How to Start the Scotts 4 Step Program

Start here for a yard worthy of cookouts, kids, pets and play.

How to Do the Scotts® 4 Step™

Without proper care, your yard can quickly become a battleground of grass vs. weeds. Fortunately, there's no need for a turf war, thanks to our most-requested annual lawn care plan, the Scotts® 4 Step™ Program. We show you exactly how and when to feed for a better spring, summer, fall and winter lawn. Just choose either the 5,000 or 15,000 square foot size and get all you need for the whole year.

Start here for a yard worthy of cookouts, kids, pets and play.

1) Scotts® STEP® 1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food

Prevent problem grassy weeds like crabgrass.

Kick off the season with Step® 1. Apply in early spring, anytime between February and April when temperatures are still cool (below 80°F). Step® 1 prevents crabgrass before it can germinate. It feeds to green up a winter-weary lawn, too.

TO DO:

Apply Step® 1 on or before Easter.
To help improve your soil before the growing season, apply Scotts® Foundation Soil Improver around the same time as Step® 1.

2) Scotts® STEP® 2 Weed Control Plus Lawn Food2

Stop dandelions; nourish grass plants.

Apply Step® 2 in late spring, anytime between April and June, but be sure to wait four to six weeks after applying Step® 1. It kills many broadleaf weeds such as dandelions while feeding and nourishing the lawn. Step® 2 builds thick, green turf from the roots up.

TO DO:

Apply Step® 2 near Memorial Day.
Apply to a damp lawn on a calm day, and when rain is not expected for at least 24 hours.

3) Scotts® STEP® 3 Lawn Food with 2% Iron

Green things up.

Give your lawn a mid-season boost with an application of Step® 3. Apply in the summer, between June and August. Step® 3 feeds and strengthens the lawn against heat and drought, guaranteed.

TO DO:

Apply Step® 3 close to Independence Day.
If rain is not expected, immediately water after application.
Spot treat weeds, as needed.

4) Scotts® STEP® 4 Fall Lawn Food

Protect and strengthen.

Step® 4 can be applied four to six weeks after Step® 3, between August and November. It greens up the lawn now, and helps strengthen and protect it for a better lawn next spring.

TO DO: