Food for new lawn

Someone mentioned growmore, which is appealing as I have a B&Q close which sells it and dont have a car. Was wondering if this was a good thing to dig in or if I should use something else (preferentially available from B&Q).

The other question is now much grow more (or alternative to use). It looks like I need around 4kg for my 8 by 2.5m lawn (20m2). Does this sound correct.

When I was at B&Q I got a miracle grow feeder (see thumbnail below) as I like the idea of feeding while I water (and it has a number of spray settings) but this may of been a bad idea. miracle grow seems quite expensive. This would be for after I saw the lawn, not to dig in. So if not Miracle Grow what is good to feed the lawn afterwords.

Ben

 

it was me that recommended growmore when planting a new lawn with seed
and you can just rake in before you sow the seed.

 

Yes, the main thing I was wanting to check was how much to use.

 

you need to read the instruction on the box or bag it will tell you the ratio per square meter

 

It's not advisable to feed a newly sown lawn in it's first year Ben as the shoots are young and feeding will make it out grow it's strength and collapse. Nutrients in the soil will be enough to sustain it.

 

Hi Sheal,

I would normally agree with NO food for new lawns but Bens soil look a bit impoverished , looking at his photos on the other thread , and would get it off to a good start.

 

Sorry @Spruce, it was the quote below I was referring to. I agree a feed could go into the soil before sowing, but Ben wants to feed after sowing.

 

I sown my lawn last October and I've been using this superb lawn feed from Wilko (http://www.wilko.com/lawn-seed+food/wilko-get-gardening-lawn-feed-liquid-1l/invt/0340503 ) it's not from B&Q but costs a fraction of growmore considering it covers 249 square meters.

Sheal/ Spruce do you think this one will be ok? The label clearly states: " Promotes strong healthy grown. Use on established or newly-sown lawn" , does it mean this one should be OK as it is recommended on the label? NPK is 15-3-3 and they recommend monthly use, I've used it twice and thought my grass grew more. My soil is rich in clay

 

I'm sorry Luiza I can't help you here, I've never used a feed on a lawn that's less than a year old, it doesn't need it.

 

Mine is 12cm long and no collapse so far.. maybe this one from wilko will be ok, but as you said it doesn't need I will go a couple months without using it and see what I get I'm probably just wasting my time with this unnecessary feeding! My main reason to do this is that, as you can see, my grass is very thin, I was under the impression feeding would help it thicken

 

Mowing will help to thicken your lawn up, it's like pruning shrubs, it will produce new shoots. Also I would consider 12cm to be a little long, grass needs to be cut regularly and kept reasonably short to keep it healthy. Feeding to often will make it outgrow it's strength.

Looking at your lawn, I would mow it, spike it with a fork to open up the soil and then over seed it.

 

Hi Luiza , I just posted on the Wilko feed today. So feedback on it is appreciated
http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/liquid-lawn-feed.94626/

 

Would I be OK spiking it with a fork even thou the lawn is so new (sown October/15 and March/16) ?

You don't mention laying extra top soil, can I just throw the seeds without top soil ? tbh I added topsoil when I over-seeded last month and I had lots of weeds growing out of it so I'd rather avoid it if possible :(

 

Yes, it will be fine to spike the lawn, it won't damage the grass.

It would be best to cover the seed with something to help it germinate, it will also stop birds thieving it. Try using compost instead of topsoil it's lighter.

 

I would leave the feed for now , but I would suggest you sow more seed as its a bit patchy

sorry just read all the post's since mine

I agree with Sheal with what she has told you

Spruce