UC IPM Home <! /notices/notice.cgi was activated. > | | Home & Garden > Lawn Guide > Site Preparation >Starter Fertilizer The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns | Index to contents | Acknowledgments | Related UC publications | References | Starter fertilizer Fertilizers contain three primary nutrients - Nitrogen (N)
- Phosphorus (P)
- Potassium (K)
Labels show the ratios of N-P-K (in order) included in the bag of fertilizer. Since phosphorus is the most important nutrient for root development, it is the highest number in a bag of a starter fertilizer. Once the roots are established, nitrogen becomes the most important nutrient for the growth of the aboveground parts. When to apply Apply a starter fertilizer before turf establishment and incorporate it to a depth of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 8 cm). If you had your soil professionally tested, the lab will provide guidance on what to apply. How much to apply It is recommended that no more than 1 pound of N and at least 1 pound of P per 1000 sq. ft. be applied to the root zone at the time of planting. | Types of starter fertilizers and application rates | Fertilizer (N-P-K) | Application rate (lb. per 1000 sq. ft.) | 5-10-5 | 20 | 16-20-0 | 6 | 10-20-10 | 10 | 5-20-10 | 20 | The three numbers on a fertilizer label indicate the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (in that order) in the formulation. For example in the table above, applying 20 pounds of a 5-10-5 fertilizer would contain 1 pound of nitrogen, 2 pounds of phosphorus, and 1 pound of potassium. | |
FAQs
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.
Is it okay to use starter fertilizer on an established lawn? ›
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.
Is 10-10-10 a good starter fertilizer? ›
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.
Can you put down grass seed and starter fertilizer at the same time? ›
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.
Should you apply starter fertilizer before or after seeding? ›
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.
What helps new grass seed grow faster? ›
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).
Can you use too much starter fertilizer? ›
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!
Is 10-10-10 fertilizer good for lawns? ›
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.
Should starter fertilizer be watered in? ›
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.
What is 20-20-20 fertilizer used for? ›
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.
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.
What is the best starter fertilizer? ›
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.
How long after seeding can I use starter fertilizer? ›
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 overseeding should I apply starter fertilizer? ›
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.
Is 10-10-10 fertilizer good for grass? ›
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.
When to apply Scott's starter food for new grass? ›
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.