6 bestFertilizer For Seeding Lawnof July 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1

Scotts 3219 Turf Builder Starter Lawn Food for New Grass 24-25-4, 4.7kg for Coverage of 320m²
Scotts

9.9
40% off
2

Gaia Green Organic 4-4-4 All Purpose Fertilizer 2kg
Gaia Green

9.8
7% off
3

Scotts 12416 Turf Builder Overseeding Mix Grass Seed & Starting Fertilizer 2-4-2
Scotts

9.6
4

Espoma Co. Organic Bio-Tone Starter Plus All Natural Plant Food-4 Lb Bag BTS4
Espoma

9.3
5

Espoma Co. GT4 4-Pound Garden-Tone 3-4-4 Plant Food
Espoma

9.0
A Guide to Selecting the Best Fertilizer For Seeding Lawn
Choosing the right fertilizer for seeding a lawn is crucial for giving your new grass the best possible start. The right fertilizer will provide essential nutrients that help seeds germinate, develop strong roots, and grow into a healthy, lush lawn. When shopping for fertilizer, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your lawn's needs, soil condition, and the type of grass you are planting. By focusing on these factors, you can select a fertilizer that supports healthy growth and long-term lawn success.
N-P-K Ratio
The N-P-K ratio stands for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), which are the three main nutrients in fertilizers. This ratio is important because each nutrient plays a different role: nitrogen promotes leaf growth, phosphorus supports root development, and potassium helps overall plant health. For seeding lawns, a higher phosphorus content is often recommended to encourage strong root growth. You’ll see numbers like 10-20-10 on the packaging, where the middle number (phosphorus) is higher. If you’re starting a new lawn from seed, look for a fertilizer with a higher middle number. If your soil already has plenty of phosphorus, you might choose a more balanced ratio. Always consider your soil test results and the specific needs of your grass type.
Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release
Fertilizers can be slow-release or quick-release, which refers to how fast the nutrients become available to the plants. Slow-release fertilizers provide nutrients over a longer period, reducing the risk of burning young grass and requiring fewer applications. Quick-release fertilizers deliver nutrients immediately, which can give a fast boost but may also increase the risk of burning and require more frequent applications. For seeding, slow-release is often preferred because it supports steady growth, but if you need rapid results or are dealing with poor soil, a quick-release option might be suitable. Think about how much time you want to spend on lawn care and how quickly you want to see results.
Granular vs. Liquid Form
Fertilizers come in granular or liquid forms. Granular fertilizers are easy to spread and provide nutrients gradually, making them a popular choice for seeding lawns. Liquid fertilizers act faster and can be applied with a hose, but they may require more frequent applications. If you want a low-maintenance option, granular is usually best. If you prefer more control and faster results, liquid might be the way to go. Consider your comfort with application methods and how often you want to fertilize.
Starter Fertilizer Label
Some fertilizers are specifically labeled as 'starter fertilizers.' These are designed for new lawns and contain a nutrient balance that supports seed germination and early root growth. Using a starter fertilizer can make the process easier because it’s formulated for exactly this stage. If you’re new to lawn care or want a simple solution, look for products labeled as starter fertilizers. If you have more experience or specific soil needs, you might choose a custom blend.
Additional Micronutrients
Besides the main N-P-K nutrients, some fertilizers include micronutrients like iron, magnesium, or zinc. These help with overall plant health and can make your lawn greener and more resilient. If your soil is lacking in certain micronutrients, or if you want to give your new lawn an extra boost, look for fertilizers that include these extras. If your soil is already healthy and balanced, this may not be as important.

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