Healthy Lawns—Site preparation: Starter fertilizer (2024)

FAQs

What is a good starter fertilizer for new grass seed? ›

Some examples of the formulations of common lawn starter fertilizers for new grass are 10-10-10, 20-10-10, and 16-8-8. Penn State Extension notes that analyses of 15-10-10 or 10-6-4 are also acceptable used as starter fertilizers for grass, as they also promote good early growth and grass development.

You can, but don't. It won't hurt your grass to use starter fertilizer, but it will lack needed nutrients. Resulting in an unhealthy lawn in the long run. It is better to use a fertilizer specifically for mature lawns.

You can use 10-10-10 as a lawn starter fertilizer but a fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen is the preferred choice for a new lawn. What is a good substitute for 10-10-10 fertilizer? A good substitute would be any organic fertilizer that is somewhat balanced in its NPK ratio, such as 3-4-4.

You can plant grass seed immediately after applying fertilizer. Please make sure there is no weed preventer in the fertilizer, as this will also prevent the grass seed from germinating.

The Right time to apply Starter Fertilizer. You should apply starter fertilizer just before you start laying the sod, seeding or once you sow the starter fertilizer for new grass seed. You do not want to apply it directly to the newly planted sod or when you see it burning.

One of the most effective ways to get your grass to grow quickly is to fertilize right after you plant. For use on all grass types, reach for Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass, which helps grass grow up to 70 percent thicker and 35 percent more quickly (vs. unfed).

If you were to use too much starter fertilizer, it could actually "burn" the seeds. Fertilizer burn occurs when excess salt seeps into the soil, which can prevent the seeds from absorbing the water they need. This can lead to poor growth or no growth at all!

10-10-10 fertilizer is a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer containing equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It's often used as a starter fertilizer for new lawns and is also suitable for established lawns. Nitrogen: Essential for leaf growth and a green lawn. Phosphorus: Important for root development.

We recommend waiting 24 hours after fertilizing to water your lawn, which will give the fertilizer time to settle. After the 24 hours are up, it's important to give it a good soak—not just a quick spritz with your hose—to activate the fertilizer and help the critical nutrients absorb into the soil.

NPK 20 20 20 is a highly concentrated, balanced plant fertiliser. It contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is ideal for growing plants in poor quality soils as it provides a high amount of each of the three essential plant macronutrients.

What are the 3 numbers for starter fertilizer? ›

The three numbers on fertilizer are the N-P-K ratio, which stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These three nutrients have separate functions and are essential to a plant's growth and health. Fertilizers can be organic or synthetic, and come in a dry or liquid form.

In most cases, however, a high-phosphorus starter fertilizer like 10-10-10, 20-10-10, or 16-8-8 should do the trick. Whatever you decide, make sure the product you're using is suitable for the type of grass you're planting. Pro tips: If you want to sow seeds, ensure the nitrogen and phosphorus levels are balanced.

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.

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.

For instance, if you've recently planted grass seed, a slow-release fertilizer like 10-10-10 can provide sustained nutrients, helping to establish a lush, green lawn. The goal is to feed your lawn with the right amount of nutrients at the right time to achieve the best lawn possible.

Watering APPLY Aplique Scotts Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass can be applied immediately before or after planting new grass. Water daily or as needed to keep the soil surface moist until the seedlings reach at least 2 inches tall.