Comand Soil: The Eco-Friendly Florida Fertilizer That’s Good for Your Lawn and the Environment

Comand soil is a top organic fertilizer choice for homeowners and groundskeepers looking to sustainably improve their lawns and landscapes. It’s made from organic material, and provides a range of benefits for soil health and plant growth. Comand is especially well-suited for Florida’s sandy, nutrient-poor soils.

In this guide, we’ll cover what makes Comand soil unique, the best use cases for it, pros and cons, application tips, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re a homeowner, landscaper, or turf manager, discover how Comand soil can help you achieve your goals while being environmentally friendly.

What is Comand Soil?

Comand soil is an organic, nonburning, sustainable fertilizer made using a proprietary process. Per their own site: “COMAND is naturally produced through the controlled aerobic, biological decomposition of biodegradable materials. No chemicals or synthetic nutrients are added. The product has undergone thermophilic temperatures, which destroys pathogens and weed seeds, and stabilizes the carbon such that it is highly beneficial to plant growth.”

When applied to lawns and gardens, Comand soil helps build soil structure, improve water retention, and boost nutrient uptake. This is especially valuable in sandy Florida soils that tend to drain quickly and lack organic matter. Comand also suppresses nematodes, microscopic worms that can damage plant roots and reduce growth.

Best Use Cases for Comand Soil

There are many use cases for Comand soil, being an organic compound, it’s really ideal for lots of scenarios.

Residential Lawns

Comand soil is an ideal organic fertilizer for Florida homeowners wanting lush, green lawns without relying on harsh synthetic chemicals. It provides a gentle, slow-release source of nutrients that feed grass steadily over time. This helps promote even growth and reduces the risk of fertilizer burn, even during hot summer months.

For homeowners following Florida-friendly landscaping principles, Comand soil aligns with best practices like using organic matter to improve soil. It’s also an excellent option for those looking to transition to organic lawn care or who have concerns about chemical fertilizers around children and pets.

Athletic Fields

For sports turf managers, Comand provides an organic way to maintain healthy, resilient playing surfaces that can handle heavy traffic. The added organic matter improves drainage, which is key for fields that need to recover quickly from rain. It also helps prevent soil compaction, allowing grass roots to grow deeply.

By using Comand soil, athletic field managers can promote player safety and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This is especially important for schools and public parks looking to minimize chemical exposure for athletes and spectators.

Business Lawns

Commercial property managers use Comand soil to sustainably enhance curb appeal. A green, well-maintained lawn creates a positive first impression for visitors and tenants. Comand soil helps achieve this while also supporting sustainability initiatives.

Using an organic fertilizer like Comand demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship. It can contribute to LEED credits for green building certification. Plus, the nonburning formula means groundskeepers can apply it confidently without risk of damaging high-visibility lawns.

Golf Courses

Golf course superintendents rely on Comand as part of organic turf management programs. Many courses have adopted eco-friendly practices to reduce environmental impact and appeal to sustainability-minded players. Comand soil fits perfectly into this approach.

The organic, slow-release nitrogen in Comand soil fulfills strict fertilizer requirements for golf courses. It provides even, long-lasting feeding for fairways and roughs. Comand also enriches soil to support healthy turfgrass that can withstand disease, pests, and drought.  Comand can also be mixed with sand for topdressing, which gives the greens that extra little boost.

What Makes Comand Soil Unique

It’s Fully Organic

Comand soil is made of 100% organic material. It’s an eco-friendly fertilizer option that enhances soil naturally. Unlike conventional fertilizers that can deplete soil over time, Comand continually adds organic matter to feed soil microbes.

It is Nonburning

Another key benefit of Comand compared to synthetic fertilizers is that it won’t burn lawns, even in hot Florida summers. It minimizes growth spurts, so grass grows at a steady rate. This saves time and resources by reducing how often you need to mow.

Sustainable

From start to finish, Comand soil is a sustainable product. Composting the manure reduces methane emissions and provides an alternative to spreading raw manure.

The finished compost is a renewable, eco-friendly fertilizer that improves soil health. Using Comand soil on a wide scale helps offset synthetic fertilizer production and usage. It’s a closed-loop process that supports Florida’s economy and environment.

Pros and Cons of Comand Soil

Con: Attracts Bugs and Flies

One potential downside of Comand soil is that it can attract bugs and flies after application, particularly when used in larger quantities. The odor and organic matter make an appealing space for insects to gather.

However, this issue is usually short-lived and manageable. Thoroughly watering in Comand after spreading it will minimize odors. Allowing the surface to dry out also discourages insects. Applying smaller amounts and using it when bugs are less active, such as in spring and fall, further reduces this nuisance.

Pro: Amends Florida’s Sandy Soil

The benefits of Comand soil far outweigh any drawbacks, especially in Florida. Our state’s sandy soils are notoriously low in organic matter and nutrients. They tend to drain quickly and don’t retain moisture well. This makes it difficult to maintain healthy lawns and gardens.

Comand soil directly addresses these issues by adding vital organic matter. As it breaks down, it releases nutrients slowly, giving plants an extended feeding. The organic matter acts like a sponge to improve water retention. Comand also inoculates the soil with beneficial bacteria and fungi that help grass roots absorb nutrients. It’s a comprehensive soil amendment tailored for Florida!

What Plants Can You Use Comand On?

Technically: It works well for all plants

Although we’ve focused on lawns, Comand soil can benefit any type of landscape or garden plants. It provides a mild, long-lasting nutrient source suitable for even sensitive plants. The organic matter enhances all soils and planting situations.

Shrubs, trees, flowers, and vegetables will all thrive with Comand soil. It’s an excellent option for establishing new plantings, topdressing beds, or enriching potting mix. Comand adds structure to sandy Florida soils, helping them hold water and nutrients around plant roots.

Realistically: Lawns are Ideal

While Comand soil is safe and effective for all plants, turfgrass is one of the top use cases. Lawns rely on consistent fertilization to look their best. Sod is often grown on subpar soil, so it needs amendments to establish and maintain density.

Grasses like St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass require regular feeding to handle Florida’s long growing season, heat, and heavy rains. Comand soil is uniquely suited to meet the high nutrient demands of lawns organically and sustainably. It greens up grass without overstimulating growth.

How to Apply Comand Fertilizer

For Large Areas Apply with a Topdresser

Professionals have specialized equipment to efficiently apply Comand soil across athletic fields, golf courses, and other large turf areas. A topdresser is a tow-behind or self-propelled machine that evenly distributes compost or sand.

Topdressers have a hopper to hold the material and a spinners and/or drop system to spread it. The depth is adjustable to control how much is applied. Comand soil is typically topdressed at a 1/4-inch depth for lawns. Other tools like front-end loaders and spreaders can also be used.

For Spot Application Spread it Yourself

Homeowners don’t need fancy equipment to use Comand soil. It’s easy to spread by hand in problem spots of the lawn that need an extra fertility boost. This is a great way to target areas damaged by dog spots, heavy traffic, or chinch bugs.

Use a shovel to sprinkle an even layer of Comand soil onto the grass. Then rake it out to a 1/4-inch depth. Water it well so it settles to the soil surface. Wear gloves since Comand is made of composted manure. Always wash your hands after handling it.

Expert Tips for Comand Soil

1. Core Aerate the Lawn First

For the best results, we recommend core aerating your lawn before topdressing with Comand soil. Aeration pulls small plugs of soil from the lawn, leaving behind holes that allow moisture, nutrients, and oxygen to reach grass roots more easily.

Aerating before applying Comand ensures it filters down to the root zone quickly. The holes also preserve “macropores” in the soil for drainage and air exchange. If you apply Comand without aerating, those pores can get sealed off, especially in compacted or clay soils.

Aim to aerate at least once per year for a typical home lawn, or twice for high-traffic grass. The best time is generally spring or early summer when grass is actively growing. Wait about a week after aerating to topdress with Comand soil.

2. Apply 2-3 Times a Year

Comand soil feeds your lawn for about 3 months, so plan to apply it 2-3 times per year for the best results. The exact timing depends on your grass type and climate, but a good general schedule for Florida lawns is:

• Early spring (late February to March): Apply Comand as grass breaks winter dormancy to fuel new growth.
• Late spring (May): If needed, topdress again to maintain steady nutrition before summer heat.
• Fall (October): Give grass a final feeding with Comand to recover from summer stress and prepare for winter.

You can continue applying Comand during the hot summer months, but avoid application during winter, when grass growth slows.

Comand Soil FAQs

Where to buy Comand soil?

You can buy Comand soil from your local agrictultural supply store although it’s a newer option, so we recommend calling before to make sure your local store carries it.

If you are in South Florida, come on in to Council-Oxford, we have Comand soil on-hand and can personalize your application based on your unique needs. 

Can I spread it myself?

Yes, homeowners can easily spread Comand soil on their own lawns. For smaller areas, simply use a shovel to distribute it evenly over the grass. Rake it smooth and water it in. If you have a larger lawn, consider renting or buying a push-type compost spreader to make the job faster.

Unlike synthetic fertilizers that require precise measuring and application, Comand soil is gentle and forgiving. It’s difficult to overdo it and cause damage. As long as you spread a 1/4 to 1/2-inch layer and water it well, your lawn will respond beautifully.

Is Comand soil safe?

Absolutely, Comand soil is organic. The composting process kills any harmful pathogens and weed seeds, making it safe for people, pets, and plants. You don’t need to worry about synthetic chemicals, heavy metals, or other toxic ingredients.

As with any soil amendment, it’s still wise to take common-sense precautions. Wear gloves when handling Comand and always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Avoid breathing in the dust, and keep it away from your eyes. Don’t let children or animals eat it, even though it’s not poisonous.

Can you apply Comand soil during the Florida fertilizer ban?

Yes, you can apply Comand during the ban, in fact it’s one of the only fertilizers that you can use at that time. Normally fertilizer is not allowed during local blackout periods. Many counties in Florida prohibit applying nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers from June 1 through September 30. This is to minimize harmful runoff into waterways during the rainy summer season.

How often should I apply Comand soil?

The recommended application frequency for Comand soil is 2 to 3 times per year. This provides grass with a consistent nutrient supply throughout the growing season. Here’s a simple schedule to follow:

Early spring: 20 cubic feet per 1,000 square feet
Late spring: 20 cubic feet per 1,000 square feet
Fall: 20 cubic feet per 1,000 square feet
*rates for a standard ¼” application

Of course, the exact timing and rates may vary depending on your location, grass type, and soil conditions. Newly sodded or seeded lawns may benefit from more frequent light applications during establishment. Mature, healthy lawns can often get by with just spring and fall treatments.

Let the performance of your lawn be your guide. If grass is thin, pale, or struggling, apply Comand soil more often. If it’s dense, dark green, and growing well, you can probably reduce frequency. When in doubt, err on the side of less product. Comand is forgiving and you can always reapply as needed.

Conclusion

In summary, Comand soil is the ideal organic fertilizer to sustainably care for lawns and landscapes in Florida. It provides a wide range of benefits, from improving soil structure and moisture retention to slowly feeding grass and plants. Comand is versatile enough for all kinds of applications, yet uniquely suited to meet the challenges of our sandy, nutrient-poor soils.

By using Comand soil, you can have the lush, green lawn you want while being environmentally responsible. It’s safe for people and pets, won’t burn grass, and supports soil health naturally. Plus, it’s locally made in Florida from renewable resources. Make Comand soil a key part of your landscaping routine for maximum results!

To learn more about Comand soil, visit the product page on our website. We offer convenient pickup and delivery options across Florida. Contact us to place an order or to get personalized advice about organic fertilizers and soil amendments for your lawn. Let us help you achieve your landscape goals sustainably with Comand!