When you dream of having a gorgeous lawn, it is essential that you plan it from the very beginning. And, to do so, the best starter fertilizer for grass seed is among the first things to consider. Why? It is simple. The roots and all the components of the grass will be nurtured to become thick and grow as quickly as possible.
However, there are many options in the market, and not all of them are as good as the claim. Due to that, we selected the best options. Therefore, you will only have to navigate until finding the right choice for your type of lawn and other specific requirements.
Contents
What is Starter Fertilizer Used For?
Starter fertilizer is a mixture of ingredients specifically aimed at reinforcing the necessary nutrients that new grass needs. Also, it helps to protect them against external elements. More recently, many fabricants are combining it to create formulas that also target specific problems such as weds, the color f the green, and similar.
Choosing the Best Starter Fertilizer for Grass Seed
Choosing the best starter fertilizer requires that you take a close look at what they can do. Here we offer a selection of the best of the best in quality, price, features, and availability.
1. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass Ready-Spray
The brand Scotts always tries to innovate with their products. And this time, it didn´t disappoint us at all! This starter food for new grass not only has all the features to make your grass grow thicker and quicker. Also, it offers you a smarter way to apply it.
Such a way also guarantees that the grass can take better advantage of the fertilizer. You just need to connect an outdoor garden hose to the spray. Then, you will immediately enjoy a dual system of fertilization for your new grass.
By optimizing the entire process of feeding new lawns, Scotts delivers a fantastic product that is suitable for all grass types. Just by applying it for 3 weeks after the sprouts, you can rest assured that you will see your grass growing at its best.
Key Features
- Dual function to feed and water simultaneously
- It makes grass grow 70% ticker and 35% quicker than unfed grass
- One bottle of product covers 600 sq. ft for 3 feedings or 1,800 sq. ft in total
- The application system is with spray and hose
- It is suitable for planting new grass, reseeding, sods, and grass sods
Specifications
Product dimensions: 2.33 x 5.5 x 11.25 inches
Item weight: 2.8 pounds
Manufacturer: Scotch Blue
Pros
- You can use it on all grass types
- It saves you time and effort by letting you feed and water at the same time
- It can be safely applied in all types of grasses
- It doesn´t burn the grass during summer months
Cons
- It requires at least 3 feedings rounds
- If the spray is not controlled properly, it might get finished in one application
- One bottle only covers 600 sq. ft per application
Final Verdict
Like many other times, the Scotts brand nailed it! The fact that you can summarize two processes in just one makes it worthy of trying. And, as it is a product from this brand, the decision is easier to make. Also, it covers a big amount of lawn, so you don´t need to buy several bottles at once.
It is an excellent choice for a busy garden owner who wants to maximize the time they invest in taking care of their lawns. The most important downside of the product consists of controlling the application. But, if you do it right, success is guaranteed.
2. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass, 42lb
This is a classic presentation of starter food. Although it is suitable for all grass types, it is still necessary to check the fertilizer ratio to ensure proper results. Moreover, it contains all the necessary nutrients to develop healthy and strong lawns from the very beginning. And, the package offers a huge provision of starter food for big lawns.
Key Features
- After comparing with unfed grass, this fertilizer makes grass grow 70 thicker and 35% quicker
- Ratio fertilizer of 24-25-4
- It promotes faster roots
- The pack covers up to 14,000 sq. ft
- Recommended to add it when putting down the seeds
Specifications
Product dimensions: 24 x 16 x 4.75 inches
Weight: 44.2 pounds
Manufacturer: Scotch Blue
Pros
- The content covers big lawns
- It works for seeding new lawns, established lawns, and reseeding
- The nutrients provide strong roots maintenance
Cons
- It might require adding more water to your lawn
- It is pricier than other similar products
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a starter fertilizer with the best chances to work well, this is the one to try. Firstly, it is backed up by the renowned brand Scotts. Secondly, it offers a lot of content with a logical mix/ratio. There are many satisfied customers, and the product is suitable for all grass types. In other words, it is a zero-risk starter fertilizer.
3. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass Plus Weed Preventer
Some areas are particularly prone to develop weeds. That can be a nightmare and avoid that you reach your dreamed garden. Therefore, Scotts created this starter fertilizer with a dual function. Besides offering its high-quality formula to assure the initial growth, it also adds a weed preventer.
When annoying weeds do not interfere with the growth of your grass, the results are amazing. Some of the most beautiful lawns that you have seen around are so stunning due to their clean land free of weeds. And, with this product, you would have the chance to stop them from developing roots from the very beginning. So, it is worthy of checking if it is the right fit for your lawn.
Key Features
- The 2-in-1 formula that prevents grass and promotes the growth of grass
- Prevents weeds for about 6 weeks
- Suitable for sod and grass plugs
- The fertilizer prevents crabgrass and dandelions
- The content covers up to 10,000 sq. ft
- N.P.K. ratio is 21.22.4
Specifications
Product dimensions: 23 x 6 x 14.5 inches
Item weight: 43.2 pounds
Manufacturer: Scotts
Pros
- If weeds appear, they sprout in white color and die fast without damaging new grass
- The grass grows thicker and quicker
Cons
- It only prevents crabgrass and dandelions
- It doesn´t kill previously existing weeds but only prevents
Final Verdict
This is an excellent choice for new lawns. If you get to prepare the land and make sure that it doesn´t have weeds, the success is assured. On the other hand, if you already have a lawn with weeds, you will have to collect them manually or with other methods, so be realistic and clear about your expectations. In this sense, and if you are clear about its preventing function, this is an excellent starter fertilizer.
4. Green View 2131254 Starter Fertilizer 16lbs
This starter fertilizer combines high-quality with a high level of practicality. That is because it applies a formula that only needs one application. It lasts for the entire period that new grass needs to develop its strength. Although you only need one application, it doesn´t lack efficiency to help your new grass to develop.
Key Features
- It encourages root growth
- It provides time-released nitrogen for 8 weeks
- It also releases nitrogen now of the first application
- One package covers up to 5,000 sq. ft
- N.P.R. is 10.18.10
- It only requires one application, either before or right after seeding
Specifications
Product dimensions: 17.25 x 12 x 6 inches
Weight: 33 pounds
Manufacturer: Lebanon Seaboard Corporation
Pros
- You can use it on bare spots
- It also releases nutrients
- It offers Green View Yard Warranty
- Package with Competitive price
- It contains the necessary amount of phosphorus
Cons
- It is not recommended for established lawns
Final Verdict
This is a brand that is rapidly gaining many adepts. This is one of its best products due to the rate of success when it comes to encourages the growth of new grass. Besides, it has an excellent price and still competes with more popular brands. The fact that you only must apply it once makes it perfect if you are busy or just lazy.
5. Pennington Ultra Green Starter Lawn fertilizer
When the green aspect of your lawn is the most important, this could be the solution for you. This fertilizer contains additional nutrients that guarantee that your lawn acquires a deeper and darker color. And, it still works incredibly well to provide all the additional nutrients that reinforce the growth of the roots.
Key Features
- N.P.K. is 22.23.4
- It provides time-released feeding for about 3 months
- It includes an additional 5% iron to guarantee a deep dark green of the grass
- It contains both fast-acting nitrogen and slow-release nitrogen
Specifications
Product dimensions: 24 x 16 x 4.75 inches
Weight: 44.2 pounds
Manufacturer: Scotch Blue
Pros
- If used according to the instructions, it won´t burn your grass
- The grass turns green quickly
- It doesn´t harm children or pets
- It targets the color of the grass to make it greener
Cons
- It doesn´t prevent or kill weeds
- It contains an herbicide
Final Verdict
This product seems to cover the most aesthetic aspect of the grass. And the fact that it continues feeding the grass after 3 months make it an excellent choice to protect your newly seeded lawn. And you only need to apply it once.
6. Voluntary Purchasing Group Fertilome 10904 New Lawn Starter Fertilizer, 4-Pound Pack of 2
The fertile starter plays an important role in the development of grassroots and stems. That means fertilome is an effective fertilizer that helps strengthen the grass-root before growing up the grass. Not only that, this fertilizer is efficient to establish the grass sod and provide various stages of grass in your lawn.
Key Features:
· It comes with the ideal combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with a 9-13-7 ratio.
· It is compatible to apply with the grass seed or after some days of seeding.
· This fertilizer makes the lawn grass thick, green and vibrant overnight.
· It helps to make strong the roots and stems as well as the grass growing.
Specification
Manufacturer: Arett Sales – LG
Item dimension: 4 x 6.5 x 12.5 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Package size: 4lbs.
Pros:
· It helps to grow up grass as well as make stronger root and stem
· It contains the appropriate amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
· It is possible to apply with the seed sowing
Cons:
· It is not ideal for the largest lawn areas
Final Verdict:
Overall, fertilome is a best starter fertilizer for overseeding. It is ideal for new lawn owners because of the overnight grass growing quality, appropriate nutrients ratio and the benefits of applying this with the grass seed sowing. However, remember that it is a smaller package for a small area.
7. Scotts 23002 Turf Builder Triple Action Built for Seeding
Scotts starter fertilizer is a special fertilizer that comes with triple action for a lawn. It consistently provides feed for grass, helps to grow up and prevents weeds. So only this fertilizer package gives you all the benefits inside one. You can apply this fertilizer to a dry lawn with a spreader and then water it properly. It is the best way to see a better result
Key Features:
· Scott’s turf protect grass from hot temperature, drought and cold
· It is an ideal choice to feed and strength of centipede, bluegrass and fescue.
· It prevents the weeds like dandelion, crabgrass and pesky
· Safer for both existing and new growing grass seed
· Scott’s fertilizer keeps the soil, seed and grass moisture
· Triple action features provide maximum benefits for a lawn
Specification
Manufacturer: Scotts Miracle-Gro
Product dimension: 3.5 x 8 x 12.5 inches
Weight: 4.49 pounds
Pros:
· It protects lawn from growing up crabgrass
· This fertilizer is safe for both existing and newgrass
· It can cover up to 1,000 sq. ft lawn area
Cons:
· This fertilizer package has not any downside
Final Verdict:
This fertilizer is best fertilizer for new grass seed in spring that can increase frequent growth of any lawn grass, new or old. It is highly efficient to protect grass from drought, cold and hot weather. Moreover, it prevents weed and keeps soil moisture. So, overall, Scotts is the best fertilizer for the lawn.
The Best Time to Apply Starter Fertilizer for Grass Seed
Two specific moments are better to apply starter fertilizer. Firstly, before seeding when you are preparing the soil. Secondly, while you are planting the seeds.
However, some new formulas have different schedules to maximize the effect of the fertilizer. They may include several applications or different moments. Therefore, you must check the instructions provided by each fabricant before applying it.
Why Should I Fertilize New Grass?
What do you think about the fertilization on your new lawn? If your lawn is enriched of proper nutrients, then new grass can grow up without any support. Here are some logical reasons that are why it is important to fertilize a new lawn. Let’s know the factors.
- Fertilizer feeds proper nutrients and helps to grow up grass on the lawn.
- Fertilizers are needed to provide nutrients to absolutely malnourished soils
- Fertilizer removes excess dust and dirt from the soil
- It is effective in destroying soil, weeds and harmful insects
- Fertilizer also has a role to play in taking care of the grass from excess heat, cold and drought
- It keeps the soil soft and maintains moisture.
3 Key Nutrients for grass seed of your new lawn
Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium are three key nutrients that support new grass growing. Here are the common features of these three components.
Nitrogen:
- Nitrogen is mainly played the role of growing grass leaves and make the grass greener.
Phosphorus:
- It helps to increase the growth of grass root and establish a new lawn
Potassium:
- Potassium prevents insects, disease and makes lawn grass resilient
New grass needs a starter fertilizer package because it comes with good enough nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. Besides, these key nutrients can release quickly. As a result, the seed can absorb the nutrient soon
Buying Guide
When you decide to buy a starter fertilizer, it is time to consider some aspects that will make the process easier and more efficient. Check the following to make sure you make the right decision.
N-P-K Ratio:
N-P-K refers to the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and Potassium that you will usually see on the cover of a fertilizer bag. All soil doesn’t need the same types of nutrients. So, knowing the N-P-K ratio is helpful to choose the right fertilizer according to soil quality.
Synthetic Vs organic fertilizers:
Synthetic and organic are the two main types of fertilizer. Both have their pros and cons. Organic fertilizer is animal and plant-based that is eco-friendly too. It has no harmful impact on soil. Also, know that organic fertilizer can be long-lasting for few years.
On the other hand, synthetic fertilizer is expensive and best for commercial use. These are less eco-friendly. This fertilizer is not long-lasting for several years. It has a possibility of soil damage when you will use much amount.
Times of application
Starter fertilizers come in different versions, and that determines how many times you need to apply it. Most of them only require one application, but others set schedules that use intervals of weeks or similar. In this sense, verify how much time are you willing to dedicate to this activity before you make your decision.
Price
The most renowned brands offer pricier products, and many times it is worthy of paying for them. However, there are more affordable options with excellent quality. Also, you must verify the amount of product and what the coverage is. The content varies from one product to another, and that changes the prices.
Specific problems
Fabricants are taking advantage of new technologies, and it is very frequent to find starter fertilizers that combine other functions. Among them, weed prevention, color enhancement, and many more. So, if you have specific issues you want to manage, check what you can find to leverage the starter fertilizer and its application.
FAQ´s
Q – Should I put fertilizer or grass seed first?
A – It will depend on the recommendations of the fabricant. Many products allow you to put them in both moments according to your own needs. However, consider that spreading the fertilizer and the seeds together might cause an uneven distribution of any of them.
Q – Can I water on my lawn after applying the fertilizer?
A – Yes, you can water the lawn after adding fertilizer, even it is essential to mix the fertilizer into the soil. There has the rule to wait at least 24 hours after applying fertilizer to the lawn. Adequate watering of the lawn is essential when 24 hours have passed. Proper water helps to break down fertilizer and allow it to be mixed with soil.
Q – Do you need starter fertilizer for grass seed?
Yes, grass starter fertilizer is required for grass seed because it contains adequate phosphorus and nitrogen. These components can quickly release into the soil and provide nutrients for the grass. Also, nitrogen can increase potassium absorbing power. So, starter fertilizer is best for new lawns.
Q – Can you put starter fertilizer and grass seed down at the same time?
It is not good to put starter fertilizer and grass seed together in your lawn. Good to know that starter fertilizer contains a higher amount of phosphorus and nitrogen that makes grass-root stronger. If you apply both fertilizer and seed simultaneously, then there is a possibility of unequal distribution..
Final Words
Nowadays, there is no excuse not to apply the best starter fertilizer for grass seed. It is a safe and secure way to increase your chances of obtaining the green, thick, and lush grass that you want. Even more fortunate is that fabricants took note of many needs of the lawn owners and are offering incredible options with the best prices.
