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Starter Fertilizer Timing

7 years ago

I'm going to be doing about 12,000 sqft of KBG and my question is about starter fert timing. Given the 20-30 day germination timeline with some starting to sprout at day 6 from recent exp, should I apply the starter at planting or about 10-15 days into it?

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Comments (4)

User
7 years ago
I think that would be wise, around day 15.
aluvaboy
7 years ago
j4c11,

If we wait to apply starter fertilizer until day 15, don't you think we will be trampling on the new grass during application. I just had a small area (around 400 sqft) re-seeded from scratch with KBG. Even after 21 days and watering every 4 hours the seeds are just germinating. I applied my fertilizers during the seeding. I applied both Milorganite and Scotts starter fertilizer. Although few weeds have popped up along with the grass seeds, I am reluctant to step on the grass to pull out the weeds in the fear of trampling the new grass.
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Thank you reed_nj. I agree with you. Unfortunately even when I planted I felt it was too late but in my head I just wanted something/anything to come up to fill in some bare spots. I may try to patch some of the spots and see what happens. They are fairly partial sun/shade most of the day so wouldnt be hit with too much direct sunlight. I will definitely add some more starter this weekend. I don't think the previous owners did any sort of yard work as the results I saw the starter fertilizer give the existing grass was amazing. Looks like pouring the fountain of youth into the dirt.
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If I was watering 2x per week, I would do a couple weeks at every 5 days and then go to every 7 days. The scary thing about chemical fertilizers is how much to use, how often, and how to care for the lawn after applying the fertilizer. With organic fertilizer, none of that matters. You can apply a double dose every day with no water afterwards and everything will be fine. That is why I suggest it for new grass. You can't hurt anything. Once your grass is up and you are mowing it all on a regular basis (2x per week for bermuda), then you can consider a chemical fertilizer. Be sure to water it in right away after applying. Do NOT wait for the next day just because the sprinklers will come on that day. I like alfalfa for the cost and the benefit. Even after you are on a monthly chemical fertilizer plan, I would strongly suggest you supplement the chemicals with at least one app of organics per year. Without that your soil can suffer.
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Comments (5)
Hey Paul, I'm no expert when it comes to fertilization but I think you'll be fine applying the starter fertilizer per directions and then applying again in 4 weeks. According to the owner of my local Agway, the reason you have to apply the Siduron at the higher rate for established lawns is because there are supposedly more weed seeds. I don't know how true this is and your guess is probably more accurate. Greg ps. I seeded my fine fescue late last week. I had a total washout on Thursday when we had a storm that dumped several inches of rain and about an inch of hail in a period of 4 hours. So I did it again and I'm crossing my fingers. Also, my Mag 3 renovation is on track. I pulled out some major roots, filled in holes, leveled some low spots, trimmed some trees, etc.. I'm hoping to seed next Monday and then it's back to work the following week. Have I told you that I teach at Westbrook Middle School which is up near you? 53 minute commute under ideal conditions.
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I sure hope they didn't mean they used Milorganite and starter fertilizer at the same time. No, that wouldn't be a good idea. There's nothing wrong with switching up though. My personal suggestion is using Milorganite year 'round and then a synthetic brand (Scott's or other's) for the last application of the year. Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks in the fall. The last app is just after the grass stops growing, meaning you no longer have to mow. So space them timely. Apply fert once in spring, around mid May. If you're using Milorganite, you can fertilize in summer but not if you use synthetics.
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gle2011
7 years ago
PSU4ME

I also live in Mass and a co-worker is doing a lawn reno and he is struggling with what type of grass seed mix to use.

It sounds like he has one area of full sun and another area of sun and shade.

If you don't mind me asking; what blend of KBG did you buy and where did you purchase it from?

Thanks
User
7 years ago
The reason for putting starter fertilizer down at seeding is that it avoids walking on the seedlings when applying it at the optimal time. Starter is not needed for germination, but it is advantageous to the growing seedling, and its undeveloped root mass, to have easily available PK (and N) for growth.

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