Maximise Turf Growth This March – Fertilisers Every Groundsman Should Know About
As the first signs of spring emerge, groundsmen across the UK will be thinking about one thing: putting nutrients back into the soil to drive growth and recovery after winter. Applied correctly, fertilisers not only help turf to green up faster but also strengthen root systems, improve stress tolerance and increase disease resistance — all essential for high-use sports surfaces.
In this March blog, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about fertiliser use this spring, what different fertilisers do, how to plan applications month by month, and the differences between granular and liquid fertilisers so you can make informed decisions for every pitch.
Why Fertiliser Matters on Sports Pitches
Turfgrass gets its strength and colour from three key nutrients found in fertilisers: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). These are commonly expressed in an N-P-K ratio — for example, a 20-10-10 fertiliser contains 20% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. Each plays a unique role:
- Nitrogen (N) drives lush, green leaf growth.
- Phosphorus (P) supports strong root development.
- Potassium (K) improves overall stress tolerance and disease resistance.
Applied at the right time and rate, fertilisers transform weak or patchy turf into strong, resilient playing surfaces.
Granular vs. Liquid Fertilisers – What’s Best for You?
Before we dive into month-by-month planning, it’s worth discussing the two main ways fertilisers are delivered:
Granular Fertilisers
Granular fertilisers are dry pellets broadcast over the surface using a spreader. They’re the go-to choice for many sports grounds because they:
- Provide slow, sustained nutrient release.
- Are easy to apply evenly over large areas.
- Often include micronutrients and trace elements.
Typical examples include seasonal blends like spring/summer or autumn/winter granular feeds.
Liquid Fertilisers
Liquid fertilisers are mixed with water and applied via sprayer. They deliver nutrients fast, particularly through the leaves, and are ideal when turf needs a quick uptick in growth or colour. They’re especially useful if you’re working to tight deadlines (fixtures, events, etc.).
However, liquid feeds often act faster but might require more frequent applications compared to granular slow-release products.
Fertiliser Guide: Month-by-Month Growth Plan
Here’s how to plan fertiliser use from March through the growing season, using key products from Battersby Sports Ground Supplies’ range:
March – Encourage Recovery and Early Growth
March is when turf starts to awaken. Soil temperatures rise, and roots begin to take up nutrients again. This is a great month for balanced feed and nitrogen-rich applications.
Recommended Products:
- Battersby Spring & Summer Outfield Fertiliser 20‑10‑10 25kg – A high-nitrogen granular fertiliser ideal for football, rugby, and cricket outfields. Drives rapid green-up and robust spring growth.
- Battersby Spring & Summer Outfield Fertiliser 12‑6‑6 20kg – Slightly more balanced than the 20-10-10 for general feeding and colour without overstimulating top growth.
- Battersby Thomas Elliot Liquid Fertiliser 20‑0‑10 + SW & Humic Acid (20L) – A liquid feed with humic acids and seaweed that enhances root metabolism and nutrient uptake — perfect for early season push.
Handy extras:
Delivering the perfect feed to your lawn does not just come through the correct feeds it also comes from using the correct tools. Check out our full range of spreaders and sprayers to assist in the perfect feed.
Sprayer and spreader machines for grounds and gardens.
April – Build Strength and Consistent Colour
April is all about maintaining steady growth while strengthening the turf plant. Granular fertilisers provide a reliable nutrient base, while liquid feeds help maintain colour and performance between applications.
Recommended Granular Fertilisers:
-
Battersby Spring & Summer Fertiliser 8-0-6 – 20kg
A controlled nitrogen feed that supports steady growth without overstimulation. -
Battersby Spring & Summer Fertiliser 11-5-5 – 20kg
Offers a balanced nutrient profile, supporting both root and shoot development during peak spring growth.
Recommended Liquid Fertiliser:
-
Battersby Thomas Elliott Liquid Fertiliser 12-0-6 – 20L
Ideal for foliar feeding, delivering rapid colour response and consistent turf performance.
May – Maintain Density and Wear Tolerance
May brings strong growth but also increased pitch usage. Nutrient demand rises, and fertiliser programmes should focus on maintaining density, recovery and surface quality.
Recommended Granular Fertilisers:
-
Battersby Spring & Summer Fertiliser 11-5-5 – 20kg
Well suited to high-use sports pitches where balanced nutrition is key. -
Battersby Spring & Summer Fertiliser 12-6-6 – 20kg
Supports continued growth while strengthening the turf ahead of summer stress.
Recommended Liquid Fertiliser:
-
Battersby Thomas Elliott Liquid Fertiliser 15-3-3 – 20L
Provides a rapid response when pitches need a visual lift or extra recovery following play.
June – Prepare Turf for Summer Stress
As temperatures rise, fertiliser strategy should shift slightly. Growth remains strong, but inputs should begin to support stress tolerance rather than drive excessive leaf growth.
Recommended Granular Fertilisers:
-
Battersby Spring & Summer Fertiliser 12-0-9 – 20kg
Increased potassium content helps strengthen the plant against drought and wear. -
Battersby Spring & Summer Fertiliser 11-5-5 – 20kg
Suitable where consistent growth and recovery are still required.
July – Support Turf Through Peak Summer Conditions
July feeding is about maintaining plant health, not pushing growth. Potassium becomes increasingly important, and liquid feeds can be used carefully to maintain colour.
Recommended Granular Fertilisers:
Both options help reinforce turf resilience during periods of heat and reduced rainfall.
Recommended Liquid Fertiliser:
-
Battersby Thomas Elliott Liquid Fertiliser 20-0-10 + Seaweed & Humic Acid – 20L
Excellent for maintaining colour and supporting stressed turf without excessive growth.
August – Maintain Health Ahead of Autumn Renovation
August is often a transition month. Fertiliser inputs should keep turf healthy while preparing surfaces for end-of-season renovation and autumn programmes.
Recommended Granular Fertilisers:
Both provide controlled nutrition without overstressing the plant late in the summer.
Recommended Liquid Fertiliser:
-
Battersby Thomas Elliott Liquid Fertiliser 16-3-10 – 20L
A well-balanced liquid feed to maintain turf quality while strengthening roots ahead of autumn.
Choosing the Right Fertiliser for Your Turf
Every pitch and ground is different. Your fertiliser choice should be guided by factors like soil type, use intensity and existing nutrient levels. Always follow application instructions and calibrate your spreader or sprayer for even coverage.
Key Tips for Fertiliser Success
✅ Always avoid fertilising in frost or drought conditions.
✅ Water in granular fertilisers after application for best uptake.
✅ Combine granular feeds with regular liquid top-ups for colour bursts.
✅ Use soil testing where possible to fine-tune fertiliser choices.
Final Thoughts
For groundsmen, fertiliser isn’t just about greening the pitch — it’s about building resilience, optimising plant health and ensuring that every game day surface performs to standard. Whether you prefer the slow-release reliability of granular feeds or the fast-acting power of liquid fertilisers, smart fertiliser scheduling from March onwards sets the tone for a strong growing season.
Explore Battersby’s full range of fertiliser products at sports-grounds.com and choose feeds that match your turf’s needs. Great groundsmanship begins with nutrient-rich turf!
if you have any questions, thoughts or require product help and direction around your fertiliser programme, simply call our team on 01706 360572 or email: sales@sports-grounds.com and we’ll be happy to help you.