Pre seeding Fertilizer for new lawn

Hi All, I plan to create a lawn and want to fertilize to assist with germination.

I have quite a bit of spring summer 11 : 5 : 5 , I understand a fertlizer which a higher phosphate would be ideal, but it is necessary or can i get away with what I already have....i am on a bit of a budget....

Cheers
Ross

 

Hi Ross and welcome to Gardeners Corner. There is no need to fertilize before sowing grass seed, I don't suppose it would make it germinate any faster anyway. There is no need to fertilize until it's second year.

 

Whilst no need a fertiliser higher in Phosphate will help to establish root growth which will help if there is dry weather later, and will create and establish a stronger / healthier lawn which will be better able to fend of disease etc.

Personally I wouldn't leave it until year 2 before providing any fertiliser, I would want to help it along so it gets well established early on.

I think that is too Nitrogen rich, if you are not able to buy any Phosphate-rich fertiliser (your Nitrogen-rich fertiliser will keep until next year, so only moving the budget from one year to the next ... if that helps?!!) then I would suggest applying the Nitrogen fertiliser 4 weeks or so after germination - but only if there is a period of unsettled rainy weather, as dry weather will stress the grass if the Nitrogen is encouraging it to grow! The young grass will be more susceptible to being burnt by the fertiliser, so ensure it is washed in (rain or irrigation) immediately after application.