Found Fertilizer? Don’t Use It Without a Soil Test

A mystery fertilizer jug from a neighbor’s curb is a risk, not a gift. Applying unknown nutrients can lock out others (e.g., excess P blocks Mg, Zn), build salts, and worsen soil.

Why It’s Dangerous

• Fertilizers are salts—bad for grass long-term.
• Most soils already have enough nutrients. Need organic matter, not N-P-K.
• Excess triggers deficiencies that take years to fix.

Better Use

Give it to new neighbors or a school. Build your lawn with compost, mulch, and soil testing—not mystery jugs.