- (AccuGreen, Classic Drop) - Set to 6Scotts Easygreen Phosphorus and potassium are usually the second and third in this sequence, respectively. Especially not when the alternative cultivating a rich and thriving blanket of green takes just a little mindful planning. Lawn Phix now also offers full lawn care services in the Norfolk County area of Massachusetts. Probably not. Ferti-Lome New Lawn Starter Fertilizer (9-13-7), 3. ft. of turf. There are different types of fertilizer applications. Whether youre planting new grass, starting a new lawn, reseeding an existing one, or installing sod, sprigs or grass plugs, Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass is safe to use on any grass type. With just a little effort and forethought, youre now part of the 28%. You can also spread it over the site immediately after planting your new grass seed. This helps the plant in stressful climates such as excessive heat and drought. Pro Tip: When phosphorus and potassium are applied only to the surface of the soil they cannot move down into the soil fast enough and nitrogen can easily be leached out before the grass even Has a chance to uptake its nutrients. 5. - Set to 3.75. But if you want to know which one of these fertilizers you need, you have to start with something called an NPK Ratio. They also say that fertilizer done during this late-fall period may eliminate the need to fertilize in the spring at all. For a number of reasons such as erosion there may simply not be enough naturally-occurring organic matter to support any kind of growth. ), and your personal preference. Theres one more factor youll need to consider for a thriving lawn: the type of fertilizer.
Both supply the essential nutrients; however, Michigan State University recommends liquid application. Get easy-to-understand, actionable yard tips that will give you the greenest grass on the block. What is a Good Starter Fertilizer for Grass Seed and Sod? Why? Its also about recognizing the phase or season your plants (or would-be seedlings) are in and then serving them with what they need to take advantage of that season. Some have even ratios such as 19-19-19, while others will have a 3:4:2 ratio, or similar (like 18-24-12). Do not apply near water or storm drains or draining ditches. Get instant access to all of our premium pasture seed products by entering your zip code into our exclusive Seed Selector! Fertilizer plays a large role in the health of your new shoots. No, for a couple of reasons.1. What goes into fertilizer goes into the soil. Of course, there are commonplace practices like mowing and fertilizing. Phosphorus promotes root growth which is vital for the early growth of new grass. If empty do not reuse container. Some areas are at the time of seeding only, or if the plant soils are deficient in P. Contact your local extension office for details including the yield of all fertilizers and nutrients in your specific region. Can I Use a Starter Fertilizer for Grass That is Established? This is a measurement that helps you understand what's in your fertilizer. The high percentage and ratios of two macronutrients are what make a starter fertilizer a starter fertilizer, and perfect for seeding. After years of studying and hands-on experience in perfecting his lawn, his Lawn Phix guides, and blogs now help hundreds of people get the greenest grass on their blocks. If your lawn is not rich in natural organic matter, nitrogen plays an important role. In the state of New York, for example, over-fertilization has been the cause of harmful algal blooms in bodies of water. This coating provides a long and steady release of nitrogen into the soil. Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action Starter Fertilizer Label. 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, Dont use starter fertilizer if your soil test shows its not needed. So you should take the time to read this composition. ft., 5,000 sq. THE 5 BEST Crabgrass Killers (Updated July 2022), 1. My Lawn App by Scotts helps simplify your lawn care. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Fertilizer (21-22-4), 5. 
Safety Data Sheets can be found at scottsmsds.com. After aerating, you should brush sand into the holes, which will improve drainage. Main image credit: Jay Crihfield / Adobe Stock. For example, according to researchers, applications of fertilizer in the late winter or early spring contributes to top growth that is rich and green, without the need for excess growing. Yes, both seed and sod, states Peter Landschoot, Ph.D., professor of turfgrass science at Penn State Extension.
Free shipping on orders of $75.00 or more. Here are the answers to 9 FAQs about applying starter fertilizer to your lawn. I personally like the lower Nitrogen levels for overseeding existing lawns. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. For best results, use a Scotts spreader. World rights reserved. Apply with a drop or rotary spreader. There have been some recent supply chain issues so these Andersons fertilizer products have been tough to stay in stock so be sure to grab some now while they last. Fertilizer labels will give you all the information you need about nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content - called an NPK Ratio. If you're looking to repair your compacted lawn or you want to improve the richness of your soil, consider compost it's the best kind of fertilizer, attracting micro-organisms and giving them shelter and nutrients. When it comes to knowing how much starter fertilizer for the grass, youll need a soil test. If you live near a creek, streams, or a well, you should avoid spreading high-nitrogen fertilizers because of the risk of run-offs (responsible for creating this algal pool below). Both types provide valuable food and energy for grass seeds, but newly emerging seedlings will need more phosphorus and quick release nitrogen.
ft. 5 Best Fertilizers for Bermudagrass in 2022 [Reviews], 7 Best Fertilizers for Grass in 2022 [Reviews], 5 Best Fertilizers for St. Augustinegrass in 2022 [Reviews], 8 Best Fertilizer Spreaders of 2022 [Reviews], Real Green: Software Reviews, Demo, & Pricing Info, Briostack: Software Reviews, Demo, & Pricing Info, TruGreen Lawn Care in West Palm Beach Review, Service Fusion vs. ServiceTitan: Field Service Software Compared, Pocomos: Software Reviews, Demo, & Pricing Info, Starter fertilizers should be applied at 0.5 to 1 lb. 2. Remove any weeds first and then lightly rake the soil to loosen it. If too much fast-release nitrogen fertilizer is applied to a lawn, the existing grass can uptake the fertilizer and nutrients faster than the grass seed or even newly-germinated grass. There is nothing worse than working hard to care for your lawn to make it lush and green all year long, only [], SHOP KELP4LESS THATCH EATER Application Rates: 1-2 ounces by weight or two-to-four (2-4) level Tablespoons per gallon per 1,000 sq. Sod: Even though sod is mostly composed of mature turf, many of the roots have been severed during the harvesting operation, Landschoot says. Your email address will not be published. Your fertilizer make-up addresses the nutrients but what about acidity levels? Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food For New Grass feeds to help new grass take root and grow. Is There a Standard Amount of Starter Fertilizer I Should Use? Jonathan Green develops some of the best grass seed around from sod farmers to DIY homeowners and their starter fertilizer is top-notch. TIMING IS EVERYTHING: FREQUENCY AND TIME OF YEAR. If you already have a well-established lawn, then the table below will help you plan out fertilizations during the start of the season (usually in spring), and one more in the late summer. A newly-seeded lawn is a mature lawn so it needs regular fertilizer, not starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizers for grass may differ slightly in composition, but they all give the grass seeds and new sod the nutritional boost required for healthy germination and rapid root growth. Once you've chosen the right grass seed for your property, climate, region, and purpose, fertilization is the next most significant indicator of whether your lawn will bloom or bust! Yard Mastery Starter Fertilizer (12-12-12), 2. The plant generally has a much quicker response to starter fertilizer due to the high NPK rates. The three most important nutrients required for good growth and health of your turfgrass are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which a starter fertilizer contains. You can also overseed your bluegrass or tall fescue lawn at this point. Apply to newly seeded areas or over entire lawn for root development boost. Instead, apply 1-2 inches of organic fertilizer, such as a biosolids fertilizer or manure-based. Amend the existing soil, and either reseed or lay new sod. For example, cool-season grasses will naturally want to slow down in the hotter summer months. Required fields are marked *. Growing strong roots is essential for the early growth of new grass. Yes, the main reason is for the Phosphorus. Too much acidity can also affect the structural stability of the soil, causing fungal disease or decimating the population of beneficial organisms. Follow the color coded map to ensure your lawn receives the right amount of fertilizer. There are a range of activities you can begin with, depending on whether you're trying to start fresh and sow an entirely new lawn or rejuvenate the compacted soil of your ailing lawn. New grass grows 70% thicker AND 35% quicker versus unfed grass, which will have you on your way to the lawn youve always wanted. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. September and/or November is the best time to fertilize your lawn, especially if you have cool-season grass. Some nitrogen and phosphorus (as starter fertilizer) applied to the soil before the sod is laid should help hasten the development of new roots., Landschoot notes, Because soil-test levels of phosphorus dont change much over short periods, you can collect soil samples and submit them to a test lab to determine phosphorus levels within a year of establishing turf.. You do not want to fertilize and push growth all year. Starter fertilizer for grass differs from other lawn fertilizers mainly due to the higher levels of Phosphorus (P). Apply a layer of compost once every three to four years. And sowing these lawns takes a lot more than simply popping a few seeds in soil and waiting for an early spring thaw. nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix, Scotts Turf Builder Edgeguard DLX Broadcast Spreader, Grows new grass 70% thicker, 35% quicker versus unfed grass, Gets new grass off to a quick start by promoting faster root and blade development, 24-25-4 fertilizer ratio provides the nutrients for developing lawns, Improves seeding results! 7. Common starter fertilizer blends are 1:1:1 (e.g. This is a perfect all-in-one starter, particularly for those spring seeding and needing to prevent crabgrass. These little holes allow more oxygen to reach the root system of compacted soil. I really like Ferti-Lome because they include a set of micronutrients in all their fertilizers including this starter fertilizer for new lawns. Other non-starter fertilizers contain much lower P (18-3-6) or none at all (e.g. The best time is late spring for warm-season grasses (e.g., centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass) and fall for cool-season grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass and tall and fine fescues). As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.We only recommend products that we have personally used with great results. When it comes to explaining phosphorus and its role, Landschoot notes, Phosphorus is included in starter fertilizer primarily to enhance root development. But here's the thing: The fertilization of your soil has an impact on the overall health and makeup of soil in your general region. Well, poor soil means: So you can do everything else right test your soil's pH, prepare your soil, and choose the right grass seed but still end up with a lackluster lawn, at best. The latter, wrongly applied, could end up burning your roots. You can also use a blend of about 60% compost and 40% coarse sand, as this is heavier than pure compost, so you can spread it around far easier. Amounts in excess of 1.5 lb. Its also about the composition of the rest of the fertilizer. Here's a useful table that will help you understand the various ways in which regular fertilizer differs from starter fertilizer - beyond just levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium - to help you make that decision: Contains nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P), Greater amounts of phosphorus which is the most critical ingredient for root growth for new seedlings plus nitrogen, Have a nitrogen-potassium-phosphorus ratio of 1-2-1, More mature plants benefit from slow-release varieties, Higher grade (K) + quick release nitrogen increases uptake of (K) & encourages leaf growth, giving more access to nutrients, Applied four to six inches away from the base of mature plants, Pour a cup of diluted liquid fertilizer prior to inserting seeds or plantings. In this guide, you'll learn the exact science behind planning for, cultivating, and then growing a lush lawn year after year. Hopefully, theyll soon come out with another starter fertilizer with weed prevention. Water the surface but only with a fine spray. To begin a lawn, or to repair it anew, you'll need starter fertilizer, rather than regular fertilizer.
If partly filled, call your local solid waste agency for disposal instructions. of N. At this rate, this 50 lbs. The fact of the matter is that healthy fertilization practices and good quality fertilizer contribute to the cultivation of healthy soil in the region. Generally, weeds are easier to control in the fall than in the spring. Each of these chemical compounds performs a specific role that plays an important role in your fertilizer: So for example, a 100-pound bag of fertilizer that has a label "10-10-10" contains 10 pounds of each compound, with 70 pounds leftover for "filler.". LawnStarter is a startup making lawn care easy affordable and reliable. ft. and 14,000 sq.
This stops seeds from being uncovered. Weve taken the mystery out of starter fertilizers for you. In general, grasses prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.0. - Set to 26Scotts Wizz Apply starter fertilizer before seeding or laying sod, or after you plant the new grass seed. Place in trash or offer for recycling if available. Once applied, work the product 4 to 6 inches into the soil. However, make it too acidic or alkaline, and tender seedlings won't be able to absorb everything they need even if the nutrients exist in the soil. Pro-Tip: "Quick-release" simply means that, once the fertilizer is applied and watered into the plant, nitrogen is readily available for germination. The most popular kind is dolomitic lime because it contains magnesium. - (Turf Builder Edgeguard Mini, Basic, Standard, Deluxe Edgeguard, Edgeguard DLX, Lawn Pro & Speedy Green) - Set to 3 Scotts Drop Spreaders Once you find the right grass seed, work backward and plan out each action youll take, according to the season. Pro Tip: If youre overseeding or using sod, avoid weed and feed fertilizers for four weeks or until your third mowing. Aeration is the process of "airing out" the soil so it can breathe again. Apply 4 lbs. bag of starter fertilizer will cover approximately 12,000 sq. Is it Best to Get a Soil Test First to See Phosphorus Levels? Below are the best starter fertilizers to use when overseeding this fall or spring. By nailing the most important part of the process: fertilization! This popular 3-4-2 starter fertilizer ratio contains polymer-coated,sulfur-coated urea (PCSCU). Establishing strong roots systems and root development is the primary job of starter fertilizers. Are There Circumstances Where you Shouldnt Use a Starter Fertilizer? Soil that drains poorly or has very little organic material is likely to have many weeds. Pro-Tip: When you see fertilizer bags with a label that reads "30-0-0," or even, "27-3-3," this indicates the ratio of the three ingredients. Jonathan Green Starter Fertilizer (12-18-8), Yard Mastery Starter Fertilizer (12-12-12), Ferti-Lome New Lawn Starter Fertilizer (9-13-7), THE 5 BEST Lawn Fungicides for 2022 (Treatment for Turf), Bermuda Grass vs St. Augustine Grass (Similarities & Differences), When to Apply Grub Control on Your Lawn (Best Time For Grub Treatment), THE BEST Lawn Fertilizer for Grass (Updated July 2022), Dimension 2EW Calculator [Application + Mix Rates], Prodiamine Calculator (65 WDG Application + Mixing Rates), Liquid Nitrogen Calculator (Liquid Fertilizer Calculator), Provides fast green-up and even amount of macros, Perfect N-P-K ratio for starter fertilizer, Low percentage of Nitrogen compared to most other starters, High percentages of all N-P-K in an ideal ratio. Scotts Broadcast / Rotary Spreader According to David M. Kopec of the University of Arizona Extension, the main difference is the amount of phosphorus in the fertilizer. per 1,000 sq. With that in mind, let's run through what you need to do to contribute to your lush-lawn goal. They will usually contain equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Starter fertilizer might not contain all the required nutrients for continued growth and good health. Compacted soil occurs through play, foot traffic, or even poor drainage. But rest assured, people who walk by can instantly tell if your lawn is thriving and, by extension, if you care about it enough or not. Mark has been an avid lawn care DIY'er since 2013. So let's get you recognizing and choosing the right lawn fertilizer for your growth goals. 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. Scotts experts are always available by email and phone in our Help Center. Although you can use a starter fertilizer for a lawn that is established, its better to use a well-balanced fertilizer designed specifically for grass that is established. Apply approximately 4 pounds (lbs.) If youre fertilizing in early September, water in the fertilizer and use a high nitrogen source. Applying 4 lbs. While starter fertilizers are the most important product for new seed and overseeding success (outside of the actual grass seed), you should also consider some other products for optimal success. As you can see, feeding or fertilizing during the summer months of July and August is considered acceptable, but its certainly not ideal. Besides this, it: Let's not forget the attractiveness factor: Over-fertilized lawns get patchy, brown, and just plain dead-looking. Look for one that is finely textured and doesn't contain any weeds. When you apply fertilizer can make or break its growth cycle. How do you choose the right fertilizer? It wont hurt the grass but might lack the needed nutrients that a well-balanced fertilizer for continued lawn maintenance contains. Believe it or not, you can over-fertilize your lawn and end up with the aftereffects on more than just your lawns. Just like summer bodies are made in the winter, spring lawns are sown in the fall.
After a few years of careful lawn care using these tips, you'll have earthworms again.
Use the fertilizer spreader and apply it over the soil. Then water in the fertilizer. After this point, the next application should be anywhere from four to eight weeks out. Please enter your email address below to receive a password reset link. The potassium, or potash, is the all-around macronutrient. Always read and follow the product label before use.
They used to make an amazing starter fertilizer with Siduron (a seed-safe pre-emergent herbicide, similar to mesotrione) but unfortunately, their manufacturer stopped production. 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.
Some other nutrients may also be added to starter fertilizers, including iron, sulfur, and manganese. To start your lawn off on the right foot, you need to prep your soil for fertilization in multiple steps. Following this schedule would give your lawn the best chance for thriving. And at different stages, they need different kinds of nutrition. Follow this blog to stay tuned with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round. of both nitrogen and phosphorus per 1,000 sq. Some states (such as Massachusetts) are limited to certain products containing Phos. Aerating is when you pull out little plugs out of your lawn. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Office for details. To even out the soil, lightly roll your grass, once it's around two inches high. For example, an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 contains 10 percent each of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Seed: At the seedling stage, 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. Overseeding a lawn will take more time, but sod will be more expensive. "Regular" or well-established lawns don't need phosphorus. During the spring, you can certainly start your lawn off on the right foot with an application of fertilizer. Ask yourself why many states have passed laws about what fertilizers can and can't include such as phosphorus and you'll understand that your lawn care practices play a greater role than simply helping you to become the envy of the neighborhood. They also have the added benefit of making sure that the fertilizer you've purchased does what it's there for: help your grass seeds root. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected. 18-24-12). Lawn care takes a surprising amount of forethought. 2022Lawn PhixAll rights reserved, Powered byWPDesigned with the Customizr theme. Andersons Starter Fertilizer (18-24-12), 4. Apply a thin layer of fertilizer and use a leaf rake to spread it evenly, working the compounds into your lawn, Note: Do not bury your grass in compound.
Application [], Having a thick and healthy lawn requires more than just fertilizers and herbicides. It's that simple. When nitrogen is the main ingredient, regular lawns thrive. These are important in the prep phase and maintenance process. Fertilizer, for example, while chemically-potent, cannot act alone it relies on a confluence of other factors.