stands for Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. These are the main times to fertilize your lawn. A winterizer should also be applied around Halloween.
Easter - During Easter, you should use Lawn Fertilizer with HALTS to help prevent crabgrass. * HALTS stops seed germination for 4 months, so if any area is going to be seeded, do not apply to that area. Application should be done dry.
Memorial Day - During Memorial Day, use Lawn Fertilizer PLUS 2. This PLUS 2 helps prevent broad weeds. * PLUS 2, stops seed germination for 1 month, so if any area is going to be seeded, do not apply to that area. Apply to moist ground.
Independence Day – During Independence Day, apply PLUS 2 again if weeds are still a problem. If weeds have been controlled, apply just Lawn Fertilizer. Lawn fertilizer has no germination problems so seeding can occur. Apply dry or too moist ground.
Labor Day – During Labor Day, apply PLUS 2 again if weeds are still a problem. If weeds have been controlled, apply just Lawn Fertilizer. Lawn fertilizer has no germination problems so seeded can occur. Apply dry or too moist ground. This is a perfect time to over seed lawn with Kentucky Blue Grass or Perennial Rye. Do not over seed if you used Plus 2.
· Only use liquid fertilizers to green your lawn. It does not promote good root growth like powdered fertilizers do.
Winterize your lawn around Halloween with Winterizer PLUS 2. This will help control weeds and help your lawn survive winter.
Lime is often forgotten during the year. Adding chemicals to your lawn strips out calcium that is vital to your lawn. A balanced pH level (7.0) is needed for lawns to survive. Most lawns are in the pH of 5.5 acid range. You most likely need to add Lime to your lawn. These are some signs of lime deficient lawn:
· Moss growing
· A lot of little hills in your lawn
· Creeping Charlie weeds
· Stressed out grass even though you fertilize
Add about 50-100 lbs. to every 1000 square yard. It is best to test your pH first to find out exactly how much to add. 
