Where are you located? It's still a bit early for overseeding if you have a cool season type lawn. Better to wait until mid September when temperatures cool more and rain is more plentiful.

And you do not need the Scott's product when overseeding - the Greenview product has everything you need for now. In fact, if the Winterguard is the weed and feed type, you will only succeed in stifling any overseeding completely.

When and if you do fertilize with the Winterguard, wait until after the first mowing of the newly overseeded lawn. But it is NEVER a good idea to use a weed and feed product. It is overkill for any weeds (50-75% more herbicide than is necessary), it leaches readily into groundwater and causes pollution and can be harmful to kids and pets. Weed control is best handled by manual removal or barring that, a liquid spray weed killer used only where the weeds currently exist. Once dry, it will not leach nor will it cause issues for kids and pets.

Thanks! I was planning on Sept 7 being the day I lay the seed down. I'm in NJ by the way. A neighbor told me to not bother with overseeding, but will definitely be putting down seed on the bare spots. I think my plan is to put the Greenview product on top of the seed and lay the Winterguard down on the rest of the lawn. I don't have enough of the Greenview anyway for the entire lawn. That sound good?

"The best time to seed in Minnesota is late summer (mid-August to mid-September) due to favorable conditions for germination and growth. In addition, fewer weed seeds are germinating that might compete with the grass seedlings. Lastly, there is ample time for the plants to be well established before winter." And that holds true for many of the northern tier of states, cool season grasses.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/lawns/seeding-and-sodding-home-lawns/

kimmq is kimmsr

Did they move New Jersey to Minnesota? Why wasn't I notified?! :-o

The ideal time - regardless of what most websites may state - is after the heat of summer passes and closer to the time when fall rains are present. Since a major part of the east coast and midwest has been experiencing an extremely hot AND dry summer (record drought!!), erring on the side of later into the early fall is an excellent idea. And most certainly after any watering restrictions have been lifted!!

btw, cool season grasses - like those in use in NJ - will germinate and grow well into winter under 'normal' winter conditions.

From Rutgers, "Timing: Late summer and early fall provide the most ideal conditions for turfgrass establishment. Generally, this timing will allow adequate grass growth prior to winter. Cool evening and moderate daytime temperatures, along with anticipated fall precipitation, are conducive to rapid seed germination. In addition, many weeds including crabgrass are no longer germinating, reducing competition in new turfgrass plantings.

1. Primary Establishment Period—late summer, early fall. (The earlier date is most desirable.) Southern New Jersey (Trenton and south) August 20th to October 10th Northern New Jersey (Trenton and north) August 15th to October 5th."

The whole article can be found at, https://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/fs584/

kimmq is kimmsr

The Northeast is certainly having a drought according to the folks who monitor such things. But the Midwest is doing great so don't drag us into it. LOL

US Drought Monitor Map