The Grass Doctor

does starter fertilizer really help grass seeds to sprout or germinate?

or does it burn the seeds many times instead? why the confusion about waiting 5 or so weeks to fertilize new grass?

Public Comments

1. No. It doesn't help sprout or germinate the seeds. It helps feed the new seeds. "Starter" fertilizer usually has more phosphorus, for the roots, and less nitrogen. You use it when you put down the seed. The reason you wait 5-6 weeks to use a "regular" dose of fertilizer is that it's a good habit not to fertilize your grass more often than that. Starter fertilizer is a feeding. It's best to wait 5-6 weeks before putting down another.
2. maybe, i am not sure.