Kansas City Soil Testing, Fertilizer Types, and Seasonal Schedule

Soil test via MU Extension ($7–10). Cool-season lawns: fertilize spring/fall. Flowers: summer. Shrubs: early spring.

Soil Test

• County extension > DIY kits (unreliable, no lime calc).
• MU Extension link provided.

Fertilizer by Plant Type

• Lawn: High N (29-3-4, 28-4-14). Memorial Day, Labor Day, Nov (after growth stops).
• Flowers: Osmocote 14-14-14 (1–2×) or Miracle-Gro/Peters every 2–3 weeks summer.
• Shrubs: Early spring at leaf-out. Stop by Aug.

Key Rule

Lawn fertilizer ≠ flower fertilizer. High N burns flowers; high P-K weakens grass.