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Lawn Care

Best Fertilizer for New Grass Seed

Use a starter fertilizer with high phosphorus like 18-24-6 or Scotts Turf Builder Starter (24-25-4) when seeding a new lawn. Phosphorus promotes root development critical for seed establishment. Apply at 4-5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft at seeding time, lightly raked into the top 1/4 inch of soil. Do not use regular lawn fertilizer, the high nitrogen can burn tender seedlings.

What You Need to Know

Use a starter fertilizer with high phosphorus like 18-24-6 or Scotts Turf Builder Starter (24-25-4) when seeding a new lawn. Phosphorus promotes root development critical for seed establishment. Apply at 4-5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft at seeding time, lightly raked into the top 1/4 inch of soil

Do not use regular lawn fertilizer, the high nitrogen can burn tender seedlings.

For personalized recommendations based on your specific garden size and fertilizer, use our fertilizer calculator.

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