Best Times to Reseed & Fertilize Lawns

Lawn Grass Species

• St. Augustine, Bermuda and Kentucky bluegrass are non-native plant species that require more upkeep than native grass species such as buffalo and blue grama grass. Grass plants native to the local region do not require as much water or pest and weed control. Native grass seed mixtures outperform traditional lawn grass in terms of rate of establishment, thickness of turf, mowing needs and weed resistance.

Preparation to Reseed

• The lawn is mowed short to 1 1/2 inches before reseeding begins. Create new space in the old lawn by using a core aerator. It lifts small plugs of soil and old lawn to provide more oxygenation. A slice-seeder makes reseeding more effective. It is a machine that deposits seed at one-and-a-half times the rate recommended on the seed package. The slice-seeder's heavy sowing ensures a good rate of germination even in less than ideal conditions.

Top-dressing

• The newly seeded lawn is lightly top-dressed with mature compost. It contains the full range of 17 nutrients grass plants need to grow and thrive. The microorganisms in mature compost feed the organism populations in the soil, including earthworms and beneficial bacteria. Earthworms and microscopic animals in the soil create the nutrients grass plants need to grow thick turf and resist pests and disease.

Fertilize

• Native lawns do not require regular fertilization. They are acclimated to the local soil nutrient content. Non-native grasses require yearly fertilization in late summer and late fall. Organic lawn grass fertilizers are derived from all-natural sources such as animal manures, seaweed, fish waste products, grain meal, bone and blood meal. Fertilizer is a state regulated industry and not subject to certification by the USDA National Organic Program.