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The best time to apply fertilizers depends on the plant type, fertilizer formulation, and your climate. For lawns, early spring and late fall are ideal for cool-season grasses, while warm-season grasses prefer late spring through summer. Vegetables and annuals need fertilizing at planting time and every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Trees and shrubs benefit from fertilizing in early spring before bud break. Slow-release organic fertilizers can be applied less frequently than water-soluble synthetic types. Avoid applying fertilizers during hot, dry periods. Consult the University of Maryland Extension for region-specific fertilizer timing.