I Seeded My Lawn, What Do I Do Now?

Seeding or overseeding is one of the best things you can do to improve the health, density, and appearance of your lawn. But once the seed is down, your work isn’t over. Proper aftercare is essential to help those new seedlings take root and thrive. Here’s what to do next:

New seed needs consistent moisture to germinate. Lightly water your lawn 1–2 times per day to keep the top layer of soil damp, but not soggy. Once the seedlings sprout and begin to grow, you can gradually reduce frequency and water more deeply.

A starter fertilizer, such as New Lawn Starter 20-27-5 or EcoFusion™ Starter 16-21-4, is critical while seeding or overseeding. These formulas are designed with extra phosphorus to support root growth and establishment.

Applying a soil amendment like BioChar DG™ while seeding, or soon after, can improve water retention, nutrient availability, microbial life and soil structure, ultimately improving seed germination and creating an ideal environment for your new seedlings.

It’s tempting to tackle weeds right away, but most weed control products will harm new grass seedlings. Wait until you’ve mowed your new grass at least 2–3 times before applying any herbicides. By then, the grass is strong enough to handle post-emergent weed treatments. However, you should still read product labels on any herbicide you plan on using to ensure it is safe for your type of grass and is effective for the weeds you are treating.

Pre-emergent weed control products should wait until the following spring or fall, depending on what season you are seeding in. If you are seeding in the fall, hold off on applying pre-emergent until the following spring. If you are seeding in the spring, wait to apply pre-emergent until the fall. Pre-emergents will inhibit new grass growth.

Don’t mow too early. Wait until the new grass reaches about 3–4 inches tall, and only cut it back by one-third of its height. Keep your mower blades sharp to avoid tearing delicate seedlings.

Some areas may take longer to fill in. Continue watering and feeding as directed, and give the seed time. If needed, you can lightly reseed thin patches later in the season.

Once your grass is established, you can shift focus to seasonal maintenance like applying herbicides, aerating, and feeding with balanced or all-purpose fertilizers, like Core™ 24-6-12 and Core™ 12-8-12, to keep your lawn thick and resilient.

After seeding or overseeding, your lawn needs consistent watering, the right fertilizer, careful mowing, and a little patience. With proper care, you’ll be rewarded with a lush, healthy lawn that’s ready to outcompete weeds and withstand the seasons.