 Don't use synthetic fertilizers. The reason is they release so quick. So you put a Scott's turf builder, the water comes in, afternoon rain releases all of that food all at once. It says it's got a 30 day release, but it can actually get enough rain. I've had over two inches of rain in my yard this week. It can release all of it at once. In fact, a lot of it will flush and go right downstream in those dry beds as it starts to run. And so a lot of it's lost.