A fine point: To renovate means complete kill and replant. It appears that you overseeded an existing lawn. In any case, wait until about October 15 and then apply your winterizer. It will be good for the lawn and will be evident in the Spring. And yes, you can use crabgrass preventer in the Spring. You might want to spread the crab grass preventer a little later than usual or at least not to early to give any remaining seeds a chance to germinate. Do not use any broadleaf herbicide until the grass has been cut a few times in the Spring. Good luck. Bill Hill

sun's orbit now is low enough

Declination. If the orbit were low it would be 250 degrees out there. :-)

Finally, I don't think temps are going to cooperate with me much longer and I don't think the seedlings are going to see three mowings (or possibly two) before late fall is here. Can I still lay down winterizer?

Oh, related to the three mowing "rule" ... if the seedlings don't make three mowings, can I still lay down crabgrass preventer in the spring without doing harm?

I wouldn't hit them with more starter. It's time for something with a little more meat to it. Perhaps regular fertilizer at half the amount (or even a bit less), and then repeat in four weeks.

Even if you don't hit the third mowing you can use pre-emergent in spring. Don't use weed killer, however, even though you'd be just fine.

Your grass may surprise you. October, even in RI, is good growing season. Mine went from coming in on September 2nd to the third mow as of today, day 50 after planting. I've had to mow twice this week.