How soon can you fertilize a newly seeded lawn?

Question

I planted my lawn a month ago and even though it's getting plenty of sun and water, its not growing past a couple of inches tall.

Answer 1

Wait another 2 weeks, also visit this friendly site:

Do not apply fertilizer to new lawns for at least 6 weeks. Then a light fertilization of 1/2 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet is recommended. Afterward, fertilize according to the recommendations given above.
Read More:
http://www.yardcare.com/expertadvice/buildinglawn/caringfor.html

Answer 2

Depending on where you live, the grass may be going dormant. There are numerous reasons. 1. August and Sept are normal times for grass to go dormant due to heat and dry conditions. The lawn is most likely fescue/bluegrass in northern climates, or bermuda in the south. The grass will likely pick up and grow rapidly in the spring. Don't fertilize! Young grass is prone to burning, particularly from chemical fertilizers. 2. The seasons are changing. In zones 6 and northward, grass is already beginning to go dormant for the winter. If you've already had temps below freezing, it's almost guaranteed.

Be patient. It takes 2-3 years to really establish a good yard. When you fertilize, consider using composted manure instead of the chemical fertilizers. It helps break down thatch, adds organic material to the soil, and is less likely to burn the grass.

Answer 3

Read the label on the particular fertilizer you want to use. Generally it's after a certain number of cuttings 4 or 5 weeks ---but less with starter fertilizers or winterizing fertilizers

Answer 4

If you use a starter fertilizer you can do it when you put the seed down. Since you didn't, I'd put one down now. A Starter Fert. is lower in nitrogen so it doesn't push the green too quickly (before root system is established) and high in Phosphorus to help the root system develop and strengthen.

Answer 5

I was a landscaper for many years and in Arizona we would fertilize a new fawn after the second mowing.Some of the other gardeners would do it after the first mowing and some when they put it in.My rule of thumb is to not burn the new roots with fertilizer.So I fertilized it after the second mowing.

Answer 6

be very very light and careful with the fertilizer....whether you use manure or liquid or dry fertilizer you can do more harm than good with that stuff...if you climate stays warm during the winter, i would say give it a few more weeks, about 6-8 weeks before the fertilizer, and then go very light with it, at that.

Answer 7

The Old Farmer's Almanac seems to answer any gardening or lawn questions. (Plus it's a neat site.)

http://www.almanac.com/garden/

Good luck!

Answer 8

anytime is fine. Go for it!
It's actually good to fertilize as you lay the grass.

Answer 9

Anytime is cool, but the best time is just before a rain.