Hi, Ive got a new lawn that was planted about 3 weeks ago. Is there something I can put on it to boost it up. I do wish this product contained the SOP version of Potassium instead of the MOP version but this is just a small gripe. Hi Sarah; All grass systems need these micros and when they are available right from the time of seeding you can be sure your new lawn will be healthy right from the start.
Cover the seeds with a very fine layer of soil either by raking in one direction or sprinkling a little layer of soil using the same broadcast spreader. Although this bag doesnt come with humic acids or any bio-stimulants like sea kelp it does come pre-loaded with micronutrients which are not commonly found in starter fertilizers even though new grass needs micronutrients. I didnt fertilize immediately before or while planting. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I recommend using a traditional, nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer 6-8 weeks after planting new grass. Runoff of fertilizer chemicals has been found to be responsible for toxic algae blooms in local ponds and lakes that are harmful to people and pets. The sad truth is that the soil in large parts of Texas and other parts of the south isnt all that nutrient-rich, and theres probably not enough naturally-occurring organic matter to make up the difference in most cases.
Specifically, the grass should start to turn green and require mowing at least twice before its time to fertilize for the spring. One benefit of fall fertilization is that it bolsters lawn density. Ill also provide my thoughts on a few good alternatives the the YM 12-12-12 in case its out-of-stock at any point or for anyone that needs a smaller bag or a cheaper product. I have been watering on a regular basis. Apply starter fertilizer evenly across the area you will be seeding. Hi Sarah, Spread your grass seed; a popular method is using a broadcast spreader.
If youre growing a grass that spreads via rhizomes, the thin areas should take care of themselves over time but Id still probably get some of the same seed you used to patch the bare spots and get some grass growing there too. Or leave as is thanks for any advice. Fertilizer provides grass seed or newly germinated grass with concentrated nutrients. When sod is installed the grass is already alive and growing but the root systems have been cut off so these plants need to be watered and fed appropriately to push deep rooting. Andersons 18-24-12 Turf Starter Fertilizer (Click To Jump To My Review)4. As we just read your advice and it differs should we do anything different since the starter fertilizer was applied later? Pricing and availability for Andersons 18-24-12 can be found here. Copyright 2022 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587. I hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. Moreover, over-fertilizing can actually leach more nutrients from the soil, leaving a deficiency of nutrients when your new turf is finally ready to be replenished. Since youre pretty far north Id say any time between now and the end of the month is fine. I like Milorganite, Purely Organic Lawn Food, or Espomas organic lawn fertilizer any of those will work well for you. 1.
But cultivating a new lawn requires a certain level of diligence to give grass seed the best chance to germinate and thrive. Why? In fact there is only one weed preventer that can be used at the time of seeding a lawn and even then only some grass types can use it.
Sometimes a quick-release starter fertilizer after your young grass is already growing can burn it, which is why I recommend applying something else after your seedlings are more established. Because it is sourced from ammonium sulfate it may work its way deep into the soil faster than your roots can grow. Now lets look at each of these five grass starter fertilizers up close. This product is also a great option for people that are seeding smaller spaces or smaller lawns because you can get it in a variety of bag sizes potentially keeping your costs a lot lower and limiting waste or extra product that has to be stored. More insects. You seeded new grass into problem areas and waited for it to grow. Overall I like this starter fertilizer the best and when paired with an optional shot of cytokinins (see notes at bottom of this page) soon after germination and a top-dressing of alfalfa meal, both of which stimulate more substantial root development, its hard to beat the YM 12-12-12. Pricing and availability for this product can be found here. A slower release coated urea, or organic source like blood meal or feather meal would be great for fall seedinghowever the ammonium sulfate will be useful for early spring seeding when the other sources will be too slow to become plant available. A second round of starter fertilizer four weeks after the seeding would improve your results even more., Lawn Coach, Matt Stewart, talks about how fertilizer prepares your grass for the winter, Its important to give your seed fertilizer to allow it to have the strength to make it through the winter. Remove any dead grass from the area you will be seeding. The higher degree of nitrogen can always be added later but phosphorus and potassium need to be in the soil from the beginning. This way the nutrients are accessible to your new shoots of grass, but have soaked in with your regular watering as you wait for your seed to germinate. An Important Note About Weed PreventionWith the exception of the Scotts product linked above none of these products contain a weed preventer in the package. I am trying to water once every day since it isnt too warm anymore here. In this article Ill explain when to fertilize new grass so that you can enjoy the best results. The temperatures have started to lower a bit already. For full disclosure of the situation, I had applied a weed and feed probably 5 to 6 weeks before planting seed, not realizing part of my lawn was only weed, which resulted in lots of brown, bare areas! The bigger wish I had was the lack of a bio-stimulant like tricontinol which is naturally found in alfalfa meal or the inclusion of a small bit of humic acid. Then get a soil test done to learn which nutrients are present in your soil and which ones youre lacking. Seedlings that are germinating need phosphorus and potassium to build healthy and strong roots. Mow again once grass gets to 3 again, removing no more than 1. This product tops my list of recommended starter fertilizers for grass seed because it meets most of my desires when it comes to growing grass from seed. At that time, apply a good all-around lawn fertilizer thats high in nitrogen. Youll want to use fertilizer with modest nitrogen rates (a pound or less per 1,000 sq.
This product lacks humic acids but those are easy and cheap to apply at the time of seeding or anytime after germination with a separate liquid or granular product. For people with average size yards this is a good way to save money over the fancier stuff listed above on this page but still put down a better product than most basic (cheap) starter lawn food mixes found in lawn and garden departments locally. Pricing and availability for Southlands 15-15-15 can be found here. If lawn does not need to be dethatched, use an iron rake to loosen the soil and remove dead grass. Apply nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer 6-8 weeks after seeding (optional). Thanks for the comment and Im so glad your new lawn is coming in well.
Bag those clippings, then feed it with the slow-release fertilizer. You can read more about these naturally occurring seeding and rooting additives and bio-stimulants on my product recommendations page here. 6 Weeks after you applied starter fertilizer sounds right to me. Ive answered many of those questions here on the site in other articles. This option is best for people that are seeding a large area and dont really want extra stuff in the bag.
To help improve the quality of turf under those shady areas, thin the trees to allow more sunlight. When the ground is saturated with the nutrients found in fertilizer, it can end up leaking through to the water table and lead to runoff. Fertilizer can provide the additional nutrients your yard needs to prevent these problems and keep your grass healthy and looking good. If youre having good results based on their advice Id probably recommend you stick with it. I get a lot of questions about seeding lawns and applying starter fertilizers. They use regular fertilizer instead of starter fertilizer. Id like to explain why they are on this list; what makes them worth using, and why Ive ranked some higher than the others. Compost is the best and most natural fertilizer that you can have available at your fingertips, and I try to apply a thin layer of compost to my entire lawn at least once every two years. They said to then apply a regular fertilizer after 6 more weeks. After grass seedlings are established, water less frequently and more deeply to promote root growth. Lawn care professionals understand that knowing when to fertilize new grass can make the difference between a thriving yard and grass that is less equipped to handle the brutal Southern heat. Scroll past this list to see my comments on each product and why Ive included it in this list and why. Unlike many other weed and feed products, this fertilizer does not harm new grass as it germinates, but it does (at least in my experience) successfully block crabgrass and other common weeds for 4-6 weeks to give your new grass time to establish itself. An application of a fertilizer that has a modest amount of slow-release nitrogen in the fall can help to bolster your grass before the coming winter. Both can provide plants with valuable nutrients, but they are not interchangeable. Southland Sod Farms 15-15-15 Sod and Seed Starter (Click To Jump To My Review)5. Make sure its actually grass that needs mowing, tooweeds may need to be cut well before this, but they dont count. In late spring and early summer, if your lawn has been a little bit neglected and needs a boost then you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in 45 to 60 day intervals. Additionally, youll want to make sure you apply your last batch of fertilizer well before the first frost of the season. Soil that lacks the essential nutrients can be difficult growing medium. As I say in the article above, anyone who uses starter fertilizer when spreading seed should wait about 6 weeks to fertilize again, but in your circumstance (which is one a lot of people find themselves in), Id suggest applying a good all-around lawn fertilizer when your new grass seedlings are almost an inch and a half in height. This is when to fertilize new grass seed. If your grass is growing well Id probably hold off and give it a shot in the arm with one of the organic fertilizers I mentioned above in the article. Also certain grass types like the fine fescues or Centipede dont need as much NPK as other grass types like Bermuda or Perennial Rye. If you choose to go with something synthetic, go light with the first application (0.5 1 pound of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet). More frequent application can be harmful to your lawn and the environment, so dont overdo it. Texas A&M even allows you to send in soil samples and get results back! Hi, my name is Sarah and Im the chick behind LawnChick.com. Growing a thick and lush lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood isnt as complicated as it may seem. For example, a 30-0-0 or a 27-3-3 ratio would be most appropriate for an established lawn that you want to green up and look beautiful. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Would you feed a newborn baby a slice of pizza? Youll suffer patchiness and increased runoff. Of course, you dont have to fertilize! I like to use a phosphorus-heavy fertilizer in the fall to encourage deep root growth. Thanks. Personally, I like to go organic/slow-release with my regular lawn fertilizer so Id follow-up what youve done with something along those lines. Nitrogen is used in the foliage part of the plant. Using a dark, rich, and loose compost at least once every three or four years in the early fall can increase the nutrients in your soil naturally. Well, lets talk about what lawns need in order to grow and stay healthy and green. zoysia Many people think of fertilization as something that happens after plants are already in the groundor after turf is installed. When to use it. The impact of these types of soil on your lawn? Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action 21-22-4 For Seeding W/ Weed Preventer (Click To Jump To My Review). You have to know whats best to use. It can burn your grass, leach into the water table, and more. Avoid these problems by letting ABC Home & Commercial Services do the hard work for you.
Having a soil test done may sound complicated, scary, expensive or all three, but its actually really easy.
Cover the seeds with a very fine layer of soil either by raking in one direction or sprinkling a little layer of soil using the same broadcast spreader. Although this bag doesnt come with humic acids or any bio-stimulants like sea kelp it does come pre-loaded with micronutrients which are not commonly found in starter fertilizers even though new grass needs micronutrients. I didnt fertilize immediately before or while planting. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I recommend using a traditional, nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer 6-8 weeks after planting new grass. Runoff of fertilizer chemicals has been found to be responsible for toxic algae blooms in local ponds and lakes that are harmful to people and pets. The sad truth is that the soil in large parts of Texas and other parts of the south isnt all that nutrient-rich, and theres probably not enough naturally-occurring organic matter to make up the difference in most cases.
Specifically, the grass should start to turn green and require mowing at least twice before its time to fertilize for the spring. One benefit of fall fertilization is that it bolsters lawn density. Ill also provide my thoughts on a few good alternatives the the YM 12-12-12 in case its out-of-stock at any point or for anyone that needs a smaller bag or a cheaper product. I have been watering on a regular basis. Apply starter fertilizer evenly across the area you will be seeding. Hi Sarah, Spread your grass seed; a popular method is using a broadcast spreader.
If youre growing a grass that spreads via rhizomes, the thin areas should take care of themselves over time but Id still probably get some of the same seed you used to patch the bare spots and get some grass growing there too. Or leave as is thanks for any advice. Fertilizer provides grass seed or newly germinated grass with concentrated nutrients. When sod is installed the grass is already alive and growing but the root systems have been cut off so these plants need to be watered and fed appropriately to push deep rooting. Andersons 18-24-12 Turf Starter Fertilizer (Click To Jump To My Review)4. As we just read your advice and it differs should we do anything different since the starter fertilizer was applied later? Pricing and availability for Andersons 18-24-12 can be found here. Copyright 2022 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587. I hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. Moreover, over-fertilizing can actually leach more nutrients from the soil, leaving a deficiency of nutrients when your new turf is finally ready to be replenished. Since youre pretty far north Id say any time between now and the end of the month is fine. I like Milorganite, Purely Organic Lawn Food, or Espomas organic lawn fertilizer any of those will work well for you. 1.
But cultivating a new lawn requires a certain level of diligence to give grass seed the best chance to germinate and thrive. Why? In fact there is only one weed preventer that can be used at the time of seeding a lawn and even then only some grass types can use it. Sometimes a quick-release starter fertilizer after your young grass is already growing can burn it, which is why I recommend applying something else after your seedlings are more established. Because it is sourced from ammonium sulfate it may work its way deep into the soil faster than your roots can grow. Now lets look at each of these five grass starter fertilizers up close. This product is also a great option for people that are seeding smaller spaces or smaller lawns because you can get it in a variety of bag sizes potentially keeping your costs a lot lower and limiting waste or extra product that has to be stored. More insects. You seeded new grass into problem areas and waited for it to grow. Overall I like this starter fertilizer the best and when paired with an optional shot of cytokinins (see notes at bottom of this page) soon after germination and a top-dressing of alfalfa meal, both of which stimulate more substantial root development, its hard to beat the YM 12-12-12. Pricing and availability for this product can be found here. A slower release coated urea, or organic source like blood meal or feather meal would be great for fall seedinghowever the ammonium sulfate will be useful for early spring seeding when the other sources will be too slow to become plant available. A second round of starter fertilizer four weeks after the seeding would improve your results even more., Lawn Coach, Matt Stewart, talks about how fertilizer prepares your grass for the winter, Its important to give your seed fertilizer to allow it to have the strength to make it through the winter. Remove any dead grass from the area you will be seeding. The higher degree of nitrogen can always be added later but phosphorus and potassium need to be in the soil from the beginning. This way the nutrients are accessible to your new shoots of grass, but have soaked in with your regular watering as you wait for your seed to germinate. An Important Note About Weed PreventionWith the exception of the Scotts product linked above none of these products contain a weed preventer in the package. I am trying to water once every day since it isnt too warm anymore here. In this article Ill explain when to fertilize new grass so that you can enjoy the best results. The temperatures have started to lower a bit already. For full disclosure of the situation, I had applied a weed and feed probably 5 to 6 weeks before planting seed, not realizing part of my lawn was only weed, which resulted in lots of brown, bare areas! The bigger wish I had was the lack of a bio-stimulant like tricontinol which is naturally found in alfalfa meal or the inclusion of a small bit of humic acid. Then get a soil test done to learn which nutrients are present in your soil and which ones youre lacking. Seedlings that are germinating need phosphorus and potassium to build healthy and strong roots. Mow again once grass gets to 3 again, removing no more than 1. This product tops my list of recommended starter fertilizers for grass seed because it meets most of my desires when it comes to growing grass from seed. At that time, apply a good all-around lawn fertilizer thats high in nitrogen. Youll want to use fertilizer with modest nitrogen rates (a pound or less per 1,000 sq.
This product lacks humic acids but those are easy and cheap to apply at the time of seeding or anytime after germination with a separate liquid or granular product. For people with average size yards this is a good way to save money over the fancier stuff listed above on this page but still put down a better product than most basic (cheap) starter lawn food mixes found in lawn and garden departments locally. Pricing and availability for Southlands 15-15-15 can be found here. If lawn does not need to be dethatched, use an iron rake to loosen the soil and remove dead grass. Apply nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer 6-8 weeks after seeding (optional). Thanks for the comment and Im so glad your new lawn is coming in well. Bag those clippings, then feed it with the slow-release fertilizer. You can read more about these naturally occurring seeding and rooting additives and bio-stimulants on my product recommendations page here. 6 Weeks after you applied starter fertilizer sounds right to me. Ive answered many of those questions here on the site in other articles. This option is best for people that are seeding a large area and dont really want extra stuff in the bag.
To help improve the quality of turf under those shady areas, thin the trees to allow more sunlight. When the ground is saturated with the nutrients found in fertilizer, it can end up leaking through to the water table and lead to runoff. Fertilizer can provide the additional nutrients your yard needs to prevent these problems and keep your grass healthy and looking good. If youre having good results based on their advice Id probably recommend you stick with it. I get a lot of questions about seeding lawns and applying starter fertilizers. They use regular fertilizer instead of starter fertilizer. Id like to explain why they are on this list; what makes them worth using, and why Ive ranked some higher than the others. Compost is the best and most natural fertilizer that you can have available at your fingertips, and I try to apply a thin layer of compost to my entire lawn at least once every two years. They said to then apply a regular fertilizer after 6 more weeks. After grass seedlings are established, water less frequently and more deeply to promote root growth. Lawn care professionals understand that knowing when to fertilize new grass can make the difference between a thriving yard and grass that is less equipped to handle the brutal Southern heat. Scroll past this list to see my comments on each product and why Ive included it in this list and why. Unlike many other weed and feed products, this fertilizer does not harm new grass as it germinates, but it does (at least in my experience) successfully block crabgrass and other common weeds for 4-6 weeks to give your new grass time to establish itself. An application of a fertilizer that has a modest amount of slow-release nitrogen in the fall can help to bolster your grass before the coming winter. Both can provide plants with valuable nutrients, but they are not interchangeable. Southland Sod Farms 15-15-15 Sod and Seed Starter (Click To Jump To My Review)5. Make sure its actually grass that needs mowing, tooweeds may need to be cut well before this, but they dont count. In late spring and early summer, if your lawn has been a little bit neglected and needs a boost then you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in 45 to 60 day intervals. Additionally, youll want to make sure you apply your last batch of fertilizer well before the first frost of the season. Soil that lacks the essential nutrients can be difficult growing medium. As I say in the article above, anyone who uses starter fertilizer when spreading seed should wait about 6 weeks to fertilize again, but in your circumstance (which is one a lot of people find themselves in), Id suggest applying a good all-around lawn fertilizer when your new grass seedlings are almost an inch and a half in height. This is when to fertilize new grass seed. If your grass is growing well Id probably hold off and give it a shot in the arm with one of the organic fertilizers I mentioned above in the article. Also certain grass types like the fine fescues or Centipede dont need as much NPK as other grass types like Bermuda or Perennial Rye. If you choose to go with something synthetic, go light with the first application (0.5 1 pound of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet). More frequent application can be harmful to your lawn and the environment, so dont overdo it. Texas A&M even allows you to send in soil samples and get results back! Hi, my name is Sarah and Im the chick behind LawnChick.com. Growing a thick and lush lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood isnt as complicated as it may seem. For example, a 30-0-0 or a 27-3-3 ratio would be most appropriate for an established lawn that you want to green up and look beautiful. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Would you feed a newborn baby a slice of pizza? Youll suffer patchiness and increased runoff. Of course, you dont have to fertilize! I like to use a phosphorus-heavy fertilizer in the fall to encourage deep root growth. Thanks. Personally, I like to go organic/slow-release with my regular lawn fertilizer so Id follow-up what youve done with something along those lines. Nitrogen is used in the foliage part of the plant. Using a dark, rich, and loose compost at least once every three or four years in the early fall can increase the nutrients in your soil naturally. Well, lets talk about what lawns need in order to grow and stay healthy and green. zoysia Many people think of fertilization as something that happens after plants are already in the groundor after turf is installed. When to use it. The impact of these types of soil on your lawn? Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action 21-22-4 For Seeding W/ Weed Preventer (Click To Jump To My Review). You have to know whats best to use. It can burn your grass, leach into the water table, and more. Avoid these problems by letting ABC Home & Commercial Services do the hard work for you.
Having a soil test done may sound complicated, scary, expensive or all three, but its actually really easy.