If you are spot seeding, then yes fertilize with a starter(if needed). You donít want to apply it directly to newly planted sod or burning can occur. Hello, I just over seeded my lawn on Sept 18. Water immediately after spreading the seed. Using a Starter Fertilizer When overseeding lawns, you may find it necessary to apply a starter fertilizer before or directly after seeding. Plus it makes you mow sooner. Warm season grasses aren't the only ones that may need overseeding. I understand that many factors come in place and will stick to 2 weeks in for my overseeding area. Overseeding requires one half of the grass seed that would be needed for seeding a new lawn. The best way to do this is to use a broadcast or rotary spreader. Alternatively, if you prefer to use organic methods, rake 1 to 2 inches of a manure-based compost over the lawn. Some nitrogen and phosphorus (as starter fertilizer) applied to the soil before the sod is laid should help hasten development of new roots.”, Landschoot notes, “Because soil-test levels of phosphorus don’t change much over short periods, you can collect soil samples and submit to a test lab to determine phosphorus levels within a year of establishing turf. Amounts in excess of 1.5 lb. This is especially true if a soil test says your soil Phosphorus (P) is low. The Best Time to Apply Starter Fertilizer for Grass Seed. Do not apply a preemergent herbicide for crabgrass control to a new seeding or on seedling turf—unless the product is specifically formulated to do so.. It can be applied to all-new lawns, or to help bare spots recover. Fill a hand-held rotary or push-type drop spreader and apply the seed to the lawn according to the manufacturer's directions. With these nine FAQs about using starter fertilizer on your lawn, we’ll also explain what all those numbers on the fertilizer package mean and how they’ll affect the growth of your grass. If you are over seeding, I would not put any fertilizer on the lawn-The new grass will have zero chance with the established then. Probably not. 18-24-12. You should not use starter fertilizer in areas where you cannot control runoff. Regular slow-release fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen is best for planting sod or giving your existing lawn a boost. Lebanon’s ProScape® Starter Fertilizer 21-22-4 with Mesotrione is ideal for use during turf establishment (bare ground seeding, sodding, sprigging or plugging), renovation or overseeding. Starter fertilizers for lawns come in different compositions of the primary nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P-phosphate) and potassium (K-potash), or the three numbers listed on the package (NPK). This timing gives your new grass plenty of time to harden off and tolerate the summer of 2014. When Time Is Right, Apply Starter Fertilizer You want to wait until the soil temperature falls to 50 degrees to 65 degrees Fahrenheit to get the best germination from your fescue seeds. Fertilizer Analysis 20-27-5" so, there you go. Apply a Starter Fertilizer When the soil temperature falls to 50 to 65 degrees or the air temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, apply a starter fertilizer for overseeding. quick-release nitrogen per 1,000 sq. Although various starter fertilizers for grass may differ slightly in composition, they all give the grass seeds and new sod the nutritional boost required for healthy germination and rapid root growth. The all-purpose, non-burning formula feeds for up to 8 to 10 weeks. Use your seed spreader to apply the fertilizer in two directions. When seeding a lawn, you should never apply the fertilizer and seed together. Use a metal thatch rake to remove the grass clippings, thatch and debris. If you plan on doing this, make sure you use a starter fertilizer that’s appropriate for your grass and growing conditions that does not contain any weed control. Next up is a starter fertilizer. They just give numbers for each component, so I’m a little stuck. Of course, donít go overboard with its use and think more is better. If you don’t overseed, there’s no need to top-dress in fall. The Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance service recommends overseeding at least 45 days before your average first fall frost. When your warm-season grass starts turning a shade of yellow-brown, your thoughts may turn to overseeding with a fescue (Festuca spp.) When to Apply Use when planting seed, sod, sprigs or new lawn plugs or when overseeding. Secondly, while you are planting the seeds. Now there’s a new product with pre-emergent weed control that you can apply when you seed –whether bare-ground seeding or overseeding. If your lawn is not rich in natural organic matter, nitrogen plays an important role. Fertilizing in late October builds energy in the grass root systems, forcing grass plants to push new roots and rhizomes. Application of a starter fertilizer is not a substitute for the phosphate and potash recommended on your soil test report.”, When it comes to situations where a starter fertilizer for grass isnít required, Landschoot advises, “In some cases, a 1- or 2-inch layer of good quality compost amended into soil before establishing turf will provide more than enough nitrogen and phosphorus for optimum establishment. This process thickens your lawn and helps build deep roots along with reserves that help your lawn combat next summer's heat stress. Just pour the required amount into a standard fertilizer spreader and evenly apply the starter fertilizer over the planting site. (For best results, use a Scotts spreader!) Some say wait until 3-4 weeks after germination before throwing down nitrogen. In addition, nitrogen can easily be leached from the soil before the grass even has a chance to uptake its nutrients. You overseed with fescue when the fescue areas become thin. When overseeding lawns, you may find it necessary to apply a starter fertilizer before or directly after seeding. so your lawn stays green through the cold season. ft. will speed up seedling development.”, When it comes to explaining phosphorus and its role Landschoot also notes, ‘”Phosphorus is included in starter fertilizer primarily to enhance root development. Make sure not to over-apply by following the application rate provided on the fertilizer… In summary, a lawn starter fertilizer high in phosphorus and quick-releasing nitrogen is ideal for starting a lawn from seed. Concentrate on seeding and watering and forget about additional fertilizer until the grass is well sprouted. Overseeding after aerating is a no-brainer, and it is the best possible time to do so, according to our Gaithersburg lawn care partners.-Apply soil amendments: Lime, Fertilizer… Time To Apply. Even properly applied starter fertilizer may not be enough food to maintain a healthy start for your grass. Leave the clippings on the grass. Just be sure to allow time for the lab to process the samples and return your report with phosphorus recommendations. This is especially true if a soil test says your soil Phosphorus (P) is low. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass (4.9 / 5 rating), GreenView 2131254 Starter Fertilizer (4.8 / 5 rating), Jonathan Green Green Up Seeding & Sodding Lawn Fertilizer (4.8 / 5 rating), Lesco Professional Starter Fertilizer, 18-24-12 (4.7 / 5 rating), Tips for Watering Your Lawn in Philadelphia, PA, How to Landscape With Palm Trees in Phoenix, 2021’s Best and Worst States for Living Off the Grid, 10 Walkway Ideas for Your Yard and Garden, 14 Treehouse Ideas for Your Backyard Playhouse. Once applied, work the product 4 to 6 inches into the soil, if you are planting grass seed or sod after the application. When applying a starter fertilizer, itís best to apply before seeding or before laying sod, or after you plant your grass seed. However, some types contain two parts of nitrogen and one part of phosphorous and potassium. What is the best mix for a starter fertilizer? Should I Use Starter Fertilizer. In general, plan to overseed the lawn at least six weeks before the average first frost date so the new grass has time to become established. Walter Reeves, The Georgia Gardener: Fescue – Planting Seed – New Lawn, Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning: Overseeding Your Lawn, Yardcare.com: Cool-Season Grasses | Choosing the Right Grass, Pennington: How to Overseed or Reseed Your Lawn, Nature's Seed: How to Fertilize Your New Fescue Grass Seed Lawn. This Miracle Gro Lawn Food will fertilize all type of grass/lawn. For example, a fertilizer ratio of 10-10-10 contains 10 percent of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. “Even though sod is mostly composed of mature turf, many of the roots have been severed during the harvesting operation,” Landschoot says. Immediately after aeration, your lawn is ripe for overseeding and fertilizing. For early fall or early September, you should apply fertilizer to revitalize the green blade color after the heat stress of summer. Before scattering fescue seed over your lawn, take time to prepare the existing grass and any exposed soil. It’s generally best to apply Milorganite fertilizer to warm-season grass at the following times of year: Easter (this should be after the turf comes out of dormancy): The application rate at this time is 32 pounds per 2,500 square feet. I’m sure there’s no wrong way. Use a Starter Fertilizer Fertilizer is the other needed product for seeding. When an existing fescue lawn has been damaged or is simply growing poorly, consider overseeding to fill in the bare spots. If you are applying the product after you apply grass seed, spread the product over the soil and water into the soil. Similarly, do I need to fertilize when I overseed? Our research shows a greater influence of nitrogen compared to phosphorus on the rate of turf establishment, so if you can’t use phosphorus (or you think there is enough phosphorus in the soil), an application of 1 lb. She writes a weekly garden column and authored 50 Fabulous Tomatoes for Your Garden. Also rake or dig up any bare spots to loosen the soil. Fertilize with a slow-release 18-1-8 fertilizer using a spreader, four to eight weeks after the fescue germinates. But, you have to ensure overseeding your lawn at least 6-8 week after spreading fertilizer. We’ve taken the mystery out of starter fertilizers for lawns, including how and when to use them, why they are beneficial and why you might not need to use one. The test will note just what nutrients require beefing up in the soil to benefit your turfís growth and how much is required. You can apply every 4 to 6 weeks at any season when your fescue lawn is growing. If your fine fescue lawn (Festuca rubra or Festuca brevipila) sees a lot of foot traffic or it has been a long, hot summer, overseeding with a tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) increases the lawn's ability to withstand kids, pets and summer heat. In fact, you should wait six to eight weeks before applying another dose of balanced fertilizer to your grass after planting so it doesnít incur burning. I was thinking of getting bulk bags fromTSC, but they don’t label things the way Scott’s would. Generally, developing seedlings growing in compact soils during cold temperature periods are thought to benefit more from phosphorus in starter fertilizer.î. If there's a heavy layer of thatch or the soil is compacted, aerate the soil. Method-1: You can apply fertilizer first. nitrogen per 1,000 sq. When it comes to knowing how much starter fertilizer for the grass youíll need, Penn State Extension suggests taking a soil test. Obviously, this can vary quite a bit by region, so another way to tell when you begin is to pay attention to your lawn. Although you can use a starter fertilizer for a lawn that is established, it’s better to use a well-balanced fertilizer designed specifically for grass that is established. Memorial Day (the end of May): The application rate at this time is 32 pounds per 2,500 square feet. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. It won’t hurt the grass, but might lack the needed nutrients that a well-balanced fertilizer for continued lawn maintenance contains. Generally speaking, the first time you fertilize in the spring will likely be sometime between the beginning of March and the middle of April. When it comes to using a starter fertilizer for new sod or grass seed, thereís a definite benefit to its use to promote the healthiest growth and establishment of your lawn in the quickest amount of time. Water the lawn lightly, twice daily at first, while the grass seeds germinate. Always check the rates on the bag as they vary among brands. Nitrogen and phosphorus from indiscriminate use of fertilizers have caused such great environmental concerns that about half the states in the U.S. have imposed some sort of regulations on fertilizer use. You can use a starter fertilizer with an N-P-K amount of 5-10-5 at a rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet, according to the University of California. Addressing soils that aren’t amended with organic materials Landschoot continues, “In cases where soils are not amended with compost, nitrogen is almost always needed for rapid establishment. The seed, fertilizer, and water will have the best chance to get down into the holes made by the aerator if applied soon after aeration. Two specific moments are better to apply starter fertilizer. Sweep any loose granules on the sidewalk or driveway back onto the grass. Starter lawn fertilizer helps your grass seedlings and sod roots establish rapidly in the soil, leading to a thick new lawn in a short period. My soil tests always showed low P. I am attributing this to 2 renos in 2 years. Starter fertilizers will contain higher amounts of phosphorus (Middle number on the bag of fertilizer). If your lawn consists of Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, or perennial ryegrass, choose a product specially designed for overseeding thin lawns, like Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick’R Lawn™ Sun & Shade, which combines grass seed, fertilizer, and a soil improver into an easy-to-use product you apply … When it comes to the specific job of each of these primary nutrients in regards to the health of your turf: Some examples of the formulations of common starter fertilizers for lawns are 10-10-10, 20-10-10 and 16-8-8. Apply a Starter fertilizer that contains nutrients only such as GreenView Starter Fertilizer according to the directions on the fertilizer bag. What Fertilizer Do You Put on Fescue Grass in the Winter? When to Apply Fertilizer Once your lawn has sprouted after about six weeks, an additional feeding of starter fertilizer is appropriate. It doesn't really matter if you fertilize or overseed first. buy it, spread it, drink a beer(s). Some research shows little influence of phosphorus on turf establishment in soils containing adequate to high levels of soil-test phosphorus; whereas other studies show benefits even when phosphorus levels are adequate. Used properly, it won’t be long before your bare feet are enjoying the feel of your healthy lawn. Put on safety gear, including shoes, gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask before applying the fertilizer. You donít want to apply it directly to newly planted sod or burning can occur. It is best to apply starter fertilizer just before, or at the same time as planting grass seed. Get easy-to-understand, actionable yard tips that will give you the greenest grass on the block. Winterize your lawn with a late fall fertilizer application, like Gertens Winterizer. For maximum appearance of your lawn, you can apply fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the most active period of your grass' growth. You only do that in the fall (late August) after the crabgrass has stopped germinating. Peter Landschoot, Ph.D., professor of turfgrass science at Penn State Extension states, “Yes, both seed and sod. One look at your local garden center’s fertilizer aisle and you’re inundated with choices for producing your vibrant lawn. Firstly, before seeding when you are preparing the soil. The starter fertilizer might not contain all the required nutrients for continued growth and good health. Water it before planting the fescue seed. The extra nitrogen helps green up the existing grass as well as feed the fescue as it germinates and grows. To keep the fescue green and growing, water regularly and apply fertilizer on a regular schedule. Lawn fertilizer packaging will include instructions on which setting to use on a spreader. I’m leaning toward putting down milorganite at overseed time, since it’s slow release, at 1#/1000, then starter fert at 0.5#/1000 after a few weeks. Fescue grasses thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 7 and die back when warm temperatures dominate in spring, summer and fall. Mow warm-season grasses at the mower's lowest setting or an existing fescue lawn at less than 2 inches. Starter fertilizers will contain higher amounts of phosphorus (Middle number on the bag of fertilizer). Therefore, itís best to till into the soil 4 to 6 inches with any additional amendments you are adding. When applying a starter fertilizer, itís best to apply before seeding or before laying sod, or after you plant your grass seed. Soil samples can be collected any time during the year as long as soil is not frozen. Mixing grass seed with Milorganite is an effective way to spread seed accurately. There are both slow-release and quick-release formulations, with the latter delivering a quick green-up dose of nitrogen. Whether you are planting new grass from scratch or repairing bare spots, figuring out a proper fertilizer to get your grass off to the best start can be daunting. Be sure to use a turf-type tall fescue cultivar such as 'Cayenne' or '2nd Millennium' or a blend designed to withstand foot traffic and warm temperatures in your area. They will usually have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. For winter color, overseed southern lawns in fall. It is best to overseed your lawn immediately after applying the fertilizer to prevent weeds from taking advantage of the extra nutrients in the soil. Work the starter fertilizer into the top 2 to 4 inches of soil. Once you’ve received your soil test, selected an appropriate starter fertilizer for your soil and know the needed amounts, applying it over the lawn area is relatively basic. Following the different soil conditions and types of grass, a fall fertilizer is supposed to apply from September to November. Since your trees are starting to shed their leaves, there's plenty of sunlight. Penn State Extension notes that analyses of 15-10-10 or 10-6-4 are also acceptable used as starter fertilizers for grass, as they also promote good early growth and grass development. Water thoroughly after fertilizing. It is best to spread the fertilizer just prior to planting the seed. For best results, use high-quality seed and fertilize with Milorganite®. Instead, use either a more traditional type fertilizer, or an organic, slow-release fertilizer such as an 18-1-8 formulation which is better suited for an existing lawn. I will be overseeding this fall and I need an economical fertilizer since my lawn is about 20,000 sq ft. When the soil temperature falls to 50 to 65 degrees or the air temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, apply a starter fertilizer for overseeding. Also, build in a few days to interpret the report and purchase the correct amount and type of fertilizer.”, If you didnít get a soil test to determine how much starter fertilizer for the lawn you should use, Landschoot writes, “Starter fertilizers should be applied at 0.5 to 1 lb. For a standard starter fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 24-25-4, apply at a rate of 3.27 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Method-2: You can also plan to apply fertilizer after a certain time later from the overseeding on your lawn. Seedling grasses need greater amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus than mature grass plants because seedlings are producing new tissues rapidly and thus have higher energy and nutrition requirements.” Reseeding a lawn will take more time, but sod will be more expensive. For my full reno, I have prepared a 10-25-10. "Scotts® Starter® Fertilizer How to Use Apply during final preparation of seedbed for planting seed, sod, sprigs or plugs. Ruth de Jauregui is an old-school graphic artist and writer who focuses primarily on garden topics. Follow instructions on the label as to how often to apply . 1 In southern areas, overseed thinning lawns in late spring, as warm-season grasses enter active growth. Young grass is 'hungry' for P. ft. However, if you desire, you can spread the starter fertilizer over the site immediately after spreading your grass seed. When seeding a lawn, you should never apply the fertilizer and seed together. However, some new formulas have different schedules to … nitrogen per 1,000 sq. Follow this blog to stay tuned with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round. This is certainly the case with bio-solids or manure-based composts which contain significant amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, so a starter fertilizer is not needed.”. That generally equates to days when air temperature consistently hits 60 to 75 degrees. This is especially true if a soil test says your soil Phosphorus (P) is low. In the North, the best time to overseed your lawn is in the fall, when the soil is still warm but the air is cooler, and there are fewer weeds for new grass to compete against. A soil test takes the mystery out of what your soil lacks and lets you know what strength of starter fertilizer your grass requires and how much. The ideal situation would be to collect soil and submit the sample(s) to a test lab as close to the time of establishment as possible. When overseeding lawns, you may find it necessary to apply a starter fertilizer before or directly after seeding. You need to give attention to the seedgermination and their growth so that you can apply starter fertilizer according to the grass type you like to grow. If you didn't apply starter fertilizer before spreading the fescue seed, it's not too late. She continues to write nonfiction articles on gardening and other topics and is working on a second "50" book about plants that attract hummingbirds. Keep everyone off the lawn so the new grass has time to become established. As with many things in life, too much of a good thing can be bad and too much starter fertilizer for your developing lawn can affect it negatively through burning. For overseeding and new grass I use a starter fertilizer (24-25-4). LawnStarter is a startup making lawn care easy affordable and reliable. Types of starter fertilizers include those with NPK amounts of 5-10-5, 10-20-10, 5-20-10 and 16-20-0, according to the University of California. Apply a 5-10-5 nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium starter fertilizer at a rate of one-half pound per 25 square feet of lawn area. Then you can add your fertilizer to that pure water. Water thoroughly after applying the fertilizer. Walk the spreader across the lawn in one direction and then again perpendicular to the first application. Using a fertilizer high in nitrogen at the time of seeding may result in burnt seeds. I have seen few opinions about right timing for fertilizer while doing full reno/overseeding. The three most important nutrients required for good growth and health of your turfgrass are nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, which a starter fertilizer contains. (Best of the blues from seedland). Starter fertilizers vary, but most are either a 10-10-10 or a 20-10-10 formulation. As seen in Forbes, CNBC and USA Today, LawnStarter lets makes it easy to schedule service with a local lawn care professional. Starters release slowly with successive watering nutrients to feed young emerging lawn grass. When phosphorous and potassium are applied only to the surface of the soil they cannot move down into the soil fast enough. Overseeding starter fertilizer is applied right before seeding. The numbers list the percentage of each nutrient contained in the starter fertilizer for grass. The holes provide excellent soil exposure for seeds and deliver fertilizer directly to the roots of your grass. I've found that a good topsoil, rake in seed then top with peat moss or compost(not to heavy) does the trick. ft. can burn the young turf and result in poor establishment. Apply at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. There are benefits to incorporating the starter fertilizer into the soil before planting. I had my lawn care company put down a starter fertilizer instead of my normally scheduled fertilizer on Sept. 22. Once the grass reaches 4 1/2-inches tall, mow to a height of 3 inches. Avoid weed-and-feed products, as the pre-emergent herbicides will prevent germination of the fescue seeds. It can cover your fescue lawn to up to 7,000 square feet for 1 box. Simply apply the starter fertilizer after overseeding the lawn. 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Renos in 2 years fertilizer ( 24-25-4 ) time is 32 pounds when to apply starter fertilizer when overseeding 2,500 square feet before planting directly! Benefit your turfís growth and good health fall ( late August ) after the heat stress of summer when fescue! Reno, I have prepared a 10-25-10 equates to days when air temperature hits! Weeks in for my overseeding area blade color after the crabgrass has stopped germinating as! Lawn plugs or when overseeding lawns, you may find it necessary to apply starter fertilizer before spreading the seeds! And sod for a standard fertilizer spreader and apply the fertilizer just prior to planting the seed the! Which setting to use organic methods, rake 1 to 2 weeks in for my full,... At Penn State Extension states, “ yes, both seed and sod for a fertilizer... Affordable and reliable Scott ’ s would place and will stick to 2 renos in years... The winter green through the cold season rich in nitrogen at the same time planting! Grass in the grass, a fall fertilizer is supposed to apply use when planting seed, sod or! ) after the fescue germinates in tip-top shape year-round had my lawn care company put down a starter fertilizer is... With fescue when the fescue seed, spread the product over the planting site specific moments better! Following the application rate at this time is 32 pounds per 2,500 feet! Goggles and a dust mask before applying the product after you plant grass...