When To Fertilize New Grass For Lush Lawn

Last Updated on August 12, 2021 by woodcutter

A well established fertilizing routine is the key to obtaining nutritious, evergreen, thick, and patchless grass. Planting grass and watching it grow is very exciting, and everyone’s success is their motivation. Actually, this is just about to become your reality.

New grass needs phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen to grow well. A good lawn starter fertilizer would be the best source of these nutrients for your new turf. Fertilizers are meant to make grass sprout and become healthy. Too little fertilizer starves your new lawn and too much burn your grass or causes overgrowth that calls for premature mowing. Therefore, it is essential to establish a schedule on when best to fertilize your lawn.

When and how often should you fertilize new grass

Even the best fertilizer for grass calls for correctly scheduled application days. You must establish when it is best to apply fertilizer to your new grass initially. You also need to know how often to administer it to a new lawn to achieve the best results. Discover the best weed and feed for your new grass and apply it appropriately. This article will highlight eight instances when it is necessary to fertilize your new lawn.

1. Fertilize the soil before you sow the new grass.

To help give your new grass a good kick start, fertilize the soil before you sow. Feeding at this initial point helps guarantee a healthy boost for your lawn. It also helps make sure that the grass you plant does not fail. More so, to know how best to fertilize, you need to know your soil’s nutritional content. This is, so you figure out if feeding at this point is suitable for your grass.

It is impossible to assume the nutrient composition of your soil. Therefore, to find out, you need to get your soil tested at a lab. The results will show you the quantity of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium already naturally contained in your soil. When you know the soil nutrient content values, you can now decide on the best starter fertilizer for grass seed to complement your soil.

New grass requires more phosphorus. Therefore, the less phosphorus in the soil, the higher the need to apply fertilizer to the ground. You will consequently figure whether it is essential to fertilize at this stage. Getting your soil tested also enables you to know the type and quantity of fertilizer to use.

Before planting your grass, you may apply a manure-based compost to your soil as fertilizer. You do so by administering one to two inches of rich compost. You mix the compost with the top layer of your soil. By so doing, you prepare the ground and ensure it has adequate nutrients to sustain your new grass’s growth. Level the soil, and you are ready to plant.

2. Apply fertilizer while planting new grass.

Why wait longer? Starving your new grass will stunt its growth and rob it of its healthy look and feel. You need not wait! Preferably, the best fertilizer for new grass is applied simultaneously as you plant your lawn. You cannot plant grass and expect it to thrive without providing it with adequate nutrients for survival.

At the beginning of its growth, new grass forms new tissue and thus calls for many nutrients to facilitate its growth. It is, therefore, wise to put fertilizer along with your new grass seed or sod. If you decide to apply while planting new grass, be careful not to mix seed and fertilizer as this will burn the plant. Use a hoe to make a hole, apply fertilizer then cover with a layer of soil before dropping seeds or inserting sod.

This timing is also right for your new grass as it directly supplies it with essential nutrients. This is because nitrogen is responsible for proper growth and promotes the green coloration of grass. This is essential at this stage. A high release fertilizer or starter fertilizer is recommended during this time, One that has a high nitrogen content. Such fertilizers have high nutritional content that can meet the eager demand of your young thriving grass.

Examples of nutrient ratios for starter fertilizers would be nitrogen 20, phosphorus 10, and potassium 10. Or nitrogen 10, phosphorus 8, and potassium 8. These ratios guarantee the best results. So before your grass dies away or loses its green look, fertilize it!

3. Six to eight weeks after planting new grass

Undoubtedly, a plate of porridge every day is healthier than seven on Sunday. As prior mentioned, too much fertilizer is harmful. Do not be fooled! Like too much of anything else is toxic, it matters that you do not fertilize your new grass too often. Too much fertilizer will permanently damage your new lawn. If introduced too frequently, the fertilizer will undoubtedly burn your grass. This is unquestionably not the result you intend on. You also need not neglect the nutritional requirements of your lawn. Continue feeding it with fertilizer as it matures.

The best weed and feed will help maintain a healthy, desired look. A safe waiting period of six to eight weeks is advisable before the reapplication of any fertilizer. You need to allow for the fertilizer you initially applied to be used up by the grass before introducing more. At this point, you are required to switch to a slow-release fertilizer. This is because the older your grass grows, the slower its rate of nutrient uptake is.

At this stage, a fertilizer with more potassium is essential. This is because the longer you have your grass planted its starts to attract various related pests and diseases. Potassium helps strengthen your new lawn at this time. Potassium helps make your grass more resistant to disease. You will also not need to water too often as potassium also helps make your grass drought resistant.

4. When you can control the fertilizer washing away

Why waste fertilizer applying it where it will run off, it does not benefit your grass. Therefore, an area with a slope that allows fertilizer to wash off is not suitable for fertilizer application. When washed away, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are environmentally hazardous. When planting on a sloped area, make sure you adequately prepare your soil as reapplication is not suitable.

5. Fertilize your grass during the summer season

When it is hot and sunny outside, fertilize your grass with no doubt. This is a time when a good fertilizer will help your new grasses to thrive and grow well. The sun outside during this period helps encourage the grass to draw up more water. If you introduce fertilizer at this time, it is guaranteed maximum use and uptake by the grass. Therefore, benefiting your new lawn to a greater extent.

6. Fertilize new lawn just before the autumn or fall season.

Everyone’s desire is a lawn that’s health and evergreen all year round. However, during the autumn season, when plants shade and lose leaves, your lawn is bound to be affected. As the season approaches, it is wise that you fertilize your new lawn just before it starts. This helps the soil retain its excellent green color throughout the autumn season. If your lawn is already starting to mature by now, use a slow-release fertilizer. Continue to apply fertilizer at regular six to eight-week intervals during this season.

7. Last application of fertilizer before the winter season.

The last application of fertilizer to your new lawn should be before the winter season begins. Make sure that you apply it before the first frost. The next time you will be able to fertilize your new grass will be in the spring season. This is because fertilizers do not work well in cold weather.

8. When the spring season begins.

As the winter season wraps up and comes to a close, a new fertilizer friendly season emerges. The beginning of spring marks a time when you can resume your lawn fertilizing schedule as before. After your initial fertilizer application in spring, maintain the same six to eight-week intervals as you did before the break. This will help your new lawn flourish along with other plants in the glorious fruitful spring season.

Final Verdict

To obtain a thick grass with vibrant green color, you need not only to know the best lawn starter fertilizer for grass seed. However, you must also be prudent when it comes to how often you fertilize your grass. It is essential to take note of when the right time to apply fertilizer is. As well as when not to introduce fertilizer.

Fertilizers are essential in proper plant development, thus their need. Consequently, take note to have a plan drafted for your fertilizer application dates. Insufficient fertilizer prevents your new grass from growing and developing well. Too much fertilizer could also destroy your grass plant. Find this article helpful in getting yourself started.