Do I Fertilize a Lawn or Seed It First?

Starter Fertilizer

• Use a starter fertilizer that has an N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium) amount such as 5-10-5, according to the University of California. Apply at a rate of 20 lbs. per 1,000 square feet. You can also use starter fertilizers with N-P-K amounts such as 10-20-10 at a rate of 10 lbs. per 1,000 square feet, 16-20-0 at a rate of 6 lbs. per 1,000 square feet or 5-20-10 at a rate of 20 lbs. per 1,000 square feet.

Fertilizing

• Pour half of the amount of fertilizer you intend to use in a rotary spreader. Make sure that all weeds and other vegetation have been removed from the lawn. Push the rotary spreader horizontally over the soil. Add the remaining fertilizer to the rotary spreader and apply it vertically to achieve an even coverage. Work the fertilizer into the first 2 to 4 inches of topsoil.

Seeding

• You should seed immediately after applying the starter fertilizer to prevent weeds from taking advantage of the nutrients in the soil. The amount of grass seeds you apply to the soil depends on the type of grass you are growing. For example, Kentucky bluegrass must be distributed at a rate of 2 to 3 lbs. per 1,000 square feet, as recommended by the University of Minnesota. Cover the grass seed with 1/8 inch of compost.

After Care

• Grass seed must be kept moist for it to germinate. In fact, dry soil results in dried-out grass seed. Check the first 3 inches of soil during the day. Apply water when the soil feels dry. Reduce the amount of water you give to your lawn when seedlings emerge. Fertilize your lawn again with a fertilizer high in nitrogen six to eight weeks after sowing your grass seed. Use 1 lb. of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.