Applying starter fertilizer isn’t necessarily a “slow and steady wins the race” kind of situation. The goal of starter food is to give your grass seedlings that extra boost they need to take off and create strong, healthy root systems. For that to happen, you need to know when to apply starter fertilizer to your new lawn or plants.
The right time of year to apply starter fertilizer depends on your grass type or when you’re adding new plants to your garden. But no matter what you’re planting, you want to work starter fertilizer into the soil before you spread new seeds or lay sod.
How to choose the right time to apply starter fertilizer
As we mentioned earlier, when you’re seeding or laying turf, giving those newborn sprouts a little nutrition boost is key. The best way to do this? Apply starter fertilizer right before or just after planting.
But before you reach for the fertilizer, you’ll want to consider the type of grass you’re planting so you can make sure you plant it at the right time of year.
Cool-season grasses
Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue need to be planted in the late summer or early fall when temperatures are cool but not freezing. September or October are the ideal months to plant cool-season grass seeds or lay sod. Till your starter fertilizer into the soil just before planting the new grass.
Warm-season grasses
In comparison, warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, need to be planted from late spring to early summer (May-June). As always, work the starter fertilizer into your soil just before planting seeds or laying sod for the best results.
How to apply starter fertilizer correctly
If you want to get the most out of your starter fertilizer, timing isn’t the only thing you need to think about. You want to make sure you have the right fertilizer for your soil and plants, and you want to do all the steps in the right order.
Do it right, and you’ll be rewarded with a lush, green, and healthy lawn! Sounds good, right? Here are the basic steps to follow when applying lawn fertilizer.
Test the soil
To make sure your new grass seeds are getting all the nutrients they need, do a soil test. That’ll tell you exactly how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium your soil is missing. Once you’ve got those figures, you can get your hands on the right type of starter fertilizer and get to work.
Just remember, it can take up to a few weeks for soil test results to come in, so plan ahead!
Pro tips:
- For seed-sowing projects, aim for an equal balance of nitrogen and phosphorus – your grass needs these two equally.
- If you’re laying sod, though, go for more phosphorous. That extra kick will help the roots become established quickly.
Choose the right fertilizer
Read the label carefully so you know what your starter fertilizer offers. Aim for a mix with higher nitrogen and phosphorus. They’re responsible for great root growth and a nice green color for your lawn.
You want your fertilizer to be low in potassium – it’s not really necessary for new turf. A fertilizer blend like 10-10-10 or 12-8-8 is ideal.
Check out some of the most popular starter fertilizers for lawns to get you started:
Our guide to choosing fertilizer can help you figure out which product is perfect for your soil.
Prepare the soil
Take the time to prep your soil properly. You want it to be soft, loose, and easy to work with. This will make it easier for young roots to penetrate, get the essential nutrients they need, and thrive long-term. Don’t rush this process – it’s worth taking the extra time to prepare the planting area.
Pro tips:
- Try to get rid of any big debris and break up the soil with a rototiller, cultivator, or hand tools.
- Check for any lawn pests and deal with infestations before planting new grass.
- You can always add a little compost or manure to the soil mix and add a couple of inches on top. That’ll give you a nice springy surface, which is essential when you’re planting seeds.
Apply the lawn starter fertilizer
Now it’s time to prep your fertilizing tool. For liquid fertilizers, you’ll need a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer, and for granular fertilizers, you’ll need a broadcast spreader or drop spreader.
Whichever type of fertilizer you use, You want to spread it over the prepared soil and make sure it’s evenly distributed. Don’t forget to water it in – that’ll help the roots and seeds absorb the nutrients faster.
Pro tips:
- Aim for 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
- Till the lawn fertilizer into the soil to a depth of four inches. That way, it will encourage the grass roots to reach deeper into the soil.
- Wait at least six weeks to apply any additional dosage of fertilizer. Otherwise, it can burn the grass.
Lay the new sod or sow the seeds
The wait is finally over – now it’s time to plant your new lawn! Lay down the sod or sprinkle the seeds to create your new turf. Gradually, the lawn will start to take shape, and you can now sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Germination can take up to 30 days, so keep watering and caring for the lawn in the meantime.
Pro tips:
- If you want to apply the starter fertilizer right after planting the seeds, go for it. But generally speaking? Applying before is better. Either way, make sure to water the fertilizer in carefully.
- Going for a liquid starter fertilizer over granular fertilizer is usually recommended.
- After laying sod, avoid using herbicides for at least four weeks or until you’ve mowed your lawn for the third time.
Understanding the role of starter fertilizer
Have you thought about how starter fertilizer works? In a nutshell, it’s like giving your new plants a quick snack of nutritious ingredients that their root systems may not have access to yet.
Think of it as a triple-layered pick-me-up containing nitrogen, phosphorous, and sometimes potassium (NPK) to really help these little guys thrive!
- Nitrogen (N) – This nutrient helps plants become vibrant green.
- Phosphorus (P) – Phosphorus or phosphate is crucial for optimal root growth, so it’s nice to have a bit extra around. Look for 20% phosphorus or more in your starter fertilizer.
- Potassium (K) – It is not as important for early growth, so starter fertilizer typically contains only small amounts of potassium. This helps mature plants become more resistant to diseases, cold temperatures, and other environmental stressors.
*Note: Now you can see why it is essential to be careful when applying starter fertilizer. If you have a new plant or lawn, you want to ensure not to overload it with quick-release nitrogen. As a rule of thumb, you don’t want to put down more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet for a new lawn.
Other things to consider when applying starter fertilizer
Before you apply a starter fertilizer, take these other factors into consideration.
Overseeding
Are there bare spots in your existing lawn from the previous season? Before overseeding, add starter fertilizer and then sow your grass seed. That little bit of starter fertilizer will give the new seedlings the extra energy and resources they need to establish new roots.
But beware: starter fertilizer isn’t made for established grass, and it could damage your existing lawn. A soil test can help you pick a fertilizer with the right nutrients for all your grass, the old and the new.
Compost instead of chemical fertilizer
If your soil test shows that your soil is lacking in organic matter as well as nutrients, opt for compost or another organic fertilizer instead of synthetic chemicals. This will provide the necessary nitrogen and phosphorus your new grass will need, along with added benefits like:
- Improving soil aeration
- Promoting oxygenation of the roots
- Retaining moisture in the soil for longer
- Dispensing nutrients to the roots on an ongoing basis
When not to use starter fertilizer
As handy as starter fertilizer can be, it’s best not to use it at all in certain scenarios. These include:
- In extreme temperatures or drought
- In areas with high runoff
- On soil that is already nutrient-rich or has lots of organic matter
FAQ about starter fertilizer
Generally, it is best to apply starter fertilizer before planting grass or shortly thereafter. The exact timing will vary depending on your soil conditions, grass type, and climate. If your lawn is already established, avoid applying starter fertilizer as it may not provide the proper nutrients your grass needs for growth and health.
Well, you can’t control the rain, so the best thing is to apply starter fertilizer when it’s dry. That way, the starter fertilizer has time to work its magic and absorb into the soil before the rain has a chance to wash it away. But once the fertilizer’s been applied, a bit of rain or watering should help spread it out evenly.
Starter fertilizer is designed to give new plants a strong jumpstart. In simple terms, starter fertilizers:
• Provide essential nutrients for new root systems
• Help accelerate growth and vibrant color during early growth
• Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of regular fertilizers
• Help plants become better adapted to their environment and boost disease resistance
‘Weed and feed’ products are typically mixtures of herbicides and fertilizers. In contrast, starter fertilizer is a concentrated form of three primary nutrients (NPK) tailored to the needs of new grass, like seedlings or sod.
Moreover, ’weed and feed’ products are meant to eliminate weeds, while starter fertilizers are meant to feed plants and promote their growth. So, it’s generally not a good idea to use ‘weed and feed’ on young seedlings or sodded grass.
Regular fertilizer is designed to nourish and maintain mature plants, while starter fertilizer helps young plants get off to a strong start. The key differences lie in the ingredients and how they work:
• Starter fertilizer contains higher phosphorus levels to bolster root systems and get those young plants growing quickly.
• Regular fertilizer is high in nitrogen and potassium, helping mature plants fight off diseases.
• And, while the best regular lawn fertilizers are slow-release, starter fertilizer is formulated for an immediate release of nutrients.
Yes, starter fertilizer is suitable for all kinds of young plants, including vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees. But it’s important to remember that each plant species has its own set of nutritional needs, so it is essential to select the right fertilizer and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A soil test is a great place to start if you’re unsure which fertilizer is best for your plants.
The amount of starter fertilizer you should use varies depending on the size of your landscape. Generally, fertilizer is applied at a rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Most starter fertilizers come in bags that already indicate how much of the product is needed or recommended for use in a specific area.
Final Thoughts
Starter fertilizer can provide your young plants with essential nutrients so they can develop sturdy root systems quickly. But timing and dosage are two key components when using starter fertilizer.
Too much, and you risk burning the roots. Too little, and your plants may not have the necessary nutrients. Aim to apply the starter fertilizer before you plant or shortly after, and follow the instructions on the label for the best results.
However, if a DIY approach isn’t your thing or you’re just looking for a bit of extra help, you can always opt for professional help. Local lawn care experts can help assess your soil and provide the right fertilizer for your needs.
Main Photo Credit: groveb | Canva Pro | License
