How long after weed and feed can you plant seed? Four to six weeks. Weed and feed products contain both fertilizers and herbicides. It’s the herbicides that can harm your grass seeds and prevent them from sprouting, hence the wait.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best time to apply weed and feed and how to do it like a pro.
When Can You Seed After Using Weed and Feed?
The herbicides in weed and feed products are great for killing weeds, but they’re not friendly to new grass seeds or any fresh grass growth. That’s why you have to wait four to six weeks after applying weed and feed before planting new seeds.
During this time the herbicides will work on the weeds, then fade away, allowing your grass seeds to grow.
When to Apply Weed and Feed
Pay attention to the following tips to apply weed and feed:
- Temperature: The best time to apply weed and feed is when temperatures are between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For most regions, this is early fall or late spring.
- Type of grass: If you have warm-season grass, late spring is the ideal time to apply weed and feed to your lawn. Meanwhile, fall is the optimal time for cool-season grasses.
- Frequency: Weed and feed should not be applied more than twice a year.
- Weather: Avoid using weed and feed during extreme temperatures, droughts, or windy days.
Need more information? Check our guide on “How to Weed and Feed Your Lawn”.
When to Plant Seed
The timing of planting grass seed depends on the grass you’re growing.
- Warm-season grasses: The best time to plant warm-season grasses is in early summer.
- Cool-season grasses: The ideal moment to plant cool-season turf is in mid-fall.
However, it’s important to wait before planting grass seed if you’ve recently applied weed and feed. This product contains herbicides that can prevent seeds from sprouting. To give your grass the best chance, remember to wait four to six weeks after using weed and feed before planting seeds.
FAQs About Weed and Feed and Planting Seed
How long should I avoid my lawn after applying weed and feed?
You should avoid your lawn for at least 24 hours, and ideally for up to 72 hours, to ensure safety.
What are the best weed and feed products on the market?
In our opinion, these are the best weed and feed products on the market:
- Preen One LawnCare Weed & Feed
- BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed & Feed
- GreenView Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer + Crabgrass Preventer
- Jonathan Green Veri-Green Lawn Food Plus Crabgrass Preventer
- Purely Organic Weed and Feed
- Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control Fertilizer
- Scotts Turf Builder Triple-Action Built for Seeding
You can read more about them in our complete guide on the “7 Best Weed and Feeds.”
What time of day should I apply weed and feed to my lawn?
The best time to apply weed and feed is during the late afternoon or early evening. Avoid applying it during the hottest part of the day, as the sun and heat can cause the fertilizer to burn the grass.
Call a Lawn Care Professional
If you’re still unsure about how to take care of your lawn or need some extra help with turf maintenance, call a lawn care professional. They can provide expert advice and services to ensure your lawn stays healthy, and weed-free.
Whether it’s applying weed and feed correctly or handling other lawn care tasks, a pro can make all the difference.
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