Can you fertilize and seed a lawn at the same time?

Category: home and garden landscaping
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Applying a starter fertilizer the same time as seeding a new lawn will ensure the emerging grass stalks have the nutrients they need to jump-start their growth. When seeding a lawn, you should never apply the fertilizer and seed together.



Thereof, how long after you fertilize can you seed?

If you apply weed and feed to the lawn before you seed, wait at least six weeks to apply seed. If you want to use it after the grass is seeded, wait until you have mowed your lawn four times, which will generally occur within six to eight weeks after seeding.

Similarly, can you put starter fertilizer down with grass seed? When applying a starter fertilizer, itís best to apply before seeding or before laying sod, or after you plant your grass seed. 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.

Thereof, can I apply lime fertilizer and grass seed at the same time?

We've been getting a lot of questions lately about whether you can apply lime, fertilizer and grass seed to a lawn all at the same time. The simple answer is yes. For best results, do a soil test first to determine how much lime you'll need. Use a pelleted lime and apply it with a lawn spreader.

What kind of fertilizer to use when overseeding?

Fertilize Overseeded Areas Avoid weed & feed products; the pre-emergent herbicides inhibit seed germination. Starter fertilizer, such as Pennington Ultragreen Starter Fertilizer 12-22-8, delivers essential nutrients for new grass. Phosphorus supports vigorous root growth, while nitrogen fuels top growth and greening.

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Can you put down too much grass seed?

All plants, including grass plants, need adequate soil space for roots to spread and develop. If you put down too much grass seed, you will encourage competition that will cause your grass seedlings to struggle after germination because there will be excessive competition for sunlight, soil nutrients, and water.

Can you just sprinkle grass seed on lawn?

By applying grass seed over an existing lawn, you can help fill in bare spots and reinvigorate your lawn. The weather, kids, and pets can be tough on lawns. Lack of water, too much heat, wear & tear, and other problems can make it look worn and thin. You can help reinvigorate your lawn by overseeding.

Is it OK to overseed and fertilize at the same time?

Before planting grass, mow your lawn short, and using a metal rake, remove any clippings or debris. You can fertilize either immediately before or after you broadcast the grass seed. Keep the area moist until the grass sprouts, and then slowly reduce the watering frequency.

Will grass seed grow if you just throw it on the ground?

If grass seeds were randomly thrown on to dirt, they may sprout, because of the poor positioning of the seeds, and poor condition of where the seeds are expected to grow, their germination rate would be reduced. For grass seeds to grow, they require direct contact with the soil, which assists them to germinate.

Should I fertilize when I overseed?


Lawn Care After Overseeding
Water the lawn lightly, twice daily at first, while the grass seeds germinate. Keep everyone off the lawn so the new grass has time to become established. Fertilize with a slow-release 18-1-8 fertilizer using a spreader, four to eight weeks after the fescue germinates.

What month is best to put grass seed down?

Grass seed is best sown from late summer to mid-autumn; there is less competition from weeds, and the soil is warm, and damp from rain. Perfect for seeds to germinate. If you miss the opportunity to sow in autumn, try in mid-spring, but only if you can give the new grass plenty of water.

Do I seed or fertilize first?

Fertilize Before Sowing
New grass seeds are vulnerable, but giving them the proper soil conditions helps them take root and grow. For these reasons, it's necessary to fertilize an area to be seeded before doing anything else.

Should I overseed or kill weeds first?

You apply pre-emergent herbicides before weed seeds germinate, typically in the spring. You can apply them before you sow your grass seed. If you apply a pre-emergent herbicide that kills weedy grasses, you have to delay sowing your lawn seed.

Should you mix grass seed topsoil?

Amending Topsoil
Your topsoil is extremely important to your grass seeds but should be amended prior to any seed dispersal. In general, work about 4 inches of organic material, like compost, into your topsoil. This nutrient-rich addition provides a fertile soil environment for the top 8 inches of soil.

How long does it take for granular fertilizer to dissolve?


Gone in Two Weeks
Depending on the manufacturer, mix between 1/2 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon of liquid or water-soluble powdered fertilizer with 1 gallon of water and apply to the soil every seven to 14 days.

Should I lime my lawn before it rains?

If heavy rain is on the way, delay applying lime or fertilizer until after the showers are over. Water your lawn to moisten the grass and soil before applying lime and fertilizer. After applying these products, give the lawn another sprinkle to encourage the soil to absorb the minerals and nutrients.

Can you put too much lime on your lawn?

The main thing you will notice if you have added too much lime to your lawn is the fact it is now turning yellow. If you have added too much lime you may have raised the pH level from a low level that is acidic up to a high level that is alkaline and ideal level for grass is a natural level of around 6-7 pH.

Does lime kill new grass seed?


If using lime, apply before seeding. To prepare the lawn for seeding, dethatch with a vertical mower or dethatching hand rake. It will grow alongside the permanent lawn until spring when the weather becomes warm enough to bring the warm-season grass out of dormancy and kill the ryegrass.

Can I spread lime with a fertilizer spreader?

Not to belabor a point, but a fert spreader will do lime, provided you use a wide bed chain, 16" to 24" or wider.

How often should I put lime on my lawn?

Spring is a great time to test your soil, and you can apply lime between fall and early spring. Many gardeners prefer to lime just before the first frost in fall because the soil has all winter to absorb the lime. Don't spread lime on a dry, wilted lawn or a soggy, wet lawn. Don't lime during frosty weather.