Seed and Sod Application Rates
Quick Tips:
1. Milorganite should be mixed 2-4 inches into root zone
2. Mixing grass seed with Milorganite is an effective way to spread seed
3. Keep seeded area moist until the seeds emerge, until 1/2-1 inch tall
Milorganite’s nitrogen and phosphorous speeds up lawn development, and the fertilizer’s iron helps generate a deep, lasting green. Milorganite should be mixed into the top 2-4 inches of soil, where its slow-release nitrogen can stay in the soil profile in the perfect position to feed young roots.
Follow this chart for seeding, sodding and sprigging:
Rate Chart for Using Milorganite to Seed, Sod or Sprig
Milorganite (lbs. per 1,000ft2)
| Soil Type |
Seeding & Sodding |
Sprigging |
| Sand |
50-100 lbs.* |
50-100 lbs.* |
| Native soil |
25-50 lbs.* |
25-50 lbs.* |
Mixing Seed and Milorganite
Mixing grass seed with Milorganite is an effective way to spread seed accurately. Mix 4 parts Milorganite with 1 part seed by weight. If you choose to mix Milorganite and seed, be careful to decrease future applications of Milorganite to prevent over-fertilization.
Milorganite Seed Mixing Chart
| Seed Type |
Milorganite (lbs.) |
Seed (lbs.) |
Seed per 1,000ft2 |
Area Covered |
Milorganite per 1,000ft2 |
| Bentgrass |
20 |
5 |
1 lb. |
5,000ft2 |
4 lbs. |
Bermuda
Grass |
20 |
5 |
1 lb. |
5,000ft2 |
4 lbs. |
| Blue Grass |
100 |
25 |
4 lbs. |
6,250ft2 |
16 lbs. |
| Blue-Rye Mix |
100 |
25 |
6 lbs. |
4,250ft2 |
23 lbs. |
| Rye Grass |
100 |
25 |
8 lbs. |
3,250ft2 |
30 lbs. |
Seeding
Spread seed or Milorganite-seed mix evenly on the prepared soil. Gently work the seed into the soil 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch. Light (sandy) soils may only require watering for seed incorporation.
Watering
Keep the seeded area moist until the seeds emerge. The seedlings need frequent gentle watering until ½ to 1 inch tall. When climatic conditions allow, reduce watering to several time a week at a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Decrease frequency and increase depth of watering as seedlings mature.
For more advice, check out our Watering and Mowing pages.