SPRING FERTILIZATION:  I read in a northern turf magazine about the importance of spring fertilization. What is the best strategy for spring fertilization of Florida turfgrasses?

ANSWER: There is scarce research comparing different seasonal fertilization strategies. The concept of "spring" means such different things in different operations. To a golf course superintendent assisting the transition back to bermudagrass from overseeded cool-season grass, it is important not to fertilize until the bermudagrass has greened up and has healthy roots. To a south Florida parks superintendent, March is the last month before high irrigation requirements make it risky to overstimulate the St. Augustinegrass. She might fertilize once in October and once in March, just because it's operationally sensible. A condominium development with seasonal residents might purposely not fertilize in the spring, because the clients won't be around to appreciate it. Another viewpoint is that spring may be your last breathing space to do some soil-test monitoring. Dr. Jerry Sartain, Professor of Soil Fertility, says it may be a good time to review your entire fertilization program.