When to fertilize new turf

A lush, vibrant lawn starts with proper fertilization. Whether you’re laying down sod or sowing grass seed, giving your new grass the right nutrients at the right time sets the stage for healthy root development, rapid establishment, and long-term resilience.

This guide covers everything from choosing the best starter fertilizer to calculating application rates and spreading techniques—so you can enjoy a carpet of green that thrives under the Sunshine Coast sun and Gympie’s climate.

How to Choose Fertilizer for New Grass

Selecting the right fertilizer is the first critical step. Starter fertilizers are formulated with higher phosphorus (P) to encourage root growth, balanced nitrogen (N) to fuel leaf development, and sufficient potassium (K) for stress tolerance. Here’s how to choose:

Tips for Grass Type Selection

• Warm-season grasses (Zoysia, Couch, Buffalo): Choose a starter formula high in phosphorus to jump-start root systems in warm soil temperatures.
• Cool-season grasses (Fescue, Ryegrass): A balanced starter fertilizer works well in spring or autumn sowings.

Discover the perfect turf variety for your site:

• Nara Native Zoysia
• Augusta Zoysia
• Wintergreen Couch
• Sapphire Buffalo

How to Fertilize New Grass: A Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving even coverage and proper timing ensures nutrients reach young seedlings or sod roots at the ideal stage.

1. 1. Soil Test First
      Conduct a soil test (pH, nutrient levels) via a local DIY kit or lab to tailor fertilizer choice. Correct pH imbalances (lime for low pH, sulfur for high pH) before applying starter fertilizer.

• Prepare the Lawn Bed

1. 1. • Clear debris, weeds, and rocks.
      • Grade and level soil, then lightly aerate for better penetration.
      • Rake in a thin layer of compost or well-rotted manure to improve organic matter.

• Apply Starter Fertilizer

1. 1. • Calibrate your spreader (broadcast or drop-type).
      • Walk in overlapping strips, maintaining a steady pace to avoid striping.
      • Apply at the manufacturer’s recommended rate (e.g., 5 kg per 100 m² for a 10–10–10 formula).

• Lay Sod or Sow Seed

1. 1. • For sod: Butt pieces tightly, then roll lightly to ensure root-to-soil contact.
      • For seed: Broadcast evenly, rake lightly, and press seed into contact with soil.

• Watering Regimen

1. 1. • Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
      • Water lightly 2–3 times daily until seedlings sprout or sod roots establish (5–10 minutes per session).
      • Transition to deeper, less frequent watering (once daily) after 2–3 weeks.

• Follow-Up Feeding

1. • Four to six weeks after initial planting, apply a maintenance fertilizer such as Supergreen Lawn Food 7 kg:
   • Use a balanced N–P–K ratio (e.g., 15–5–10) to support leaf growth and recovery.

When Do You Need to Fertilize Your Lawn?

Timing fertiliser applications around seasonal growth patterns maximises benefits:

Key Rule: Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade height at once, and never fertilise dormant turf.

How Do You Calculate the Amount of Fertilizer to Apply?

Accurate calculation prevents over-application (burn risk) or under-feeding:

1. Determine Area: Measure lawn length and width (in metres) and multiply.
2. Convert to Square Metres: Length (m) × Width (m) = Area (m²).
3. Check Bag Coverage: Label indicates coverage (e.g., “5 kg covers 100 m² at 1 kg/m²”).
4. Calculate Required Weight: Desired rate (kg/m²) × Area (m²) = Total kg needed.

Example: A 200 m² lawn requiring 0.05 kg/m² of 10–10–10 starter fertilizer:
0.05 kg/m² × 200 m² = 10 kg total.

What Is the Best Way to Spread Your Fertilizer?

Even distribution ensures uniform growth:

• Broadcast Spreader

• • • Ideal for large areas; throws granules in a fan pattern.
    • Walk at a steady pace, overlap passes by 30%.

• Drop Spreader

• • Offers precise placement; best for narrow strips and edges.
  • Less risk of drift onto beds or paths.

Pro Tips:

• Fill spreader on a hard surface to catch spills.
• Start and end at boundaries; apply half the rate walking north-south and the other half east-west for cross-pattern coverage.
• Clean spreader after use to prevent corrosion.

Additional Considerations for Sunshine Coast and Gympie Lawns

• Climate Adaptation: Coastal humidity and subtropical heat stress lawns; choose slow-release nitrogen formulas to maintain colour without rapid growth spurts.
• Pest and Disease Management: Regular mowing at 3–4 inches and proper fertilisation reduce pest pressure and fungal outbreaks.
• Weed Control: Avoid herbicide application until new grass is mowed at least three times to prevent phytotoxicity.
• Organic Alternatives: Well-rotted manure or compost teas supplement chemical fertilizers, fostering beneficial soil microorganisms.

Transform your lawn into the envy of the neighbourhood with expert advice and premium turf from Robert’s Turf Supplies.

Ready to get started? Browse our turf varieties and fertilizer range, then place your order or visit us today.

Got a question? Just call us—help is always at hand.

Call us today on 07 5478 9438

Visit our turf farms at:
Robert’s Turf Supplies Sunshine Coast
520 Chevallum Road,
Chevallum, QLD 4555
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yRud5D78NqBZE1fs6

Robert’s Turf Supplies Gympie
54 Wide Bay Hwy,
Bellsbridge, QLD 4570
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ChiZSGzjoAPoFMh7