Should I Fertilize or Seed My Lawn First?
If you are starting a new lawn, patching bare spots, or overseeding, the order matters mainly because the wrong fertilizer can harm seeds. In most cases, prepare the soil, seed, and apply a starter fertilizer at seeding or within a day or two. Avoid weed-and-feed or pre-emergent products before seeding, and get a soil test if the lawn has chronic problems.