Different grass types require different types of fertilizers when being planted. This attributes to their various nutritional needs and soil characteristics. It is immensely prudent to know the requirements of your sod type as it will guide the right fertilizer to use on your new sod seed. A soil test should also be done to ascertain the required nutrients as over and under-supply of nutrients may have detrimental effects on the young lawn.
This article guides you on the fertilization practices to be followed to nurture your young lawn from planting to maturity and covers the following topics;
- The top fertilizer for new grass seed
- How to choose the best fertilizer for your new field
- How and when to apply fertilizer to your new sod
- Care schedule for young greensward
The Top Five Fertilizers for New Grass Seed
| Parameter | Scotts | Miracle-Gro | The Andersons | Simple Lawn Solution | Safer brand |
| N-P2O5-K2O | 32-0-10 | 36-0-6 | 16-4-8 | 16-4-8 | 9-0-2 |
| Available sizes | 42 lbs | 5 lbs | 18lbs and 40 lbs | 32-ounce bottle | 25 lbs |
| Naturality | Organic | Organic | Organic | Organic | Organic |
| Coverage (sq ft per lbs) | 10,000 | 7,200 | 5,000 | 3,200 | 6,250 |
| Frequency of use | Every 6 – 8 weeks | After 4 – 6 weeks | Every 6-8 weeks | Every month | Twice monthly |
Scotts – Best Organic Fertilizer for New Grass Seed: Centipede
Centipede grass is a heat-tolerant, low-budget maintenance warm-season grass that can be planted from seed or sod. It thrives well in the southern regions and requires slightly acidic sandy or loam soil to germinate and flourish. When planting this sod, it is advisable to supply it with sufficient Nitrogen, a component Scotts has in the right ratio.
Scotts helps the young turf to develop a robust root system to secure anchorage in the ground for mineral uptake. With this fertilizer, the grass tolerates stress and adverse weather conditions. Scott’s formulation promotes hydration by enhancing the sods’ water utility and absorption capacity. Centipedegrass is sensitive to overfertilization. The particles spread evenly to supply nutrients to the entire field, making their application easy though it can be dusty at times hence requiring a dust mask during application.
Pros
- Promotes soils quality
- Facilitates water and nutrients uptake
- Supplies the right amount of Nitrogen
- Particles cover an extensive area
Cons
- Produces dust particles when applying.
Miracle-Gro – Best Starter Fertilizer for New Grass Seed: Kentucky Bluegrass
Soil tests in the southern region where Kentucky bluegrass thrives have shown Miracle-Gro to be the best fertilizer when planting this thick, intensely green, medium-textured grass. The seeds need to be supplied with Nitrogen and phosphorus to promote rhizoidal growth. This is a task this fertilizer miraculously and effortlessly achieves.
Miracle-Gro contains chelated-iron and a high Nitrogen content that permeates the grass via both the leaves and blades to provide accelerated growth. It is safe and cannot burn the sod in case of overfertilization. A 5-pound bottle will cover a large area of approximately 7,200 square feet, ensuring every single shoot is nourished upon germination. This fertilizer instantly feeds the young sod into a green, even soft carpet of grass.
Pros
- Fast absorption rate
- Has high Nitrogen and chelated Iron for the greening of sod
- Offers a variety of application methods
- Gives quick results
Cons
- Requires preparation (mixing) before usage
The Andersons – Best Spring Fertilizer for New Grass Seed: Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass can be grown from the planting of sods, sod plugs, or broadcasting of seeds in the field. The Andersons has 16-4-8 NPK formulation for the development of young greensward. The fertilizer slow release nature with lower Nitrogen strength keeps the grass-fed for more than nine weeks as they grow.
It is made of superfine particles that quickly spread over a large area covering every square foot of your young turf. It is fortified with humic acid, which improves the soil structure and allows for the efficient, timely, and lengthy supply of nutrients. This fertilizer can be applied at any time of the year. However, in summer, it is recommended that only 75% of the standard application rate is achieved. The unfortunate thing is that it cannot be used when quick results are desired.
Pros
- Utilizes slow-release mechanism
- Fortified with humic acid
- Fine particles are easily absorbed
- Covers an extensive area
Cons
- Overfertilization leads to thatch build-up
Simple Lawn Solution – Best Fertilizer for New Grass Seed: Tall Fescue Grass
Fescue grass is celebrated for its length and green color on lawns. All this, however, cannot be achieved without the use of fertilizer during the initial growth stages of the grass. Soil testing is mandatory to determine which nutrients are inadequate in supply. For Fescue grass, Simple Lawn Solution formulation has been voted to be the best fertilizer when laying the seeds.
Its 16-4-8 NPK formulation is critically balanced to match the needs of the growing needs of young Fescue sod. Furthermore, it contains macronutrients obtained from seaweed and fish, which are among its key ingredients. This easy to use fertilizer is sprayed for easy absorption, promoting healthy root development and early greening of the fields. It achieves both watering and feeding the lawn during application and must be applied with water.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Feeds and waters the grass at one go
- Contains essential macronutrient for development of young sod
- High-quality grade ingredients and formulation
Cons
- Must be applied with water
Safer Brands – Best Fertilizer for New Sod Grass
This is the ultimate care for young sod grass. Lawn restore can be used during planting for its ability to strengthen the roots of the grass, giving it firm anchorage to the soil and access to naturally occurring minerals. Additionally, it facilitates quick green-up of the sod within 3-5 days of application giving your young sod a sophisticated look and feel.
It gives all year round protection to the grass, which extends from germination to maturity of the lawn. Consequently, it helps the young grass to withstand cold, heat, and drought stresses, ensuring the grass’s survival in adverse weather conditions. Finally, Safer Brands activates the soil microbes, which improves the soil structure in terms of drainage and aeration.
Pros
- Promotes a robust root system
- Cares for the grass all year long
- Gives results in 3-5 days
Cons
- Susceptible to overirrigation of the sod
Buyer’s Guide
What Is the Best Time to Plant New Grass?
Optimal timing is utterly crucial in planting your sod. First, check the conditions that support the growth of the grass type you are interested in. This will enable your planning to coincide with the right climatic conditions that will optimize your sod’s growth. Cool-season grasses should be planted when the temperature is low, i.e., in early fall. Warm-season grasses should be planted in early to mid-summer when it’s warm.
What Is the Best Planting Fertilizer?
This question has no exact answer. The results will reveal the nutrients needed to supplement the ones provided by the soil. This way, you will achieve a reliable supply of nutrients for your lawn. The best fertilizer is, therefore, chosen based on the soil test results.
How to Fertilize New Grass?
Young lawns need tender care with constant observation to supply the right nutrients that will give it an excellent start. New sod irrespective of the type should be fertilized as indicated in the chosen fertilizer brand and watered regularly.
Consider incorporating a pre-emergent into the care package to prevent weeds from growing, which later competes for resources with the grass. Also, supply the right amount do not over or under fertilize a sod.
What Is the Best Liquid Fertilizer for New Grass?
This would deliver instant results by supplying the essential nutrients needed by the newly planted grass to grow. Most importantly, it should promote the development of the root system as it occurs during this stage. All these requirements befit Simple Lawn Solution. Plus, it is universal and non-selective on the greensward type.
When to Fertilize a New Greensward?
The first application is to be done when laying seeds into the ground. This will provide nutrients to the germinating seedling. Once they germinate, a second application is due to accelerate their growth into maturity, and this is usually after ten days of germination.
FAQs
Best Fertilizer Ratio for New Lawn?
That should be 16-4-8
How Much Fertilizer per Acre for New Sod?
Averagely 45 pounds
What Fertilizer to Use for Planting New Grass in Fall?
The best option would be The Andersons.
How Often Should I Water a Fertilized Lawn?
Every morning until the grass is 21 days old.
Is Overfertilization a Threat to My Young Sod?
Without a doubt, it is.
Author’s Remark
The quality of a grown, mature lawn depends on the care given in the initial tender days of its growth. As grass develops, it acquires the ability to make its food and sip nutrients from the soils; however, at a tender age, this is attained with a lot of difficulties. Young sod should, therefore, be given utmost care for the development of a well-nourished sod.