What Is Starter Fertilizer?

Starter fertilizer contains a small number of concentrated nutrients that encourage fast root growth when spread around new grass seed. It contains potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients to help seeds germinate.

The chemical ratio in a starter fertilizer creates a healthy blend for beginning grass growth. Phosphorus plays a big part in grass root development. Nitrogen gives seeds nutrients and isn’t needed as much until after germination and root development. Potassium helps when the grass begins growing and spreading.

Starter Fertilizer or Regular Fertilizer

Regular fertilizer and starter fertilizer have distinct purposes. They both promote grass growth and provide nutrients, but each type works at various stages of grass development.

Starter fertilizer works best when you plant new seeds and sod. It typically has quick-release nitrogen to help spread nutrients faster in the beginning. While you can use starter fertilizer after grass grows, it doesn’t provide new grass with the total nutrients it needs.

Regular fertilizer is often the next step a month or two after you seed. It will provide more nutrients your new grass needs for continued development. Regular fertilizer works best for more mature plants because it has beneficial slow-release properties. Using regular fertilizer multiple times throughout the year will ensure you have strong, healthy grass each season. You can fertilize two to four times a year during summer, spring and fall for best results.

Types of Fertilizer

Once it’s time to start seeding, consider what type of fertilizer you should use along with the chemical properties. Whether you have a big or small yard, fertilizer will help your lawn be green and lush. There are several types of starter fertilizers you can acquire based on your soil’s needs.

Liquid

You can use liquid or water-soluble fertilizer to give nutrients to your lawn. Liquid fertilizer is a quick and easy way for plants to receive nutrients instantly. A key component of starter fertilizer is phosphorus, but it can’t move into the soil much when it’s not incorporated thoroughly. With fertilizer in a liquid form, phosphorus can spread through the soil more to enhance its properties. Liquid fertilizer is also easier to spread evenly.

Granular

Granular fertilizers have the same quality of nutrients as any other type of fertilizer. Unlike the quick release of liquid fertilizer, granular fertilizers are time-release or slow-release. The gradual release lets plants get their nutrients in a controlled manner, preventing excess nutrients from releasing into the soil when not needed.

Organic

Organic fertilizer is an excellent source of natural nutrients for your soil. Organic fertilizer materials can come from animals, plants or minerals, as long as they naturally occur in nature. Compost is a popular fertilizer made of organic matter that helps add moisture and drainage retention to soils. Animal fertilizer, whether made of manure, blood or bone meal, provides an excellent nitrogen source. Other organic materials like minerals can add nutrients to the soil and adjust the pH levels when needed.

Synthetic

Artificial fertilizers work just as well as the other naturally derived types. They contain all the nutrients lawns require and are easy to spread. Because they are manufactured, synthetic fertilizers can have more robust qualities. Due to the properties of synthetic fertilizers, they can also show quicker results compared to organic matter.

When to Apply Starter Fertilizer

Starter fertilizer works best when you apply it to the soil before seeding or laying down sod. The ideal time to sow is in spring or fall because of the cooler temperatures and weather conditions — it’s also the perfect time to apply starter fertilizer. If you’re overseeding your lawn, it’s best practice to apply starter fertilizer directly before or after seeding. The phosphorus in the fertilizer will help the seeds take root among the older lawn growth.

Knowing when to use starter fertilizer is essential when starting proper lawn care. You can get starter fertilizers with different chemical ratios, so your soil receives the nutrients it needs without oversaturating the current levels. To know how much starter fertilizer you need, take a soil test to see which nutrients are lacking so you can find a starter fertilizer that fits your soil’s needs.

Reach Out to Us to Learn More About Our Lawn Care Services

OrganicLawns is here to help you achieve the lawn of your dreams. We can ensure your property receives the proper nutrients it needs to be green and lush. Our team is full of Maryland state-certified technicians, so you can trust we know what we’re doing. We use hand-selected, eco-friendly and pet-friendly products for all our services to ensure you have a high-quality lawn quickly. We also value building relationships with our customers while producing beautiful lawns.

We begin every service by taking a soil test to help us make a plan that suits the ground’s specific needs. Every service is personally customized based on the soil test results. With OrganicLawns, you will have peace of mind knowing your lawn will be weed-free and well-fed with our organic-based fertilizers.

Are you ready to upgrade your lawn or start installing a new one? OrganicLawns lawn care services will help you every step of the way, from starter fertilizer and seeding to weed and disease control. Contact us today or request a free quote to learn more bout our services!

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