Best Fertilizer For Seeding Grass: 10 Starter Options

#1 · Best Overall

1. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food

• Form: Granules
• Weight: 3.3 lb

Best for: New lawns and repeat feeding.

Why it ranks #1: Its 24-25-4 formula is made for new grass and listed for seed, sod, plugs, and reseeding, with a stated follow-up feeding at two to four weeks.

A 24-25-4 granular formula with 25% phosphate gives new grass a root-focused starter feeding at planting. Scotts also specifies a second application at weeks two to four, giving seed, sod, sprigs, or reseeded areas a staged feeding plan as roots and blades develop.

The high-phosphate formula supports root development from the first application, while the second feeding at two to four weeks sustains nutrition as roots and blades build. Granules suit homeowners applying fertilizer alongside seed, sod, or grass plugs, and the product is listed as safe for any grass type. Scotts states that it grows new grass 70% thicker and 35% quicker versus unfed grass. The package is not sold in Florida, which limits availability for buyers there.

Skip it if you live in Florida; Jonathan Green Veri-Green Fertilizer for Seeding & Sodding is another granular starter option.

Pick this granular starter for a new lawn or reseeding project where you can apply at planting and again two to four weeks later. It suits varied establishment methods, but Florida buyers cannot purchase it there.

Listed on Amazon as: Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass, 3 lbs.

#2 · Best Large Coverage

2. The Andersons New Lawn Starter

• Form: Granules
• Weight: 18 lb

Best for: Large-area lawn establishment.

Why it ranks #2: The 20-27-5 granular formula covers up to 5,000 square feet and combines quick- and slow-release nitrogen for new turf establishment.

Coverage up to 5,000 square feet makes this 18-pound granular starter practical for larger new-turf projects. Its 20-27-5 analysis combines quick- and slow-release nitrogen, so the application supplies both immediate and sustained feeding while seedlings and roots establish.

The formula provides nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and essential micronutrients to support vigorous seedlings and root establishment. Quick- and slow-release nitrogen pair an initial feed with continued nutrition, while 1% iron aids deep greening. For installation, the directions call for working fertilizer into soil two to three inches deep before spreading seed or laying sod. That prep step makes it a fit for planned establishment work rather than a simple surface application after seeding.

Skip it if you have already seeded and need a simple surface application; Greenview Starter Fertilizer 8 lb. Bag is specified for application just before or after seeding.

Choose this for a larger spring or fall establishment project when you can incorporate fertilizer into soil before seed or sod. Its broad coverage and mixed-release nitrogen suit planned prep, not a no-dig routine.

Listed on Amazon as: The Andersons Premium New Lawn Starter 20-27-5 Fertilizer – Covers up to 5,000 sq ft (18 lb)

#3 · Best 5,000 Sq Ft Bag

3. Jonathan Green Green-Up Lawn Food

• Form: Granules
• Weight: 15.2 lb

Best for: Large seeding and sod projects.

Why it ranks #3: Its 12-18-8 formula is specifically described for seeding, overseeding, and sod, and the listed bag covers 5,000 square feet.

A 5,000-square-foot coverage rating makes this 12-18-8 granular fertilizer suited to broad seeding, overseeding, or sod projects. Its phosphorus-rich analysis supports root formation, while the product information says it helps seedlings grow faster and thicker as they establish.

The 12-18-8 formula supplies phosphorus associated with root formation, making it relevant when establishing new grass from seed or sod. Jonathan Green lists it for all types of turfgrass and says it can help seedlings germinate quicker and withstand harsh weather conditions. With coverage listed at 5,000 square feet, it can serve a sizable lawn area. Because it contains phosphorus, the product information advises checking local laws, as some states restrict its use on non-agricultural lawn or turf.

Skip it if you are in a jurisdiction that restricts phosphorus lawn fertilizer; Greenview Starter Fertilizer 8 lb. Bag is another starter option with a listed 10-18-10 analysis.

Choose this for a large seeding, overseeding, or sod project where a phosphorus-rich starter suits your plan. Check local rules before applying, since the product information notes restrictions in some states.

Listed on Amazon as: Jonathan Green (11541) Green-Up Lawn Food for Seeding & Sodding – 12-18-8 Grass Fertilizer (5,000 Sq. Ft.)

#4 · Best Smaller Coverage

4. Jonathan Green Veri-Green

• Form: Granules
• Weight: 4 lb

Best for: Seed and sod establishment.

Why it ranks #4: This 12-18-8 starter is made for seeding and sodding, and its stated coverage is 1,500 square feet for smaller establishment jobs.

Its 12-18-8 analysis supplies phosphorus for root formation, making this Jonathan Green granular fertilizer a fit for seeding, overseeding, and sod installation. The stated coverage is 1,500 square feet, giving homeowners a defined area for planning a starter application with a spreader.

Apply with a rotary, drop, or handheld spreader on the day of seeding or sodding, so the product can fit into the same workflow as laying seed or sod. Its phosphorus-rich 12-18-8 formula is intended to encourage deep, dense roots and support faster, thicker new growth. The listed coverage of 1,500 square feet helps size an application for a smaller lawn section. The product information also identifies it for all types of turfgrass.

Skip it if you need to cover a larger area in one application; The Andersons Premium New Lawn Starter covers up to 5,000 square feet.

This suits homeowners establishing a smaller seeded, overseeded, or sodded area who want spreader application and a phosphorus-rich formula. Check the 1,500-square-foot coverage against your project before choosing it.

Listed on Amazon as: Jonathan Green Veri-Green Fertilizer for Seeding & Sodding – 1,500 Sq Ft

#5 · Best No-Microplastic Formula

5. GreenView Solutions Starter Fertilizer

• Form: Granules
• Weight: 16 lb

Best for: Bare-spot and full-season seeding.

Why it ranks #5: The 10-18-10 granules are formulated for new lawns and bare spots, feed for up to eight weeks, and are described as having no micro-plastic coatings.

A phosphorus-based 10-18-10 granular formula feeds a newly seeded lawn or bare spot for up to eight weeks, giving establishment projects a longer feeding window. GreenView also specifies use anytime during the growing season, which suits both new lawns and in-season repairs.

The directions place this product after grass seed: clear debris, apply the seed of your choice, spread the fertilizer, and water. Its 10-18-10 analysis supports root development, while the stated feeding period of up to eight weeks helps cover early establishment without describing a separate follow-up application. The slow-release formula has no micro-plastic coatings, so it feeds longer without leaving plastic residue in the lawn, according to the product information.

Skip it if you need a feeding period beyond eight weeks from one application; Jonathan Green Green-Up Lawn Food for Seeding & Sodding feeds turfgrass for up to three months.

This fits homeowners seeding a new lawn or repairing bare spots who want a granular application after seed and a stated feed of up to eight weeks. Plan to water after spreading and account for that feeding window.

Listed on Amazon as: GreenView Solutions Starter Fertilizer, Lawn Fertilizer, 16 lb Bag

#6

6. Greenview Starter Fertilizer

• Form: Granules
• Weight: 8 lb

Best for: One-time spring or fall feeding.

Why it ranks #6: Its 10-18-10 formula is intended for seeding or bare spots and provides immediate and time-released nitrogen for up to eight weeks.

A one-time 10-18-10 application provides immediate and time-released nitrogen for up to eight weeks, helping newly seeded areas stay fed while roots develop. The 8-pound bag covers 2,500 square feet and is specified for spring or fall use.

Greenview recommends applying this granular starter just before or just after seeding, so it can be included at the end of a seed-preparation workflow. Its immediate and time-released nitrogen offers continuous feeding for up to eight weeks, supporting early growth while roots take hold. The 2,500-square-foot coverage helps match the bag to a defined lawn section. The directions explicitly say not to hand spread, so buyers need to use an appropriate non-hand application method.

Skip it if you need to apply fertilizer by hand; Jonathan Green Veri-Green Fertilizer for Seeding & Sodding allows use of a handheld spreader.

This suits a spring or fall seeding project where one application and up to eight weeks of feeding meet your needs. Its 2,500-square-foot coverage is useful for sizing, but plan on a method other than hand spreading.

Listed on Amazon as: Greenview Starter Fertilizer 8 lb. Bag, Covers 2,500 sq. ft.

#7

7. Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Starter

• Form: Liquid
• Weight: 8.32 oz

Best for: Quick hose-on seedling feeding.

Why it ranks #7: The ready-to-spray 7-12-15 formula suits any grass type and offers up to three 600-square-foot feedings per 32-fluid-ounce bottle.

A reusable hose-connected spray applicator lets you feed newly sprouted grass in about 10 minutes, without measuring granules. The translucent 32-fluid-ounce bottle also shows how much liquid remains, helping DIY lawn owners track applications across the stated three feedings of up to 600 square feet each.

The 7-12-15 liquid formula is phosphorus-rich, supporting early growth and root development as seedlings establish. Application is straightforward: connect the reusable applicator to a garden hose, turn on the water, and spray. Scotts specifies applying once weekly for three weeks just after seedlings sprout, so it suits a follow-up feeding routine rather than a one-time pre-seeding application. The applicator can be reused with separately sold refill bottles, while the bottle’s translucent design makes remaining product visible.

Skip it if you want a single granular application at planting; Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass is specified for application at planting.

Choose this for a small seeded lawn where quick hose application and visible liquid levels matter. It fits any grass type, but plan for weekly feeding after sprouting and note that each feeding covers up to 600 square feet.

Listed on Amazon as: Scotts Turf Builder Liquid Starter Lawn Food, 32 fl. oz.

#8

8. Espoma Turf-Tone Lawn Starter

• Form: Granules
• Weight: 30 lb

Best for: Natural-organic lawn establishment.

Why it ranks #8: This 4-6-3 fertilizer includes feather meal, poultry manure, and Bio-tone formula, and is listed for seeding, overseeding, and new sod.

Espoma’s 4-6-3 Turf-Tone combines nitrogen, phosphorus, and its Bio-tone formula for new turf establishment, with a natural and organic positioning. The 30-pound bag covers up to 3,000 square feet and is listed for new seeding, overseeding, and sod installations.

The granular fertilizer can be applied anytime for new turf establishment, giving homeowners flexibility around a seeding or sod project. Its nitrogen and phosphorus provide the listed starter nutrients, while the Bio-tone formula is part of the product’s stated composition. Apply with a drop or broadcast spreader, and use the 3,000-square-foot coverage to gauge the area. Ingredient information lists feather meal and poultry manure, which may matter to buyers choosing a natural-organic lawn product.

Skip it if you need more than 3,000 square feet of coverage from one listed bag; The Andersons Premium New Lawn Starter covers up to 5,000 square feet.

This fits buyers choosing a natural-organic granular starter for new seed, overseeding, or sod, with drop or broadcast spreading. Match the project to its 3,000-square-foot coverage and consider the listed feather meal and poultry manure ingredients.

Listed on Amazon as: Turf-Tone Lawn Starter Natural & Organic Starter Fertilizer. with Long Lasting, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Our Bio-Tone Formula. 30 lb. Bag Covers up to 3,000 Sq. Ft.

#9

9. Fertilome New Lawn Starter

• Form: Granules
• Weight: 4 lb

Best for: Small seed or sod areas.

Why it ranks #9: The 9-13-7 granules support seed or sod root development and cover up to 1,000 square feet, though the listing gives fewer establishment details.

A four-pound bag covers up to 1,000 square feet, making this 9-13-7 granular starter easy to size for a smaller lawn section. Ferti-lome positions it for grass seed and sod to develop roots and mature stems before rapid growth begins.

Apply the granules evenly with a drop or broadcast spreader, a workflow that suits buyers already using those tools for lawn care. The 9-13-7 analysis supplies nitrogen, phosphate, and soluble potash, while the product is described as helping seed and sod establish roots and mature stems. Its 1,000-square-foot coverage gives a clear planning area for small projects. The directions emphasize uniform application and avoiding streaks or skips, so careful distribution matters.

Skip it if you need a larger coverage area per package; Jonathan Green Green-Up Lawn Food for Seeding & Sodding covers 5,000 square feet.

Choose this for a smaller seeded or sodded area when 1,000 square feet of coverage fits and you have a drop or broadcast spreader. Apply evenly, since the directions call out avoiding streaks and skips.

Listed on Amazon as: Fertilome (10904) New Lawn Starter Fertilizer 9-13-7, 4 lbs

#10

10. EZ-gro Plant Starter

• Form: Liquid

Best for: Liquid root-starting concentrate.

Why it ranks #10: Its 9-45-15 liquid is described for grass seeding, but directions focus on flower and vegetable seedlings rather than lawn application.

A 9-45-15 liquid analysis brings a high proportion of phosphorus to a starter concentrate intended to support early root development. Its one-quart format is aimed at seeding and transplanting, giving buyers who prefer mixing liquid fertilizer with water an alternative to spreading granules.

The high-phosphorus formula is described as supporting root development in young plants and seedlings, while the liquid form lets users mix it with water before application. That makes it relevant to transplanting as well as lawn seeding, though the supplied directions specifically say to mix and apply to flower and vegetable seedlings. No lawn coverage figure or grass-specific application rate is provided, so users should not assume a measured lawn area from the package information.

Skip it if you want explicit grass-seeding directions and coverage; Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass lists a new-grass application schedule.

Consider this liquid starter if you value a high-phosphorus concentrate for seedlings and transplants and can follow its supplied mixing directions. Its grass-specific rate and coverage are not stated, so it is less straightforward for measured lawn applications.

Listed on Amazon as: EZ-gro Plant Starter Fertilizer 9-45-15, 1 QT – Liquid Starter Fertilizer for Grass, Indoor Plants, Houseplants, and Lawn, Liquid Plant Food for Root Growth & Vigorous Plant Development, Easy to Use