The Grass Doctor

This Week or When I Return?

I just bought Scotts Winter Fertilizer with weed control and some Sun & Shade premium grass seed (also by Scotts). I am in NE Ohio and am leaving town on Friday 12th October thru 21st. My question is should I put them on my lawn now, or can I wait 'til I return? Thanks in advance for sensible answers.

Public Comments

1. You should fertilize now but as for the seeding the weed control may affect the growth. I would wait until spring for seeding. Also have a core aeration done now to provide more nutrients to the thatch over the winter. Have another core aeration done in the spring prior to seeding
2. You need about 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Then an any additional time before the first frost will help the seed to take hold. Seed needs a starter fertilizer that will not burn the new plants. If you put the seed out now, wait about 4 weeks to put out the Winter fertilizer. (one has more nitrogen, one more phosphorus i believe). Scotts web site has zone maps, and advice for zip code areas, to help with matters such as this