Fertilise Before the Rain: The Best Time to Give Your Lawn a Big Boost
With rainfall on the horizon, now is the perfect time to feed your lawn. Applying fertiliser just before rain or watering in immediately after ensures nutrients are drawn into the soil and absorbed by roots rather than sitting on the surface and being lost or burning the turf. On the Sunshine Coast, lawns are recovering from dry weather and are hungry for a good feed.
Why Fertilising Before the Rain Works Best
Rain or watering helps dissolve granules and move nutrients into the root zone.
Moist soil improves nutrient uptake and supports beneficial microbial activity.
Applying just ahead of rainfall means your lawn gets the most benefit with minimal waste or scorching.
Why Watering-In Is Exceptionally Important
Even if rain is expected, always be ready to water in after spreading fertiliser. The water activates the nutrients and distributes them evenly into the soil. Without it, granules may sit on top of the grass, risking burn or ineffective absorption. Think of watering-in as the “go” signal for the fertiliser.
Top Fertilisers for This Season – Staff Picks
Here are some of the best products we love at Caloundra Produce & Landscape Supplies, explained in simple terms for your turf.
Ideal for: Couch, buffalo, and summer-growing lawns
CK88 (Crop King 88) is a high-performance granular fertiliser that promotes deep colour, quick recovery, and strong overall growth. It contains a balanced blend of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulphur (NPKS) — giving your lawn everything it needs to bounce back from tough conditions.
Nitrogen fuels lush green growth
Phosphorus supports root development
Potassium improves drought and wear tolerance
Sulphur enhances nutrient uptake
How to Use: Apply evenly at 2–3kg per 100m², then water in immediately to activate nutrients and avoid burning. Best applied just before steady rainfall.
Best For:
Couch and buffalo lawns recovering from heat or dryness
Includes secondary & micronutrients like Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Boron.
Low salt index and near-neutral on pH, so safer on fragile turf. How to Use: Spread evenly before rain or water in immediately. Ideal for recovery after dry spells. Best For: Established lawn areas and general garden feeding.
Fast-acting formula with instant-release technology — nutrients become available as soon as you irrigate.
NPK: 15% N, 4% P, 11% K + trace elements.
Covers up to 1,000 m² with a 20 kg bag at standard rate. How to Use: Spread at 2-3 kg per 100 m². Water in thoroughly or apply just before rain. Best For: Lawns needing a quick boost in colour or density (new or renovated turf).
Professional-grade, controlled-release fertiliser feeding for up to 3 months.
26% Nitrogen, low Phosphorus (2%), 9% Potassium, 3.4% Iron for deep green colour.
Designed to give steady growth with fewer applications. How to Use: Apply 2 kg per 100 m², spread evenly and water in. Avoid stray granules on hard surfaces (iron may stain). Best For: Large established lawns requiring consistent health and colour.
Well-balanced fertiliser emphasising potassium and iron to boost strength and rich green tone without growth surge.
19% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphorus, 16% Potassium, ~3.4% Iron. How to Use: Apply 2.5 kg per 100 m². Water in thoroughly. Watch for staining from iron on hard surfaces. Best For: Homes where lawn colour and resilience are important, but without overgrowth.
Bio-enhanced fertiliser that improves soil health as well as feeds the lawn.
Analysis: 10.5% N, 2% P, 8% K plus humic acid, iron, and trace elements.
Uses bio-catalyst technology to support beneficial soil fungi and release nutrients effectively. How to Use: Apply lawns 50-100 g per m² every 3 months, or higher rate for new turf. Water in. Best For: Lawns and garden beds needing both a nutrient boost and improved soil structure.
Entry-level, trusted formula for general lawn maintenance.
NPK: 10-0.9-8 plus added iron. Organic & inorganic mix. How to Use: Spread evenly, water in. Rate varies per lawn size. Best For: Budget maintenance feeding for buffalo and other common turf types.
Handy Tools for the Job
Having the right applicator ensures your fertiliser is spread evenly and effectively. Here are two great tools we recommend:
Scotts Handy Green Fertiliser Spreader: Lightweight hand-held spreader ideal for small to medium lawns. Hopper holds up to 2kg of granules. Ergonomic design.
Calibrate the spreader setting based on your fertiliser bag and spreader manual.
Walk at a steady pace and overlap passes by about 50 cm to avoid striping.
Sweep off any fertiliser that lands on paths or driveways—especially those with iron or chloride-free formulas—to avoid staining or runoff.
Applying the Plan
Mow first – trim your lawn to its normal height so fertiliser can reach soil evenly.
Spread your chosen product – based on lawn type, condition and product instructions above.
Water in thoroughly (or time just before steady rain) to activate nutrients.
Repeat feeding every 6–8 weeks during spring and early summer for optimum health and colour.
Order Online or Click & Collect
All these fertilisers and tools are available for online ordering at Caloundra Produce with Click & Collect or local delivery. Use coupon code FIRST10 for 10% off your first online order.
