Building a new lawn

I'm going to have to fertilise in around 3 weeks to keep the nutrients up.
I was told a slow release compound fertiliser is needed without weed killer.

 

If it's a summer one then I would miss it and stick to a more gentle autumn feed that encourages root growth rather than top growth.
Most slow release ferts are aimed at spring to autum use and can last up to 3 months where as you don't want to encourage top growth as the colder weather hits in plus the rainfall will wash out the slow release at a higher rate than if it was used in the spring, summer periods.
The secret is to give the plant enough minerals to maintain its health and deter diseases.
Slow release ferts are very good when used as they don't force the grass plant to grow and an example would be when we have dry spells where the plant is still able to produce carbohydrates and store them. High N ferts like weed and feeds and many domestic found ferts can spell problems if the climate changes and the plant can't store and produce enough carbohydrates if applied at a time where drought becomes an issue.
I will not go to deep into how all this effects the moisture content of the plant unless you ask but it's best to supply enough minerals for the grass to grow naturally and not create a flush of growth.
The market is flooded with ferts and most do the same but I've always stuck with Everris which was Scott's. Have a peep at their range of ferts and if you are not sure I can point you in the right direction.

 

Fantastic help thank you.
If you can link me to enough fertiliser to cover 100sqm for this autum that would be great.
I can't believe how well it's growing compared to the front of the house.
I guess it shows that if you prepare the ground and work hard you will get good results compared to just throwing the seed and taking it in.

 

The most common Autumn feed I tend to use which is not the cheapest but is good is their Greenmaster Autumn one.
Unfortunately it's only available in one bag size which is a tad large for your needs but if kept well it can be saved.

https://www.pitchcare.com/shop/ever...s-greenmaster-pro-lite-autumn-6-5-10-6fe.html

http://www.everris.com/uk/Home/Turf...anule-Nutrition/Greenmaster-Pro-Lite/52080125

It's a good fine particle fert and has iron included to deter moss and harden the turf. Depending on weather dictates the application so it's a no go in frosty weather. Use it for an early spring feed as well, in fact it can be used throughout the year but I only apply from Autumn to spring.
Both links give you full details including PDF info but I would hunt this down at a local trade supplier and save on postage costs. I've no links to the shop and just used it for the info they add.
Some feel Autumn based feeds are not necessary or go for much cheaper alternatives but I find this fert really helps to bring back a lawn from scarifying and gives lawns a great kick start to the season.
Please be aware that the iron content included means you must be careful not to spill this product on slabs or walk on it then transfer the iron onto surfaces. The iron soon washes in once it's been rained on and I normally say avoid walking on the grass for at least 3 days after watering in.
Apply it at max rate to achieve optimum performance and avoid filling a spreader on the lawn so you don't get spillages that can scorch.

 

I thought you should not fertilise a newly seeded lawn till the next season as you already put down fertiliser for initial germination and growth. Apparently it can promote fungal disease due to over fertilisation during the colder winter months ?

 

This seed will have been down for over 6 weeks and is fine for low N feeds. It's high N feeds that create problems as they can weaken plants in various conditions as the plant can't react to stress conditions so it weakens and problems can occur.The pre seed fert will be a low N fert aimed more at root growth in the early stages and this will be used up and it's life span is short too.
If I'm right and worked it out right the Autumn feed will be 2 months from when seeded or about that which is fine.
The root growth continues in the winter months which is why Autumn feeds are aimed at, a bit like growth regulators which promote root growth. Often people think grass stops in the colder weather and it's only when you get severe cold weather this happens but root growth continues at a slow pace during the winter and top growth on mild days.
Grass types or differently varieties all have a say in how prone they are to diseases, drought and other forms of turf related problems.
Fertilisers have progressed over the years and are still developing and it's a mine field keeping up with new developments.

 

You're right Mosamahab. I would never fertilise a new lawn. The young grass has enough nutrients in the soil to take it through to the following spring. Fertilising again will make the grass concentrate on putting on top growth and ignore the roots that it should be developing. It could also outgrow it's strength. Young lawns need to rest over the winter months and concentrate on strong root development to sustain them.

 

Now I'm confused. I have two completely opposite ways to handle the lawn over winter.
Im not sure what to do now.

 

It's not for me to sway your decision Car.crash and I can't think of anyone else on GC who can help you. You could try asking/tagging a few members on other lawn threads here what their opinion would be.

 

I watched several videos and read several articles and most of them only mention fertiliser to get the seed started and then not feeding it till the next spring to let the lawn establish on its own.

Car.crash I think by the time October is around your seed will have had two months of growth and two cuttings probably. I think that should suffice growth promotion on itself.

I always thought of the fertiliser as a spark plug to get the thing started and then it will take care of itself and if you think it is struggling then you give it some more. Nevertheless, it is your choice at the end of the day.

 

Look at your lawn in 3 weeks then decide on the action you want. Again Autumn feeds are very low N so there is very little top growth.
In the end if you get the maintenance right you should end up with a lawn like this.
This customer pays around £800 a year for me to keep it this well which is bottom end of my market but it's still not bad as lawns go.

 

Thanks for all the help everybody.
I shall see how it all pans out and decide closer to October.

 

17 days today since I laid the seed.

 

That's looking good Car.crash. It's almost time for it's first light cut.

 

Nearly ready for its first cut.
I thought it wouldn't look like this until spring but it's actually under 3 weeks since I laid the seed