Your pocket book and your lawn will love you for it, not to mention the benefits to the environment by using nonpolluting products. This type of nutrition will improve every plant in your garden that grows during the warm season. For acid-loving plants like hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias, use a little extra cottonseed meal when feeding. One of the most important things to remember when getting the garden in shape for a successful growing season is the addition of organic matter to the soil. A nice, thick layer of mulch or compost will insulate the soil from the elements while offering the beneficial organisms in the soil something to eat.
Many sources are available at low cost for organic matter.
The City of San Diego gives away recycled, compostedmulch at thethe the Miramar landfill facility. If you live outside San Diego, check to see if your municipality offers this material. Garden centers also carry a good selection of very good organic materials that will serve your needs. Nothing works better at saving you money on irrigation water than a layer of mulch. As spring unfolds and the Earth is reborn, I ask you this question.