Can I put down fertilizer and grass seed at the same time?

Author: Rogers Kerluke  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Can you fertilize and overseed at the same time? Yes. Many pros swear by this technique. But if you don't want your established grass and baby seeds battling it out for nutrients, it's better to wait a few weeks.

Can I spread grass seed and fertilizer at the same time?

For the fertilizer to be effective and not harm the grass seeds, you shouldn't fertilize and seed at the same time. You need to wait until the seeds begin to sprout, which usually takes about six to eight weeks.

Do you put grass seed or fertilizer down first?

When establishing a new lawn or overseeding an existing one, it's generally best to put down grass seed first and then apply fertilizer. Here's why: Seed-to-Soil Contact: Spreading the seed first allows it to make direct contact with the soil, which is crucial for germination.

How long to wait between fertilizer and seed?

Your best bet is to fertilize your newly seeded or overseeded lawn with Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass directly after seeding. Then, you need to wait 6 to 8 weeks before fertilizing again.

Do you just sprinkle fertilizer on top of soil?

A: DO NOT SPRINKLE the granules directly onto the soil!!!. It will burn and kill your surface roots. Use as directed or buy a sprinkle alternative.

What Goes First: Grass Seed Or Fertilizer In Spring

Can I sprinkle seeds on top of soil?

The rule of thumb is to plant at a depth equal to three times the seed diameter. There are exceptions. Some seeds require light to germinate and should rest on top of soil. Press such seeds firmly against soil using a board or trowel to ensure that moisture cradles the seeds.

Is it better to fertilize before or after planting?

For seed or plugs, apply fertilizer with a regular lawn spreader before you plant. If you're starting a lawn with sod, fertilize after your sod is in place.

Should I fertilize when I over seed?

Overseeding is a great lawn care service that involves spreading grass seeds across your lawn in New Jersey to increase its overall density and to fill in any bare or thin spots with new grass. However, if you want to get the most out of this service, you should fertilize the seeds afterward!

How long does it take grass to grow after fertilizing?

Typically it takes around 2 weeks for grass to turn green after fertilization.

Should I water after seed and fertilizer?

Watering after fertilizing washes the fertilizer off of the grass blades and into the soil, where it can get to work nourishing your lawn. It's also important because if fertilizer sits too long without being watered in, it can burn the grass.

What month is best to put grass seed down?

Here's the answer from best to worst:
  • 1) Most successful. The last five weeks of summer to early autumn, pending the weather, is the best time of year to plant grass seed. ...
  • 2) Mid-autumn. By mid-October your window to seed is usually rapidly closing. ...
  • 3) Early spring. ...
  • 4) Late spring (May/June) – late July/early August.

Should grass be wet or dry when applying fertilizer?

In addition to looking at the weather forecast, you should consider whether your lawn is wet or dry. Ideally, you should apply a fertilizer treatment to a dry lawn when there is no rain forecasted for the next couple of days.

Will fertilizer burn new grass seed?

Full-strength starter fertilizers can burn leaves, stems, and roots of tender seedlings so it's usually diluted.

Should you put down grass seed or fertilizer first?

Fertilize your lawn right after aerating and seeding. This timing allows the fertilizer to sink deep into the aeration holes, ensuring your lawn receives essential nutrients for optimal growth and development.

Can you put grass seed down after you fertilize?

Do I apply the fertilizer before seeding or after? Apply the fertilizer before seeding. When is the best time to plant a new lawn? Spring and fall are the best times to plant a new lawn.

Can I just throw grass seed down on an existing lawn?

When you just sprinkle grass seed on an existing lawn, it ends up just sitting atop of the soil and a lot of it may never germinate. Then homeowners end up asking the question, why can't I get my grass to grow? In reality, the best practice is to have lawn aeration performed followed by overseeding the lawn.

Do you water grass immediately after fertilizing?

At Master Lawn, we typically say to wait 24 hours before watering your lawn after fertilizing. But it is important to make sure that it does receive a good watering session soon after that 24 hour waiting period. Watering helps the fertilizer to activate and to break down and begin feeding nutrients to the lawn.

Will fertilizer thicken a lawn?

Regular fertilization throughout the growing season helps provide the nutrients your grass needs for thicker, healthier growth.

Should you apply starter fertilizer before or after seeding?

You can apply before seeding or laying sod, or after you plant the new grass seedlings. After planting you should wait six to eight weeks before reapplying the starter fertilizer. If you fertilize too early, it could result in the roots of the seedlings not being able to absorb the nutrients.

Can you put too much seed down?

Quality grass seed labels include guidance on optimal seeding rates to maximize your results. Don't overdo or cut corners. Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result. Too little seed leaves lawns thin or bare.

Can you plant grass seed without aerating?

Homeowners often wonder how to overseed lawn without aerating, and if it's a good idea. The answer is that you can overseed effectively without aerating. As we've just mentioned, it's all about seed-to-soil contact. You can get good results without aerating by simply clearing and raking the soil before applying seed.

Can I use Miracle-Gro on grass seed?

A: I use miracle grow garden soil to plant my grass seed all the time. I first put some down on the bare spot and then sprinkle grass seed on top and press it down. I either put a little soils on top or I put peat miss on top to keep the seed moist.

Can I seed and fertilize at the same time?

However, it's generally best to fertilize separately from overseeding. Applying fertilizer and new grass seeds at the same time can lead to problems such as: Competition for nutrients: When seeding and fertilizing simultaneously, the existing grass will compete with the seeds for the available nutrients.

What month is best to fertilize?

Apply early spring lawn fertilizer once between February and April, when your grass is starting to green up and beginning to actively grow (around the time your lawn first needs to be mowed).

Should you fertilize before over seeding?

If you are wondering if it is best to fertilize before or after seeding, either option may be advisable. However, if you do choose to fertilize before overseeding, it may be best to use a slow-release fertilizer variety.

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