Starter feed after overseeding
New seedlings need phosphorus for root growth, not a high-nitrogen or high-potassium feed. Use a starter on the overseeded areas.
- When
- Right after overseeding
- Material
- starter NPK (high P, e.g. 10-25-10)
- Rate
- 25 g/m² · about 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft
- For
- Any lawn
- Rule
- ov-starter-feed · Tukey; Hessayon
New seedlings need phosphorus for root development — not a high-nitrogen or high-potassium feed. Use a starter NPK on the overseeded areas; save any autumn winterizer for established turf only.
Why a starter
Seedlings first need roots. Phosphorus drives root development, and a starter fertilizer such as NPK 10-25-10 provides it with only moderate nitrogen. A high-nitrogen spring feed pushes the established grass to grow fast and shade out the seedlings; a high-potassium autumn feed does little for new roots.
How much and when
25 g/m², about 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft, applied at sowing time or within a few days of it, over the overseeded areas. Follow the label if the rate differs.
How
- Spread evenly in two passes at right angles.
- Water it in as part of the normal seed watering.
- If you also overseeded in autumn, save the autumn feed for established areas, or wait until the new grass has been mown a few times.
Some regions limit phosphorus use on lawns; if so, follow local rules and use a soil test to decide.
Sources
- Paul Tukey — The Organic Lawn Care Manualtukey
- D.G. Hessayon — The Lawn Experthessayon