Should you fertilize before or after over seeding?

Author: Mr. Damian Rath  |  Last update: Monday, August 18, 2025

How long after reseeding or overseeding my lawn should I wait before fertilizing? 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.

Is it better to overseed or fertilize first?

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.

Do you apply fertilizer after seeding?

Fertilizing Your New Grass

Apply starter fertilizer only once you've lightly raked your soil and before you sow your grass seed. Once your grass has seeded, the next round should be a regular fertilizer application – this round should only occur four to eight weeks after the first, starter application.

Should you fertilize before planting seeds?

Fertilizer has no effect on seed germination if used in small amounts, but can negatively affect seed germination if you use too much fertilizer. What is this? Since seeds require no external sources of nutrition to germinate, it's not recommended to apply fertilizer to seeds. In fact, it can reduce germination rates.

Do you fertilize before or after planting?

As a general rule, fertilize right before planting, then again when plants flower or hit a growth spurt.

Can You Grow Grass Without Covering The Seed

Should you fertilize before or after seeding food plot?

Fertilizer can be applied after planting with no problem. If you are like me, you can't stand to drive over your plot after its been planted. But the benefits of the fertilizer will far outweigh the few plants you drive over and they generally pop right back up.

Should I use starter fertilizer when overseeding?

If you are planting new grass with sod or seeds it's best to use starter fertilizer. If you are overseeding your lawn, you can apply a starter fertilizer before or directly after seeding. Starter fertilizers are especially useful if your soil Phosphorus (P) is low, which can be determined by a soil test.

Can you plant seeds right after fertilizing?

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.

How long to wait between seed and fertilizer?

The ideal timing for fertilizing your lawn after seeding is between six to eight weeks. Waiting until the sprouts are well-established before applying fertilizer reduces the risk of harming the new growth.

Should I water after seeding and fertilizing?

Watering is critical to successful lawn establishment. Once wet and seed germination has begun do not let the seed dry out. Postpone reseeding an area during a drought if irrigation cannot be provided. A newly seeded lawn requires daily watering during dry periods.

When to overseed?

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO OVERSEED? Late summer or early fall is the best time to overseed lawns. Soil and atmospheric temperatures are most favorable for optimum seed germination and growth. With adequate moisture, fertilizer and sunlight, the new seedlings will be well established before cooler fall weather sets in.

Is it better to fertilize before or after rain?

Ideally, you want to apply fertilizer treatments to your lawn after it rains. However, you'll want to wait for the puddles on your lawn to sink into the soil and the grass blades to dry. It's also a good idea to fertilize your grass if it is sunny for a few days after it rains.

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 happens if you don't water after fertilizing?

Why Water After Fertilizing? 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.

Can you just sprinkle grass seed on a lawn?

Basically the grass will not grow if no grass maintenance has been completing prior to planting and it is just thrown on the ground. It will be a waste of time and investment over time. We have all the tips and experience that you need to know to get the grass to grow in your lawn.

Should you fertilize before or after overseeding?

In many cases, soil usually lacks the minimum nutrition content required to yield the best results. Therefore, you can use a pre-seed fertiliser to cover those deficiencies. You should use starter fertiliser from 2 weeks before seeding up to 6 weeks after overseeding a particular section in your garden.

Should I fertilize soil before planting seeds?

You can broadcast dry fertilizer (1 pound for each 100 square feet of garden or 100 feet of row) over the entire garden plot before planting. Then after planting, side-dress along the plant rows. The fertilizer should be applied 2–3 inches to the side of, and 1–2 inches below, the seed level or plant row.

What do you put on top of grass seed?

Spread the grass seed at the overseeding rate indicated on the packaging. Loosely rake in the seed. Top-dress with mulch, compost or peat moss.

Should you fertilize before or after planting?

For edible crops, fertilizer is usually applied in the spring and mixed into the garden soil before planting. If you've already sown your seeds or planted seedlings, you can still gently work in granular fertilizer (not liquid fertilizer, which can burn young roots) around the plants.

When to water after overseeding?

Begin watering on the very first day of seeding. Always water as close to dawn as possible in order to give your lawn adequate time to absorb water and dry itself. This will help avoid fungal infections that will bring your seedlings' progress to a screeching halt.

What is the order of fertilizer?

In this manner, the first number is always the amount of nitrogen (N), the second number is the amount of phosphate (P2O5), and the third number is the amount of potash (K2O). Together, they represent the primary nutrients your plant needs: nitrogen (N) – phosphorus (P) – potassium (K).

How long after seeding can you fertilize?

How long after reseeding or overseeding my lawn should I wait before fertilizing? 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.

Should I seed or fertilize first?

It's best to fertilize right after aerating and seeding, allowing the fertilizer to sink into the aeration holes ensuring deeper soil penetration. Proper fertilization encourages a lush, green, healthy lawn that stands out and offers a beautiful outdoor space for relaxation and play.

What Scotts fertilizer to use when overseeding?

To give your new grass seedlings the essential nutrients they need for fast growth, apply Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass after you've spread the grass seed. No need to do this with Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick'R Lawn® since it already contains all the nutrients your new grass needs.

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