Lawn Phix now also offers full lawn care services in the Norfolk County area of Massachusetts. And sowing these lawns takes a lot more than simply popping a few seeds in soil and waiting for an early spring thaw. So if you get the fertilization process wrong, the result could be a dry, patchy, and deadened lawn. Your email address will not be published. Other non-starter fertilizers contain much lower P (18-3-6) or none at all (e.g. Granular fertilizers can be inconsistent in spreading and can be hot, burning young plants that are nearby. Phosphorus and potassium are usually the second and third in this sequence, respectively. of N. At this rate, this 50 lbs. a higher chance of diseases like yard fungus, Causes excess fertilizer to leach through the soil faster than the roots can absorb it. Pro Tip: If youre overseeding or using sod, avoid weed and feed fertilizers for four weeks or until your third mowing. Use the fertilizer spreader and apply it over the soil. ft. 3. Starter fertilizers for lawns come in different compositions of the primary nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P-phosphate), and potassium (K-potash), or the three numbers listed on the package (NPK ratio). Use when planting seed, sod, sprigs or plugs. For best results, use a Scotts spreader. TIMING IS EVERYTHING: FREQUENCY AND TIME OF YEAR. Lawn care takes a surprising amount of forethought. If empty do not reuse container. The herbicides may prevent root development in your new grass seeds. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food For New Grass feeds to help new grass take root and grow. Never place unused product down any indoor or outdoor drain. So let's apply this to the question before - should you get a lawn fertilizer or a starter fertilizer for your lawn? It can be applied to all-new lawns, or to help bare spots recover from winterkill or other damage. So let's get you recognizing and choosing the right lawn fertilizer for your growth goals. I personally like the lower Nitrogen levels for overseeding existing lawns. Water the surface but only with a fine spray. ft.). Always read and follow the product label before use. Some other similar fertilizer blends you might see are 10-10-10 and 19-19-19. To even out the soil, lightly roll your grass, once it's around two inches high. of starter fertilizer per 1,000 sq. 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. Prevent weeds in your new lawn and feed it at the same time. In the state of New York, for example, over-fertilization has been the cause of harmful algal blooms in bodies of water. 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. Wait Time: On average, grass seed takes about 10 to 14 days to germinate, but it can take up to 30 days. Andersons Starter Fertilizer (18-24-12), 4. When it comes to knowing how much starter fertilizer for the grass, youll need a soil test. The herbicide will be Mesotrione (Tenacity) never prodiamine, dithiopyr, or pendimethalin as these will prevent your grass seeds from germinating. Lawns, like all living, breathing creatures, go through stages of growth. Are There Circumstances Where you Shouldnt Use a Starter Fertilizer? Check with your local Cooperative Extension Office for details. Your grass wont use it until spring. Scotts Broadcast / Rotary Spreader Scotts experts are always available by email and phone in our Help Center. 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. Instead, grass should poke through, straight and upright. Free shipping on orders of $75.00 or more. Believe it or not, you can over-fertilize your lawn and end up with the aftereffects on more than just your lawns. You can choose between liquid or granular. Scotts Turf Builder starter fertilizer is a 21-22-4 blend that also contains Mesotrione (Tenacity herbicide). Weve taken the mystery out of starter fertilizers for you. These little holes allow more oxygen to reach the root system of compacted soil. You can base your decision on the acidity of your soil, the time you fertilize (slow or quick-release? Probably not. 6. Pro-Tip: "Quick-release" simply means that, once the fertilizer is applied and watered into the plant, nitrogen is readily available for germination. However, if youre planning to lay entirely new grass seed, researchers at the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Department say that besides the all-important fertilization application in September, November is another fruitful time. Pro Tip: Make sure to leave time to get the test back with the phosphorus and other recommendations. Lawn Starter Fertilizer V.S. nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. One of the best things about this 12-18-8 Green-up starter fertilizer is the convenience its readily available almost anywhere: Yard Mastery, Jonathan Green website, Amazon, and even local nurseries and hardware stores. Remove any weeds first and then lightly rake the soil to loosen it. The nitrogen promotes lush top growth while phosphorus is essential to root growth and root development. The N-P-K varies from different products and manufacturers. Generally, developing seedlings growing in compact soils during cold temperatures are thought to benefit more from phosphorus in starter fertilizer. If youre fertilizing in November, once again, water in the fertilizer and take this opportunity to spray for any broadleaf weeds. Theres one more factor youll need to consider for a thriving lawn: the type of fertilizer. Sod: Even though sod is mostly composed of mature turf, many of the roots have been severed during the harvesting operation, Landschoot says. Establishing strong roots systems and root development is the primary job of starter fertilizers. nitrogen per 1,000 square feet can burn the young turf and result in poor establishment., You should not use starter fertilizer in areas where you cannot control runoff. 24-0-6). 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). Common starter fertilizer blends are 1:1:1 (e.g. This coating provides a long and steady release of nitrogen into the soil. - (AccuGreen, Classic Drop) - Set to 6Scotts Easygreen Below are the best starter fertilizers to use when overseeding this fall or spring. 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. Once your healthy lawn has been established, fertilize every six to eight weeks. The very last aspects to consider when fertilizing your lawn with new grass seeds is the time of year youre operating in, how frequently youll need to fertilize, and what kind of fertilizer to use. This even ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium is a very common starter fertilizer. Ideally, you want to collect soil and submit the sample(s) to a test lab as close to the time of establishment as possible. There are different types of fertilizer applications. Of course, there are commonplace practices like mowing and fertilizing. This also creates a seedbed for when you're placing new seed in. per 1,000 sq. This number on the bag (the second number, or P of N-P-K) is generally the same as the Nitrogen (the first number on the bag, or N of N-P-K) or higher. Fertilizer labels will give you all the information you need about nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content - called an NPK Ratio. Here are the answers to 9 FAQs about applying starter fertilizer to your lawn. 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. Follow this blog to stay tuned with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round. ft. will deliver 0.52 lbs. https://www.naturesseed.com/skin/frontend/naturesfinest/vstyle/images/logo.png, THE A-Z GUIDE TO FERTILIZING NEW GRASS SEEDS FOR A LUSH LAWN, https://www.naturesseed.com/media/wysiwyg/footer-logo.png, CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE AND AMOUNT OF FERTILIZER FOR NEW GRASS SEED. The three most important nutrients required for good growth and health of your turfgrass are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which a starter fertilizer contains. Pro Tip: Its common for homeowners to apply lawn fertilizer, depending on where they live, in the spring, but not before the grass greens up. Can I Use a Starter Fertilizer for Grass That is Established? A newly-seeded lawn is a mature lawn so it needs regular fertilizer, not starter fertilizer. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Fertilizer (21-22-4), 5. Hopefully, theyll soon come out with another starter fertilizer with weed prevention. Only mow your new lawn when it reaches three inches, getting it back down to two inches. And that's not how anyone wants to leave their lawn. Many states have a law prohibiting the use of phosphorus except in cases where individuals are establishing a new lawn. So you should take the time to read this composition. 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! Follow directions on your chosen fertilizer to verify the best application process. If your lawn is not rich in natural organic matter, nitrogen plays an important role. ft.) to apply 1 lb. ft., 5,000 sq. Lawns only need one or two applications of fertilizer each year. The best time is during the early fall when your lawn will be in active growth mode. Following this schedule would give your lawn the best chance for thriving. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Apply as directed. 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. Note: Wait six to eight weeks before applying another dose of balanced fertilizer to your grass after planting so it doesnt burn the grass. Generally, the biggest difference between starter fertilizer and regular fertilizer is that starter fertilizer will contain a much higher percentage of Phosphorus (P). This is where your soil test comes in use your knowledge of the nutrients already present, as well as what you now know about NPK ratios to give your lawn the right compounds! 1,000 sq. Soil samples can be collected at any time during the year as long as the soil is not frozen. - Set to 26Scotts Wizz If you didnt get a soil test to determine how much starter fertilizer to use for your lawn, Landschoot offers these general recommendations: Quick-release nitrogen will speed up seedling development. Do not apply near water or storm drains or draining ditches. To thrive, any good lawn needs proper feeding and advance planning. This promotes root development. Use this guide and the timelines provided, then assess the goals and growth needs of lawn. Pour the required amount into a standard fertilizer spreader and evenly apply the starter fertilizer over the planting site. Applying less nitrogen to an existing lawn will not promote quick top growth, allowing the new grass to develop before mowing is necessary. Adding fertilizer, particularly starter fertilizer,2. When it comes to explaining phosphorus and its role, Landschoot notes, Phosphorus is included in starter fertilizer primarily to enhance root development. Phosphorus promotes root growth which is vital for the early growth of new grass. 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. If youre fertilizing in early September, water in the fertilizer and use a high nitrogen source. As the chart shows, mid-March might be fine but the best time for fertilization is from April to June. 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. 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. Some other nutrients may also be added to starter fertilizers, including iron, sulfur, and manganese. 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. It helps your grass seedlings and sod roots establish more rapidly in the soil than regular fertilizer, leading to a thick new lawn in a short period. Faster. From grass density to mowing frequency and maintenance, your fertilization practices can either transform your new grass seeds into a lush lawn or force your turf to work overtime. Its best to till the fertilizer 4 to 6 inches into the soil along with any additional amendments you are adding. Begin by measuring your area to make sure you have enough fertilizer. Part of this lawn envy is judging others: 49% say people who don't take care of their lawns are "lazy or inconsiderate.". Do not apply if heavy rain is expected. For a number of reasons such as erosion there may simply not be enough naturally-occurring organic matter to support any kind of growth. Lightly rake the surface in only one direction to create a shallow cover of soil. If your soil test reveals that your soil is too acidic, consider adding lime.! The Starter Food gives new grass a quick start by promoting faster root and blade development, and the 24-25-4 fertilizer ratio providing nutrients for your developing lawn. The latter, wrongly applied, could end up burning your roots. And at different stages, they need different kinds of nutrition. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected. This consistent slow-feeding is vital to the seed and plant growth, allowing a longer feeding from a single starter fertilizer application. These are important in the prep phase and maintenance process. Apply starter fertilizer before seeding or laying sod, or after you plant the new grass seed. When nitrogen is the main ingredient, regular lawns thrive. Remember that these activities are all geared towards tending to your lawn's health. And the rates of Potassium (the third number on the bag label, or K of N-P-K) are either the same or the lowest of the three. THE 5 BEST Crabgrass Killers (Updated July 2022), 1. Place in trash or offer for recycling if available. - (Turf Builder Edgeguard Mini, Basic, Standard, Deluxe Edgeguard, Edgeguard DLX, Lawn Pro & Speedy Green) - Set to 3 Scotts Drop Spreaders ft. Pro-tip: You shouldn't be using starter fertilizer once seeds germinate into the first shoots of grass. Is There a Standard Amount of Starter Fertilizer I Should Use? I really like Ferti-Lome because they include a set of micronutrients in all their fertilizers including this starter fertilizer for new lawns. After aerating, you should brush sand into the holes, which will improve drainage. You can also spread it over the site immediately after planting your new grass seed. Amend the existing soil, and either reseed or lay new sod. Yard Mastery Starter Fertilizer (12-12-12), 2. With that in mind, let's run through what you need to do to contribute to your lush-lawn goal. Nearly all extension service offices offer low-cost soil testing services. As you can see on the left side of this image, a fertilizer that you would purchase at a retail outlet has several chemical components to them. They also say that fertilizer done during this late-fall period may eliminate the need to fertilize in the spring at all. The most popular kind is dolomitic lime because it contains magnesium. 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. Too much acidity can also affect the structural stability of the soil, causing fungal disease or decimating the population of beneficial organisms. Especially not when the alternative cultivating a rich and thriving blanket of green takes just a little mindful planning. Apply approximately 4 pounds (lbs.) It can take 1-3 days or up to two weeks to get results, depending on the test. September and/or November is the best time to fertilize your lawn, especially if you have cool-season grass. 2. 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. Worse still, your lack of care or attention to fertilization could end up making a small but resounding impact on your region's overall soil quality. Get instant access to all of our premium pasture seed products by entering your zip code into our exclusive Seed Selector! The high percentage and ratios of two macronutrients are what make a starter fertilizer a starter fertilizer, and perfect for seeding. Jonathan Green Black Beauty vs GCI TTTF Grass Seed Review, Jonathan Green Black Beauty Heavy Traffic Grass Seed Review, Best Starter Fertilizer For Grass, Seed & Lawns. LawnStarter is a startup making lawn care easy affordable and reliable. 2002-2022The Scotts Company LLC. ft. Ferti-Lome New Lawn Starter Fertilizer Label. But if you want to know which one of these fertilizers you need, you have to start with something called an NPK Ratio. Landschoot notes, In cases where soils are not amended with compost, nitrogen is almost always needed for rapid establishment. After youve planted your new grass, its important to make sure you water it once a day or as needed to keep the soil moist. The Andersons starter fertilizer is the perfect fertilizer blend and ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Safety Data Sheets can be found at scottsmsds.com. While there are no restrictions on reentering the lawn with this product, we recommend watering the product in and waiting until it is dried before going back on the lawn. 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. 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. World rights reserved. Fertilizer plays a large role in the health of your new shoots. Then water in the fertilizer. Lawn products work in harmony with the environment when used correctly. 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. Look for one that is finely textured and doesn't contain any weeds. Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action Starter Fertilizer Label. Apply 4 lbs. Getting the right grass growth, thickness, and health is all about reverse engineering your timeline. For example, an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 contains 10 percent each of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. of both nitrogen and phosphorus per 1,000 sq. For example, cool-season grasses will naturally want to slow down in the hotter summer months. There is something undeniably pleasing about the fact that your lawn is lush, thick, thriving, and vibrant. This popular 3-4-2 starter fertilizer ratio contains polymer-coated,sulfur-coated urea (PCSCU). of P per 1,000 sq. As seen in Forbes, CNBC and USA Today, LawnStarter makes it easy to schedule service with a local lawn care professional. It wont hurt the grass but might lack the needed nutrients that a well-balanced fertilizer for continued lawn maintenance contains. 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. Required fields are marked *. Some states (such as Massachusetts) are limited to certain products containing Phos. Amounts in excess of 1.5 lb. 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. 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.. Apply with a drop or rotary spreader. During the spring, you can certainly start your lawn off on the right foot with an application of fertilizer. This is a perfect all-in-one starter, particularly for those spring seeding and needing to prevent crabgrass. You dont want to apply it directly to newly planted sod or burning can occur. 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. bag of starter fertilizer will cover approximately 12,000 sq. You can "firm up" the soil by going over it with a lawn roller half-filled with water. They don't even need large amounts of potassium. Whether you are planting new grass from scratch or repairing bare spots, figuring out a proper fertilizer to get your lawn off to the best start can be daunting. Can you Apply a Starter Fertilizer to Grass Seed and Sod? After a few years of careful lawn care using these tips, you'll have earthworms again. But there are also lawn care activities you may not have considered such as aeration, weeding, and pest control. The ratio of N to P is either even (1:1) or more phosphorus than nitrogen (1:2 or 3:4). After this point, the next application should be anywhere from four to eight weeks out. These little guys are great natural aerators and will reduce the need for manual aerating. The difference in these two has to do mainly with the nutrients or composition of the fertilizer. Also great for sod and grass plugs, Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Sun & Shade, Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food, 3 Simple Ways to Spring Open Your Lawn & Garden with Scotts and Miracle-Gro, The Questions People Ask Most About Grass Seed. "Regular" or well-established lawns don't need phosphorus. With that in mind, let's help you become a coveted part of the 28% of Americans are proud of their lawns. Because at this point in the year, fertilizer is taken up by the roots but is simply stored as energy. For summer lawn care, you want to try and stick to weed preventer applications and mowing. Application [], Having a thick and healthy lawn requires more than just fertilizers and herbicides. Applying 4 lbs. of Andersons starter fertilizer per 1,000 square feet (sq. Another good reason for this slow, timed-release nitrogen fertilizer is for overseeding existing lawns. Starter fertilizers usually contain 20 percent more phosphorus than regular fertilizers. 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. of P to the soil, and 3/4 lbs. And what will you be fertilizing with? When Should you Apply Starter Fertilizer? Its also about the composition of the rest of the fertilizer. Fungus control plays an important role in proper lawn [], Crabgrass is an invasive annual weed that can quickly get out of hand if not properly prevented using crabgrass preventers and pre-emergent [], Your email address will not be published. This is not the product label. 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). This stops seeds from being uncovered. ft. Use mature compost that is rich, loose, and dark. My Lawn App by Scotts helps simplify your lawn care. 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. This is a measurement that helps you understand what's in your fertilizer. Ferti-Lome New Lawn Starter Fertilizer (9-13-7), 3. These are not bad, per se, but some of their use does need to be limited. Generally, weeds are easier to control in the fall than in the spring. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass (4.9 / 5 rating), GreenView 2131254 Starter Fertilizer (4.8 / 5 rating), Jonathan Green Green Up Seeding & Sodding Lawn Fertilizer (4.8 / 5 rating), Lesco Professional Starter Fertilizer, 18-24-12 (4.7 / 5 rating). To begin a lawn, or to repair it anew, you'll need starter fertilizer, rather than regular fertilizer. Water frequently but with small amounts. 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. Instead, apply 1-2 inches of organic fertilizer, such as a biosolids fertilizer or manure-based. 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. Why? For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. 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. Regular Fertilizer Which Wins? Fertilizers deliver all-important and much-needed nutrients to the soil, adding to what's already present. 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. 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. But once you've learned the exact method, you'll be able to grow the perfect set of greens on your property. By nailing the most important part of the process: fertilization! Starter lawn fertilizer is a small quantity of fertilizer nutrients applied near the seed at planting. Need an answer to a product question? ft. of turf. New grass grows 70% thicker AND 35% quicker versus unfed grass, which will have you on your way to the lawn youve always wanted. Aeration is the process of "airing out" the soil so it can breathe again. Starter fertilizer might not contain all the required nutrients for continued growth and good health. One look at your local garden centers fertilizer aisle and youre inundated with choices for producing your vibrant lawn. - Set to 3.75. You do not want to fertilize and push growth all year.
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