Overseed or Fertelize first

Rayhaan.ahmed

Hi

i layed new turf in my garden at the end of June.

i want to overseed my lawn as I’ve noticed some bare spots. I suspect I need to apply an autumn fertelizer. Do I overseed first or apply the fertiliser first? And how long do I need to
wait in between? 

AnniD

From Rolwan (other turf suppliers are available)
https://www.rolawn.co.uk/overseeding#:~:text=If your lawn has not,feed, weed & moss killer.

I'm sure other forum members will have additional advice 

JennyJ

You shouldn't need an autumn fertilizer this year on such a young lawn, so just overseed the bare bits. The link in AnniD's post is good advice for established lawns, but if you fed now and waited 4 weeks it would be getting late for seeding.

When you do use fertiliser (next year if it needs feeding then) be careful to spread it thinly and evenly to avoid damage from overdosing. Too little is better than too much.

Obelixx

You need to rake the bare bits to loosen the earth a bit and remove any thatch form dead grass or weeds.  On a warm day, after a good rainfall has soaked the soil, spread seed and firm it in with the back of your rake so it is in contact with the soil.   Water it in gently using a watering can with the spray rose fitted.

Leave it to grow to 2 inches/5cm before cutting it and then do not cut it less than 1"/2?5cm so that there is enough leaf surface to feed the roots and make them strong. 

Have a read of this info from the RHS about autumn lawn care -   
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=308 and this on spring and summer lawn care - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=413 

Be very sparing with any chemicals you may use next year and read the instructions carefully or you'll be back here asking why it's all gone black.