Should I apply lime and/or fertilizer to yard with new seeds?

Question

I live in Raleigh NC and have a yard that is half fescue grass and half dead (I used grass killer to get rid of wire grass). Now I've aerated and seeded. I think I should put fertilizer down now. But I also had my soil tested and it said I need to apply lime. Should I apply fertilizer and lime or one and not the other or neither with my new seeds? HELP!!

Answer 1

I agree with the answers above but according to BH&G....

In certain regions, the soil is more acid than grass prefers. If you live in such an area, spread dolomitic or granular limestone on the lawn, which takes effect in about 3 to 6 months. Lime is alkaline, so it neutralizes excess acidity, sweetening the soil. Never fertilize and lime a lawn at the same time. The combination produces ammonia gas, releasing the fertilizer's valuable nitrogen into the air.

Answer 2

Get a starter fertilizer, like Scotts Starter Fert. (other companies also make starter fertilizer--check with a good L&G center to see what's available in your area). Put the starter fert down with the seed.

You want it there and working when the seeds sprout--starters will not burn the seedlings--to the contrary they help establish a good root system.

Once you've mowed the new grass 3 times you can put down the lime and let it work over the winter months. I know it doesn't get fridgid there but it does cool down enough that the grass is not growing at full throttle. That's a good time for lime. Check it in the sping to see if the pH is up to where it should be. If not you can lime it again in the spring.

Answer 3

The most important thing is to get the lime down-it is the cheapest treatment and gives you the greatest results. Fertilizer is no problem if you use a low nitrogen fertilizer, but avoid heavy applications of nitrogen on new seedings. Look for something labled as a lawn starter fertilizer with a low first number in the analysis.

Answer 4

you can put both, the lime and fertilizer out at the
same time you do the grass seed. Then water
the lawn. The fertilzer will dissolve into the ground
and be waiting for the grass seed to sprout.

Answer 5

I would apply a good starter or winterizer fertilizer now. It'll say starter or winterizer right on the bag. Apply some lime in the spring.

Answer 6

You need the lime in the dirt with the seeds, put the fertilizer on after it sprouts.

Answer 7

yes use both lime, fertilizer,helps the grass grow{frertilizer}and neutrises your ground{lime}.....i did that kind of work for 5 years,i think i can give good advice.

Answer 8

No. The fertilizer can burn the seeds. You have to put it in the ground NEXT to the plant AFTER it STARTS growing, or you can burn the ROOTS.