When to Feed New Grass
For convenience you can fertilise the seeded lawn area on the day of sowing however, due to changing weather patterns this may not always be best. This can vary for many reasons and in particular if you have covered the seed with polythene sheeting. Having said that never feed the lawn before seeding.
Feeding the Patched or Over Seeded Lawn – Covered and Uncovered
Several things can impact seed germination and development in over seeded or patch repaired lawns so always feed once the seed has germinated. Do not cover if the weather is hot as this will cook your existing lawn.
You should feed the whole lawn with one of our seasonal fertilisers which will assist the new seedlings to develop and also aid the recovery of the existing scarified grasses.
What is the Ideal Feed for Over Seeded Grass?
One of the main objectives when feeding seedlings is to get the roots well established. This means the fertiliser must contain nitrogen and phosphate. The N and P in NPK. The starter fertiliser has this so the choice is quite straight forward when starting a new lawn from seed or turf.
When over seeding you should use a seasonal fertiliser because you are not only feeding seedlings but also promoting recovery in the existing grasses. We recommend using those that contain phosphate at least for the first feed after germination. This might mean using a fertiliser suited to sandy soil on a clay soil for the initial feed. Once you are into later feeds use the seasonal fertiliser that suits the time of year, your soil and feeding preferences.
Feeding the New Seeded Lawn – Uncovered
If you are seeding in mild spring or autumn weather, when rain is reliably expected, or you can water frequently, then feed directly before sowing the seed or wait until germination. The choice is yours.
If however, the weather is likely to be dry, windy or warm or you cannot water then always feed once the seed has germinated. Use the Starter Fertiliser for this.
Feeding the New Seeded Lawn – Covered
Covering the seeded lawn with polythene makes germination extremely reliable. In addition, there will be no watering until the polythene is removed so feeding at the time of seeding is the best and most convenient option. If you are doing this in warmer weather (not hot) remove the polythene as soon as possible after germination so as not to cook the seedlings. Use the Starter Fertiliser for this.
Feeding the New Turf Lawn
The feed is best applied just prior to laying the turf. If this is not possible then apply as early as possible after laying and within the first 2 months of laying. The fertiliser needs to get to the roots as quickly as possible so you will need to water the feed in a couple of times. Use the Starter Fertiliser for this.
If you have not fed the new turf at all, then after the third month you should be applying a seasonal feed.
When to Switch to Seasonal Fertiliser
For new lawns only, you can start applying a seasonal feed 3 months after sowing seed or laying turf or 3 months after applying a starter feed whichever is the later. For over seeded lawns just carry on as normal.
Please see our Seasonal Fertiliser Range
Is it Safe to Walk on New Seedlings?
You can walk on your new lawn gently, with smooth soled shoes at any time though you should try to minimise how often and not use the same track. You may need to do so for watering or topping up a few patches with seed. You will not harm seed, seedlings or newly laid turf. However, you should not twist, jump or run as this may dislodge turf or disturb seed.
Fertilisers for New and Over-seeded Lawns
More Grass Seeding Techniques and Problems
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![How to Plant Grass Seed for Guaranteed Success]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsA step by step guide on how to prepare the ground, sow your grass seed, protect and nurture it to create a brilliant lawn in a matter of weeks.
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![All about Grass Seed Germination]()
Planting and growing a lawn from grass seed requires warmth, moisture and air to ensure success. Learn what's needed for a great lawn in quick order.
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![Seed vs Turf]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsTemperature and moisture are the two main factors when it comes to planting and germinating grass seed whether that's for a new lawn or when over seeding.
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![How to Water Grass Seed]()
Watering grass seed is quite different from the way you would water a lawn. The golden rule is never let the seed dry out so frequent light watering is needed.
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![Why Grass Seed doesn’t Grow!]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsGrass seed is easy to germinate and grow into a lawn if you get the planting, moisture and temperature right. Here are some very common grass seed sowing mistakes.
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![Stop Birds Eating my Grass Seed]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsWhether you're planting grass seed for a new lawn or just seeding a few patches birds can be a problem so here are some ways to stop birds eating your seed
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![The No 1 Best Way to Protect Grass Seed]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsCovering your precious newly planted grass seed with polythene sheeting is not only an effective protection from birds but also drying winds and torrential downpours. Very cheap, easy to lay and speeds germination.
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![How Long Will Grass Seed Keep For?]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsIn general grass seed will keep for up to 5 years if fresh to begin with. The biggest influence on germination is how well it is stored not the age.
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![Is my Grass Seed Dead?]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsA simple test for viability. This test can be performed on grass seed that has been sown or is yet to be sown. Ideal for checking if old seed will germinate.
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![I've got Weeds in my Lawn after Seeding]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsWeeds in newly seeded soil is normal. Digging, scarifying or new soil wakes dormant seeds. Most will disappear with the first cut but some require weed killer.
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![When can I Start Mowing my New Grass?]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsCare must be taken when cutting a new lawn for the first time as the grass is tender and the roots are shallow. Sharp mower blades and dry grass are essential.
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![When can I Walk on my New Lawn?]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsThe best way to decide is not by time but by the condition of the grass. Grass seed or turf laid in perfect conditions in April in Cornwall will establish twice as quickly as that sown in Aberdeen.
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![Winter Lawn Damage]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsDuring winter several things can go wrong with your lawn from grass thinning a little, complete loss of grass in some areas to an invasion of moss and strange coloured patches in the lawn.
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![Grass Seed for Dry Areas]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsSandy or poor soils and the drier east of the country are presented with a challenge when it comes to lawn care. Choosing drought tolerant grasses will help.
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![Grass Seed for Clay Soil]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsWhen dealing with clay soil, it's important to choose grass seed varieties that are well-suited to these conditions. Here are a few grass seed options that tend to perform well in clay soils.
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![What Lawn Seed for Shaded Areas]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsChoosing grass seed for wet shade, building and fence shade, dry shade from trees and partial shade from objects distant from the lawn
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![Grass Seed for Under Trees - Dry Shade]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsThis is a dry place where trees or other plants out compete the grass for ground water and may also prevent showers reaching the lawn.
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![Grass Seed for Heavy Shade or Wet Shade]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsAreas of lawn where little light gets to the grass for long periods usually from autumn through to spring.
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![Slow Growing Grass for Lawns]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsFor slow-growing grass varieties suitable for UK lawns you can consider the following options though there are considerable downsides!
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![Should I let my Lawn go to Seed?]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsLetting your lawn go to seed is a personal decision that depends on your preferences and goals for your grass. Nature vs nurture!
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![Can I mix Grass Seeds Together?]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsLawn seed will already be a mixture of a variety of grass species. Mixing two together before sowing just halves the benefits and doesn't increase them.
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![Over Seeding a Lawn]()
Grass Seeding Techniques and ProblemsOver seeding with grass seeds that are different to your existing grass will change the composition of the lawn. Expect a 10 to 20% change each over seeding.
