If you are planting a new lawn or patching an existing one with bare patches, one thing is for sure. You don’t want to wait a long time to grow the new grass. That’s why finding the best fertilizer for new grass is such an important part of the process.
In order to pick the right fertilizer for your new grass, we will take a look at what you need to know, including the differences between fresh grass and an existing lawn. Then, to help your new grass grow, we will show you some of the best products available.
Why Should I Fertilize New Grass?
If you’re wondering if fertilizing your new lawn is important, you’re not alone. Many people think that, particularly if other areas of the lawn are flourishing, new grass can grow without any support.
While without fertilizing your new lawn you can get some growth, in many instances, the nutrients that are readily available in the soil are not adequate to sustain new growth, whether you are planting seed or laying sod.
Soil that does not have enough nutrients, which can cause a lot of dust and erosion, can contribute to patchy growth and thin grass. It helps to come in lush and thick with a good fertilizer for new grass and maintains the growth in the long run.
If there is a distinction between fertilizer for new grass and standard lawn fertilizer, you might be wondering. The response is yes, it’s there. New growth has different requirements than existing lawns, which is why new seeds may not grow well even though there is grass around them.
Potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen are found in standard fertilizers, usually in a 1-2-1 proportion. But new grass requires more phosphorus to help the seed germinate and grow rapidly than these fertilizers offer, as well as quick-release nitrogen.
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What are the most important nutrients for a new lawn?
While new growth needs the same nutrients as existing grass, different quantities are needed and for slightly different reasons.
You should always look at the nitrogen and phosphorus when selecting a fertilizer. Ratio and potassium or NPK. The primary things that plants need to grow are these three nutrients. They are present in most soils, but adding fertilizer ensures that no deficiencies are present.
Nitrogen encourages good overall growth and is important for the deep, dark green that you’re used to seeing to improve your lawn. Potassium makes plants strong and more resistant to severe conditions, such as drought, disease, and prolonged hot or cold conditions.
Phosphorus is especially important for new growth, as described, and here’s why: it is necessary for root growth. For your new grass to grow, a strong root system that develops early on is essential. Plus, a deficiency of phosphorus results in overall slow growth.
Quick-release nitrogen and phosphorus are the two big factors to look for in fertilizer for new grass. This helps your grass, above and below ground, grow fast and solid.
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Best Fertilizers For New Grass & Lawns
Here are some of the best options on the market that are sure to yield results if you’re looking for the right fertilizer for your new lawn.
1. Scotts 21814 Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass
ScottsScottsScottsScotts is a well-known company that provides quality when it comes to lawn care. When opposed to using no fertilizer at all, the Turf Builder starter food promises to grow grass 70 percent thicker and 35 percent quicker.
To help both roots and blades grow faster, this fertilizer was designed to get your new lawn off to a quick start. It can be used on any kind of grass and is best for grass.
Using a spreader for even coverage, add this granular fertilizer to your lawn. You don’t have to water it, legally, but try to keep your freshly planted grass moist as it sprouts.
If you have a lot of ground to cover, you can have this product in a small bag that covers 1,000 square feet for touch-ups in your yard, but go for the broad 14,000-square-foot coverage. You can get up to five big bags at a time if you want to buy in bulk.
2. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass
If you’re looking for a fertilizer that also assists with weed control for a new lawn, check out this Scotts productScotts productScotts productScotts product. This 2-in-1 product, for up to six weeks, stops weeds and feeds fresh grass.
You can use this product on any grass type, and while you wait for new grass to grow, it prevents crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds from taking over. It enhances seedling outcomes but is also a great alternative for sod and grass plugs.
The application is quick. To trigger, use a spreader for even coverage, then water it in. Before watering your new grass for the first time, remember that you should apply this product.
This unusual formula gets your lawn off to a good start, and any weeds that manage to come through will quickly sprout and die. Two sizes are available, offering up to 5,000 square feet or 10,000 s coverage.
3. Pennington UltraGreen Starter Lawn Fertilizer
This Pennington lawn fertilizerPennington lawn fertilizerPennington lawn fertilizerPennington lawn fertilizer is perfect for new lawns. It has a special combination of fast-acting nitrogen that your lawn can use right away and slow-release nitrogen that continues to feed for up to three months.
For a thicker, fuller lawn that grows rapidly, the quick-greening formula helps to develop strong roots. The grass is dense, lush, and deep green thanks to its five percent iron content. It works for, as well as plugs and sod, a selection of grass seeds.
The application is clear. To ensure even application, apply in the spring and fall using a spreader for better results, then water the area periodically until the grass is grown. One box covers 5,000 square feet, and for secure storage, the bag is resealable.
4. Simple Lawn Solutions Extreme Grass Growth Lawn Booster
Nitrogen and phosphorus are included in the fertilizer from Simple Lawn SolutionsSimple Lawn SolutionsSimple Lawn SolutionsSimple Lawn Solutions, as well as humic and fulvic acid to promote vertical and lateral growth. It is also effective at correcting nutrient deficiencies or repairing an established lawn, in addition to being great for new lawns, and it is good for new sod and seeding, too.
Another attractive thing about this product is that if you want something other than granules, it’s a concentrate, which makes it a great alternative. The application is clear. All you’ve got to do is attach your garden hose to the bottle and you’re ready to go. 3,200 square feet are covered by one bottle.
This Growth Buster fertilizer is produced in the United States by Simple Lawn Solutions. They are family-owned and have 25 years of commercial turf industry experience, so you can trust that they know how to enhance the appearance of your yard.
5. Jonathan Green 11540 Green Up Seeding & Sodding Lawn Fertilizer
This Jonathan Green productJonathan Green productJonathan Green productJonathan Green product is perfect for fresh growth and can be used for restoring existing lawns. By setting up a good root system, it supports new grass plantings. Plus, to help you grow a lush, greener lawn more quickly, it contains iron.
One of the cool things about this fertilizer is that just feeding the grass goes beyond it. It also enriches humates in the soil, making the nutrients accessible to the roots more readily. This helps to withstand the harsh winter weather on your lawn and dry, hot summers.
This granular fertilizer, covering 1,000 or 5,000 square feet, is available in two sizes. To apply uniformly on the same day as seeding or sodding, use a spreader. Apply a few days after mowing while the lawn is dry for maintenance.
6. GreenView 2131254 Starter Fertilizer 16 lb
Check out this GreenView starter fertilizerGreenView starter fertilizerGreenView starter fertilizerGreenView starter fertilizer if you’re searching for a fertilizer that lasts. One spring or fall application offers both immediate release nutrients for rapid outcomes and slow-release to support development for up to eight weeks.
This formula helps to create strong roots and keeps your lawn fed when it needs support to keep growing strong in the early period. For new growth, it’s a good option and is also productive when patching bare spots in existing lawns.
Apply only before or after seeding using a spreader for even application for the best performance. For either 5,000 or 15,000 square feet, there are two sizes available with coverage. Best of all, a satisfaction guarantee comes with this product. GreenView will give you your money back if you are not satisfied.
7. Voluntary Purchasing Group Fertilome 10904 New Lawn Starter Fertilizer
Since 1968, the Voluntary Buying GroupVoluntary Buying GroupVoluntary Buying GroupVoluntary Buying Group has been in business and is owned by independent traders. This product will not be found on the shelves of any big box stores. Small companies who know a thing or two about lawns market it exclusively.
This product is specially formulated with an NPK of 9-13-7 to help lawns grow faster and stronger. It uses a two-pronged strategy, first promoting strong root and stem growth, then promoting rapid growth.
When planting a new lawn or patching bare spots on an existing one, you can use this product on seeds or sod. About 1,000 square feet cover this four-pound bag which can be quickly distributed with a spreader. On the label are specific instructions and spreader settings.
8. The Andersons New Lawn Starter 20-27-5 Fertilizer
One of the reasons why this The Andersons lawn starterAndersons lawn starterAndersons lawn starterAndersons lawn starter is so efficient for new lawns is that it has three kinds of nitrogen: slow, intermediate, and fast release. In the beginning, this helps your lawn grow deep roots and provides the nutrients it requires to continue to develop.
This formula also has phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients, in addition to nitrogen, to promote healthy growth as one percent iron to give a lush, deep green color to your lawn.
Apply during the fall and spring using a spreader at the recommended pace for the best performance. Before you lay sod or spread seed, work it into the top of the soil and keep the soil moist until the lawn fills in. This 18-pound bag covers 5,000 square feet.
9. Lesco Professional, 50 LB, 12,000 SQFT Coverage
This Lesco Professional productLesco Professional productLesco Professional productLesco Professional product is used by experts and is suitable for sodding, seeding, and new seedlings. To promote the growth of solid, healthy roots and encourage vigorous blade growth, it contains a good balance of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash.
The slow-release formula also offers up to 12 weeks of nutrients, giving your new lawn the extended nutrition it needs during the season to continue to grow. It also helps your lawn’s wellbeing during the cold winter.
The wide 50-pound bag covers up to 12,000 square feet and can be quickly distributed with a spreader. In addition to being a great option for new lawns, to repair a phosphorus deficiency, you can also apply it to existing lawns.
10. Scotts Snap System – Snap Pack – Lawn Fertilizer
This Scotts product utilizesScotts product utilizesScotts product utilizesScotts product utilizes its exclusive Snap scheme. The special packaging fits right into the spreader for Scotts Snap. Snap the bag in place, lock it in, and you’re ready to go. All you have to do is.
The Snap device stops you from having to lift a large bag and pour granules. The spreader sets the application rate automatically, and when removed from the unit, the bag self-seals. EdgeGuard guides the product to where you need it, and for easy storage, the spreader folds up.
The fertilizer can be applied during any season to any form of grass. Not all is that. Scotts has a money-back policy if you’re not happy. For a refund, just give them your proof of purchase. Note that only with the Scotts Snap spreader can this product be used.
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When should new grass be fertilized for the best results?
Before you even spread the seed or lay turf, the perfect time to fertilize new grass is to Prepare the field that you will be planting, then apply the fertilizer.
Each item is a little different, so follow the directions for whatever fertilizer you want. Some formulations must be watered in, while others must first be worked into the top few inches of soil.
How to Fertilize New Grass?
The technique you use to fertilize your new grass depends very heavily on the kind you pick. That said, to keep in mind, here are some general guidelines.
Take the time to make the area ready before you start planting a new lawn. Remove any debris, leaves, or rocks, and rake the field to break up and clumpy soil. By filling in low places, try leveling the field.
It is best not to apply any weed killer yet, as the initial growth may be affected. That said, if you pick a fertilizer that contains a weed killer since it is specially designed to function in this way, you should be perfect.
Next, to coat the region uniformly in granular fertilizer, use a lawn spreader. You should be told by the packaging what settings to use. (Liquids can be a little different, so follow the instructions on the bottle if you’re using one).
Using the lawn spreader again after you apply the fertilizer to make sure the grass seed is dispersed uniformly over the field to be planted. You should be in a position to find the settings on the seed packaging label.
Rake the field again, around 1⁄4 inch under the surface, to work the seeds into the soil. Make sure you don’t go too far. Grass seeds need light to grow, so they should still be near the surface.
An integral aspect of fertilizing a new lawn is watering. While some fertilizers suggest that they do not have to be watered, to allow the grass to grow, you have to keep the ground moist.
At all times, the planted area should be moist, but you also have to be vigilant to prevent puddles. If you have to, keep the top 1⁄2 inch of the soil moist, watering twice a day. This not only gives the seeds the moisture they need to start growing, but some granulated fertilizers are enabled as well.
Until the grass is filled in and grown tall enough to be mown, keep watering at this pace. Fertilize and water as you would an existing lawn from that point on.
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How To Fertilize Fresh Grass Often?
You can only fertilize fresh grass once, right before you spread the seed, in most cases. The nutrients in it can harm existing lawns because fertilizer for new grass is different from normal fertilizer.
The majority of new grass fertilizers tell you how long the product will be effective. Some last as long as eight to twelve weeks, so you can have some time to think about fertilizing again before you have to.
Generally, before adding more fertilizer, you can wait at least six weeks. Know, the lawn is no longer considered new and you can turn to a daily lawn care routine once your seeds have grown tall enough to be mown.
What is that meant to mean? Firstly, you’re not going to need to water it just as much. Lawns that have been built only require about one to 1.5 inches of water a week. Second, you can avoid using the latest lawn fertilizer and turn to a standard formula.
That said, giving your lawn a slow-release fertilizer application in the fall is a smart idea to give it a bit of support over the long, cold winter. Just make sure you do it well before the first freeze so that your lawn doesn’t get hurt.
Using your usual fertilizer in the spring, about six weeks after you’ve mown the grass a few times. If your grass still requires a bit of support when summer arrives, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer, but only when needed.
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Final Thoughts
Nothing looks better than a green, full, verdant lawn, but it’s not always easy to get there. If you are searching for an efficient method of patching bare spots or want to start fresh growth on the right foot, it helps tremendously to use the best fertilizer for new grasses.
New grass is fragile and has nutritional requirements that are different from existing lawns. To develop healthy roots and nitrogen for solid, quick growth, look for products with phosphorus.
All the items we have picked are fantastic, and there are a lot of additional features to choose from, so you can find the best one for you. If you prefer a liquid concentrate or a granular solution, we have found a product for you.
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