“Feed the soil at the right time, and it will feed your plants all year long.”
That’s the reality of gardening and landscaping in Southwest Florida. The fertilizer ban, in place every summer from June 1 through September 30, exists to protect our waterways from nutrient runoff during heavy rains. But as of September 30, the ban is officially lifted. That means homeowners, landscapers, and property managers across Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers can finally start replenishing their hungry lawns, trees, and gardens.
This isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity. A moment to get ahead of the season, restore what summer storms stripped away, and set your landscape up for lush growth through fall, winter, and spring.
So how do you fertilize effectively once the ban is lifted? Let’s walk through everything you need to know: the timing, the methods, the common mistakes, and of course, the custom Sanjuan Family Nursery fertilizers that make it all possible.
Why Fertilizer Timing Matters in SWFL
Florida is unique. Our sandy soils drain fast. Our summers are wet and relentless. And by September, most landscapes are left depleted—grass looks tired, palms yellow, fruit trees stall. Fertilizing as soon as the ban is lifted isn’t just about greening things up for curb appeal. It’s about replenishing nutrients washed away by rain and helping plants rebuild strength for the cooler months ahead.
Without proper fertilization now, your lawn and landscape may limp through fall and underperform in spring. With it, you’ll see stronger roots, richer foliage, more flowers, and healthier fruit production.
Step 1: Know the Rules
While the ban is lifted on September 30, that doesn’t mean all fertilizers are free game year-round. Each county (Collier, Lee, Charlotte, etc.) may have slight variations in rules, but the key takeaway is this:
- From October 1 through May 31, you can use fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus.
- During the ban (June 1–September 30), only products without those nutrients (like iron supplements or potassium) are allowed.
At Sanjuan Family Nursery, we only carry fertilizers that are designed to comply with local ordinances and perform well in our region’s climate.
Step 2: Choose the Right Fertilizer
This is where many people trip up. Fertilizers aren’t “one size fits all.” Different plants need different blends, and different times of year call for different ratios. That’s why Sanjuan Family Nursery has created custom fertilizers tailored to SWFL landscapes.
Here’s a breakdown of what we offer and when to use them:
23-8-8: Balanced Growth Blend
This powerhouse mix is perfect for all-around plant health, especially when your lawn or landscape looks tired. The high nitrogen content promotes lush, green foliage and vigorous recovery after the summer ban. Use this on lawns, ornamental grasses, and general landscaping beds when you want that instant “refresh.”
15-6-11: Bloom & Fruit Formula
Planning for show-stopping flowers and bountiful fruit? This blend has a higher phosphorus ratio, which fuels blossoms and fruit set. Ideal for flowering plants, fruit trees, and even ornamental shrubs that you want to see explode with color and productivity.
12-4-12: Landscape Maintenance Mix
Think of this as your steady “maintenance plan.” Great for established landscapes, this balanced blend supports ongoing growth and vitality without overstimulating. Use it for hedges, established shrubs, and trees that need consistent nutrition year-round.
12-5-9: Root & Transplant Support
Planting new trees or shrubs? Transplanting something into a new bed? This blend is your go-to. With nutrients tailored to root development, it encourages strong establishment and minimizes transplant shock.
Each of these fertilizers is available directly at Sanjuan Family Nursery, and our staff will happily walk you through which one matches your exact needs.
Step 3: Apply Fertilizer the Right Way
Even the best fertilizer won’t help if you apply it incorrectly. Technique matters.
General Application Tips
- Time of Day: Fertilize in the morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid midday heat to prevent fertilizer burn.
- Even Coverage: Use a spreader for lawns, and always overlap slightly to prevent streaking. For trees and shrubs, apply evenly in a wide circle around the drip line.
- Watering: Water lightly after applying to help nutrients soak in, but don’t drench. Overwatering can wash it away before roots can absorb it.
- Frequency: For most landscapes, three fertilizations per year are enough—early fall (October), late winter (February), and late spring (May).
Specific to Plant Types
- Lawns: St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bermuda benefit from nitrogen-rich applications in October and again in spring.
- Palms: Use a palm-specific blend like 12-4-12 or 8-2-12 with magnesium. Yellowing fronds are often a sign of potassium or magnesium deficiency.
- Flowering Plants & Fruit Trees: Apply 15-6-11 before and during bloom cycles to encourage maximum flowers and fruit set.
- New Plantings: Always reach for 12-5-9 to help establish roots before winter sets in.
Step 4: Avoid Common Fertilization Mistakes
Too many homeowners waste money—and harm their landscapes—by making the same mistakes year after year. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Overfertilizing: More isn’t better. Too much nitrogen can burn plants or cause weak, rapid growth vulnerable to pests.
- Fertilizing too close to water: Always keep at least 10 feet away from canals, lakes, or storm drains to prevent runoff.
- Ignoring pH: Florida’s soils can be alkaline. Without adjusting pH, your plants may not absorb nutrients, no matter how much fertilizer you throw at them.
- Wrong product, wrong plant: Don’t use high-phosphorus blends on palms—they’re sensitive and require specialized nutrition.
Step 5: Think Long-Term
Fertilizing on October 1 is the start, not the finish line. A successful fertilization schedule sets your landscape up for an entire year of health and resilience. Plan your applications around key milestones:
- October: Post-ban replenishment. Restore nutrients washed out over summer.
- February: Pre-spring boost. Fuel lawns and plants before growth season kicks in.
- May: Pre-ban protection. Give your plants enough strength to endure the June–September blackout.
This rhythm keeps your lawn, trees, and flowers thriving year-round. To learn more about how to protect your plants during the ban, check out our spring garden guide here.
Sustainable Fertilization in SWFL
It’s not just about lawns. Fertilizing responsibly helps protect the waterways that make Southwest Florida special. From Naples Bay to Estero River, nutrient runoff threatens ecosystems. Following the rules, applying the right products, and using slow-release blends ensures your garden thrives without harming the environment.
At Sanjuan Family Nursery, we carry fertilizers specifically designed for our region’s needs. No fillers, no fluff—just the right ratios to help your plants flourish.
Conclusion
The fertilizer ban lifts September 30, and that’s your green light. Don’t wait. Your lawn and landscape need nutrients now to recover from summer rains and prepare for cooler months ahead. With the right fertilizer, applied the right way, you’ll see stronger lawns, brighter blooms, healthier palms, and fruit trees that actually produce.
Visit Sanjuan Family Nursery in Bonita Springs to stock up on our custom blends:
- 23-8-8 for lush green growth
- 15-6-11 for flowers and fruit
- 12-4-12 for steady maintenance
- 12-5-9 for new plantings and transplants
Our team will guide you every step of the way. Fall is your window of opportunity—take it. Let’s make your landscape thrive.
