person holding bag of Scotts Step 1

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. 


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

1) Scotts® STEP® 2 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:

bag of 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.



bag of Step 2

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.



bag of step 3

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:

  • Apply Step® 4 between Labor Day and mid-October.
  • Water in to speed greening, if desired.