Establishing a new lawn from seed or sod is an exciting project, but its success hinges on providing the right nutrients at the critical early stages. The wrong fertilizer can lead to weak roots, patchy growth, or even burn your delicate new grass seedlings. A high-quality starter fertilizer is the secret weapon for a lush, durable turf that can withstand the elements and foot traffic for years to come.
This guide simplifies your search by highlighting the best fertilizers specifically formulated to support new grass growth. We have evaluated a range of products, from all-in-one patch repair solutions to specialized organic formulas, to help you find the perfect match for your lawn’s needs. Whether you are overseeing, starting from scratch, or laying sod, one of these top-rated options will give your new grass the vigorous start it deserves.
The Best Fertilizers for New Grass Growth
- Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade
- Fertilome New Lawn Starter Fertilizer
- Scotts Turf Builder Starter Fertilizer
- The Andersons Premium New Lawn Starter
- Pennington Full Season Lawn Fertilizer
- Lesco 18-24-12 Starter Fertilizer
- Milorganite All-Purpose Eco-Friendly Fertilizer
- Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Fertilizer
- Espoma Organic All Season Lawn Food
- Jonathan Green Green-Up Fertilizer
Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade
For those focused on repairing specific bare spots rather than an entire lawn, Scotts EZ Seed is a revolutionary all-in-one solution. This product combines high-performance grass seed, a moisture-retaining mulch, and a controlled-release fertilizer into a single, easy-to-use mix. It is specifically engineered for challenging areas, including spots with full sun, dense shade, high traffic, or even slopes.
The included mulch expands to surround the seed, helping to keep it in place and protected from washing away. A tackifier and seedling protectant further enhance the chances of successful germination and growth, making this an ideal choice for targeted lawn repair with minimal effort.
Fertilome New Lawn Starter Fertilizer
Fertilome’s New Lawn Starter Fertilizer is designed with a clear purpose: to help grass seed and sod develop strong, healthy roots and mature stems. Its 9-13-7 nutrient ratio provides a balanced supply of key elements, with an emphasis on phosphorus to encourage robust root systems. This foundation is vital for the long-term health and resilience of your turf.
This 20-pound bag offers excellent value, covering up to 5,000 square feet of new lawn. By promoting rich, green grass from the very beginning, this fertilizer helps ensure your new lawn establishes itself quickly and effectively.
Scotts Turf Builder Starter Fertilizer
A leader in the lawn care space, Scotts Turf Builder Starter Fertilizer is formulated to deliver impressive results for new grass. The product is proven to grow grass 70% thicker and 35% quicker compared to unfed grass, providing a noticeable advantage during establishment. It is versatile and works excellently with seed, sod, and grass plugs.
The 24-25-4 fertilizer ratio is specifically tailored for developing lawns, providing a high level of phosphorus to stimulate root growth. This focus on the root zone helps create a dense, durable lawn that can better compete with weeds and handle stress.
The Andersons Premium New Lawn Starter
The Andersons Premium New Lawn Starter offers a high-performance 20-27-5 fertilizer blend for those seeking vigorous seedling and root development. This formula provides an optimum supply of not only primary nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) but also essential micro-nutrients that are often overlooked in other products.
It features a smart combination of quick- and slow-release nitrogen. This means your new grass gets an immediate nutrient boost to kickstart growth, followed by a sustained feeding that continues to support the lawn as it matures, ensuring consistent development.
Pennington Full Season Lawn Fertilizer
If your goal is to fertilize your new lawn just once for the entire growing season, Pennington’s Full Season Lawn Fertilizer is a compelling option. This 32-0-5 formula is designed to provide long-lasting feeding with a single application, simplifying your lawn care routine.
Beyond its primary nutrients, this product contains natural beneficial microorganisms that help revitalize the soil, creating a healthier environment for root growth. It also includes 5% iron, which promotes a deep, rich green color in the grass blades without encouraging excessive top growth.
Lesco 18-24-12 Starter Fertilizer
Lesco’s 18-24-12 Starter Fertilizer is a professional-grade option that utilizes a Nitrogen Optimizing System (NOS) for increased efficiency. This stabilized nitrogen technology means less nitrogen is lost to the environment through volatilization or leaching, making it a more sustainable choice.
The high phosphorus content (24%) is ideal for encouraging strong root development in new grass. This 50-pound bag covers a substantial 12,000 square feet, making it a cost-effective solution for larger lawn renovation or establishment projects.
Milorganite All-Purpose Eco-Friendly Fertilizer
Milorganite is a beloved organic-based, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer that is exceptionally gentle on new grass. Its 6-4-0 analysis provides a steady supply of nutrients without the risk of burning tender seedlings, even in hot weather. It contains virtually no salts, which are a common cause of fertilizer burn.
This eco-friendly product is perfect for gardeners who prefer a natural approach to lawn care. It not only feeds the grass but also enriches the soil over time. The included bonus brochure offers helpful tips on application timing and spreader settings.
Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Fertilizer
Safer Brand Lawn Restore offers a natural, non-burning fertilizer solution for establishing a thick, healthy turf. Its 9-0-2 NPK formula is derived from ingredients that promote soil vitality without depriving it of essential nutrients. This makes it a safe and effective choice for new grass.
One of its standout features is the speed at which it works; you can expect to see your lawn begin to green up within just 3 to 5 days of application. By strengthening root systems, it helps create a lush, resilient lawn that can better withstand environmental stress.
Espoma Organic All Season Lawn Food
Espoma Organic Lawn Food is a rich blend of natural and organic ingredients enhanced with their exclusive Bio-tone formula, which contains beneficial microbes. This 9-0-0 fertilizer provides long-lasting nitrogen for a deep green color and is safe for the environment, containing no sludges or toxic ingredients.
It is versatile enough for use on all lawn types, including both cool and warm season grasses like fescue, bluegrass, and zoysia. Because it is organic, it won’t burn lawns or leach out of the soil, providing a gentle yet effective feeding for new grass.
Jonathan Green Green-Up Seeding & Sodding Lawn Fertilizer
Jonathan Green’s Green-Up Fertilizer is specifically branded for seeding and sodding, indicating its specialized formulation for new lawn establishment. While specific NPK details may vary, products in this line are typically designed to provide the essential nutrients required during the critical germination and root development phases.
Jonathan Green is a trusted name in lawn care, known for producing quality grass seed and supporting products. This fertilizer is intended to work in harmony with their grass seed varieties, helping to ensure a uniform, healthy, and vibrant new lawn from the start.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fertilizer for New Grass Growth
Getting that perfect, lush lawn starts from the ground up, and picking the right food for your new grass is the most important step. I’ve made my share of mistakes over the years, so I want to help you avoid them. The secret isn’t just grabbing any bag of fertilizer; it’s about understanding what your baby grass needs to thrive. Let’s talk about what you should look for.
First up, you need to become best friends with the three numbers on every fertilizer bag: the N-P-K ratio. This stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. For new grass, that middle number, Phosphorus, is your superstar. It’s the nutrient that’s absolutely critical for building strong, healthy roots. I always look for a starter fertilizer with a higher middle number, like a 10-20-10 or 20-27-5 blend. The nitrogen gives the blades a green boost, but the phosphorus is what builds the foundation underground. Once your lawn is established, you can switch to a fertilizer with more nitrogen.
Next, consider the formula type. You have two main choices: quick-release (water-soluble) or slow-release (controlled-release). For a brand new lawn, I personally prefer a starter fertilizer that uses a mix of both. The quick-release gives the grass seeds or sod an immediate jolt of energy to get started, while the slow-release feeds them over several weeks. This means you don’t have to reapply it as often, and it reduces the risk of burning those tender new blades. A slow-release formula is a real set-it-and-forget-it helper.
Don’t forget about your soil! A simple soil test from your local garden center can tell you a lot. It will show your soil’s pH and what nutrients it might be lacking. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, the grass won’t be able to absorb the nutrients from even the best fertilizer. Sometimes, you might need to add lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it before you even think about feeding. Knowing your soil’s needs helps you pick a fertilizer that fills in the gaps perfectly.
Finally, think about the form. Granular fertilizers are the most common and are great for covering large areas with a spreader. Liquid fertilizers act very quickly and are easy to apply with a hose-end sprayer, which can be good for a quick green-up. For new grass, I usually go with a granular starter fertilizer because it’s easier to control the application rate and it provides that longer-lasting feed that the developing roots need. No matter what you choose, always, always water it in thoroughly after application. This activates the fertilizer and prevents it from just sitting on the surface.
FAQ
When is the best time to fertilize new grass?
The absolute best time is right after you’ve planted the seed or laid the sod. I apply a starter fertilizer just before or immediately after seeding to give it that initial boost. For sod, it’s best to wait until it has rooted into the soil, which usually takes about two to three weeks. Timing also depends on the grass type. Cool-season grasses do best with a fall application, while warm-season grasses prefer a late-spring feeding when they are actively growing.
Can I use regular lawn fertilizer on new grass?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Regular lawn fertilizers are often high in nitrogen, which is great for making existing grass green but does very little to help new grass develop a strong root system. Starter fertilizers are specifically formulated with extra phosphorus, which is the key nutrient for root development. Using the wrong type can lead to weak roots and a lawn that struggles to establish itself.
How often should I fertilize my new lawn?
For the first year, I follow a schedule to build a resilient lawn. After the initial application of a starter fertilizer, I wait about 6 to 8 weeks and then apply a second, balanced feeding. After that, I switch to a regular maintenance schedule, typically fertilizing cool-season grasses in the early fall and spring, and warm-season grasses in late spring and summer. Over-fertilizing can be just as bad as under-fertilizing, as it can burn the grass and pollute local waterways.
Is it possible to burn new grass with fertilizer?
Yes, absolutely. New grass seedlings and sod are very tender and can be easily damaged by over-application. This is why it’s so important to follow the bag’s instructions carefully and use a spreader for even distribution. I always make sure to water the fertilizer in deeply right after application. This helps move the nutrients down to the roots and prevents them from just sitting on the grass blades and causing burn spots.
What is the difference between organic and synthetic fertilizers for new grass?
This is a common question. Synthetic fertilizers are man-made and provide nutrients in a form that’s immediately available to the plant. They give a fast green-up. Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources like manure, compost, or bone meal. They release nutrients more slowly as they are broken down by soil microbes. For a quick start, I sometimes use a synthetic starter fertilizer, but for long-term soil health, incorporating organic matter is a fantastic practice. The best fertilizers for new grass growth often provide a quick start while also building the soil for the future.
Should I use a weed and feed product on new grass?
No, please do not use a “weed and feed” product on new grass. The herbicides in these products are designed to kill broadleaf weeds (like dandelions) and can severely harm or kill your delicate new grass seedlings. I always wait until the new lawn has been mowed at least three or four times before even considering any kind of weed control product. Your primary focus in the beginning should be on establishment and health, not weed elimination.