When to Feed New Grass

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.