Should I Apply Lime, Seed or Fertilizer to My Lawn First?
Table of Contents
Author/Reviewed By: Josh Miller, Sales Manager: Baker Lime & North America Minerals
Published: 3/3/2017 – Updated: 09/11/2025
To get a lush lawn, you may want to apply seed, lime and fertilizer, but too much of a good thing (and all at once) may not be the best way to proceed. In most cases, you’ll want to apply fertilizer first if your soil is hungry for nutrients, and you’ll want to apply lime first if your soil is high in acidity. Once you have taken care of the soil with lime or fertilizer (or both), it’s time to seed.
Whether you’re growing a lush green lawn or productive crop field, a duo of lime and fertilizer — or a lime, seed and fertilizer application in the right order for the intended plantings — can help you maintain optimally fertile soil.
How do fertilizer and lime work? Can you apply lime and fertilizer at the same time? When is the best time to spread lime on lawns? We’ve laid out the facts about fertilizer and lime application here, so you can make your lawn look its very best.
Why Fertilizer Is Important
Fertilizer is essential to growing healthy plants, bountiful crops, thick lawns and beautiful gardens. Simply put, most gardeners and farmers don’t use enough fertilizer, as it’s often thought of as an optional step. Plants require six nutrients in order to grow: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
As you may recall from science class, plants receive carbon, hydrogen and oxygen through photosynthesis, thanks to a healthy diet of air, water and sun. The remaining required nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are found in soil.
What many people who are not chemists or biologists forget, though, is these plant nutrients do not renew in the soil without the addition of fertilizer. Year after year, plants consume the nutrients present in the soil, and these nutrients eventually need to be replaced. Fertilizer helps to bring these essential ingredients back into the equation.
Each nutrient brings something different to the table. Nitrogen is a major component of chlorophyll and is, therefore, an essential part of the photosynthesis process. An even balance of nitrogen leads to thicker and taller stems, healthier leaves, colorful flowers and bountiful fruit. Nitrogen can also speed up the process of plant growth.
Phosphorous is also part of chlorophyll, and it helps with the development of sturdy roots, thanks to the increased production of oils and starches. Phosphorous leads to improved flower formation, increased seed production and a heartier resistance to plant diseases as well.
Potassium is another important element with a wide range of benefits that help the overall health quality of the plant. Potassium increases crop yields by improving root growth, building essential proteins and combatting harmful diseases.
Not only does fertilizer renew the soil with these nutrients, but it also allows for a greater flow of air through the soil and increases the soil’s ability to retain water. Fertilizers provide plants with additional nutrients, too, including calcium, sulfur, magnesium, boron, copper and iron.
Overall, fertilizer leads to healthier, thicker and quicker plant growth, and it should be an essential tool in every gardener or farmer’s arsenal.
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What Is Soil Acidity?
Fertilizer has its many advantages, but these benefits cannot be properly realized without proper soil acidity. Acidity is a measure of the amount of hydrogen present in the soil and is graded by pH, or “power of hydrogen” value. pH is measured on a logarithmic scale that ranges from 0 to 14. A pH value of 7 is considered neutral. A substance with a pH value lower than 7 is considered an acid, and a substance with a pH value higher than 7 is considered an alkaline or base.
Keep in mind that a lower pH level means a higher concentration of hydrogen, and as the scale is logarithmic, each unit increase means a tenfold change in acidity. For example, soil with a pH value of 6 has ten times the hydrogen concentration of soil with a pH value of 7. Don’t worry — that’s the last math you’re going to have to do in this article.
Most soil ranges in pH value from 5.5 to 10.0. For healthy plant growth, a pH value between 6.0 and 7.0 is recommended. When the soil’s pH value falls below 6.0 there are several harmful side effects, including:
- Aluminum toxicity: Aluminum becomes soluble at low pH levels. Aluminum restricts root growth and limits the availability of water and plant nutrients.
- Nutrient availability: At high acidity, plants are unable to absorb nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. This inhibits proper growth.
- Microbial activity: In acidic conditions, bacteria and fungi are unable to break down organic matter and cycle nutrients through the soil.
While acidic soil won’t destroy your plants or decimate your lawn, you won’t achieve maximum possible growth which is why you should test your soil. Fortunately, you can test the acidity level of your soil in a variety of ways. You can purchase an expensive, yet accurate commercial pH testing probe, a more affordable disposable pH testing kit or use any of a variety of DIY home-testing methods. Depending on your goals and budget, the dollar amount spent on soil testing can vary greatly. Learn more about the different soil types.
Fertilizer and Soil pH: What to Know
Over time, soil tends to become more acidic due to a gradual buildup of hydrogen ions. This natural process is often accelerated by agricultural practices, especially the repeated application of fertilizers containing ammonium. When ammonium-based nitrogen is added to the soil, it transforms into nitrate, releasing hydrogen ions in the process.
If crops fail to fully take up the nitrates, they can be washed away from the root zone by water movement. This leaching leaves behind excess hydrogen ions, which in turn lower the soil’s pH and increase its acidity. That’s why it’s important to create conditions that help plants effectively absorb nitrogen.
On a broader scale, routine crop harvesting also contributes to soil becoming more acidic. Plant tissue generally has a slightly alkaline pH. In natural environments, when plants die and decompose, their organic matter returns to the soil, buffering its acidity. In contrast, when crops are removed during harvest, this natural recycling process is interrupted. Without plant matter breaking down and restoring some alkalinity, the soil slowly becomes more acidic over time.
How Agricultural Lime Helps Fight Soil Acidity
Lime is introduced both to supply calcium and to help restore the pH balance of soil. Liming is by far and away the most cost-effective solution for neutralizing soil, so it is used widely by farmers and gardeners everywhere.
Lime is made from ground limestone, a gray sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, which are formed from the buildup of ancient organic remains. These components make lime rich in calcium and magnesium. These compounds are what neutralize the acidity of the soil.
As lime dissolves in soil, calcium rises to the surface of soil particles, replacing the acidic component of the soil. The acidic components, including hydrogen and potassium, react with the carbonate, leaving behind neutralized clay, carbon dioxide and water. As a result, you have neutralized soil that is able to foster proper plant growth.
How Is Lime Used?
Dolomitic lime is the most common type of agricultural lime sold for lawncare applications and is sold in the form of either powder or pellets. Lime powder is exactly what it sounds like: a fine, white powder you sprinkle over your lawn, garden or crop field. To apply lime powder to your lawn, you would typically use a drop spreader and tiller to ensure an even lime application.
When lime is more finely ground, you have an increase in surface area of the lime. This increase in surface area results in quicker reaction time with the soil.
The downside of lime powder is that it’s dusty and messy. It’s recommended to use a mask when applying the powder lime to your lawn as you should avoid breathing it in. The chemical properties of lime powder also give it a tendency to stick to driveways, patios and other paved surfaces, so it’s best not to apply it on a windy day.
As a result, many people prefer purchasing lime in pellet form. These pellets are easy to spread evenly across the ground. As they dissolve, they perform the same function as lime powder, breaking down into the soil. These pellets are specifically designed to effectively release lime quickly and evenly over time. Lime also varies in concentration to ensure the neutralizing value of the lime you purchase is at least 80%.
How Do I Choose the Right Lime or Fertilizer for My Lawn?
Choosing the right lime or fertilizer starts with understanding your soil’s needs. A soil test makes it easier to select the right product and avoid wasting time or money on unnecessary treatments.
If your soil is acidic, lime can bring it into a healthier range for grass growth. Baker Lime provides limestone products that are effective at balancing soil pH. The choice between dolomitic and calcitic lime often depends on whether your soil also needs magnesium. Dolomitic lime contains magnesium along with calcium, making it a good fit for soils low in both. Calcitic lime focuses on calcium for soils where magnesium levels are already adequate.
For fertilizer, the right choice depends on your grass type, the season and your soil’s nutrient profile. Most fertilizers list their nutrient ratio on the bag, usually shown as three numbers representing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen supports leaf growth, phosphorus encourages root development and potassium helps overall plant health and resilience.
Farmers, gardeners and homeowners throughout York and the Northeast often use a combination of lime and fertilizer to create optimal growing conditions. Lime addresses pH balance, making nutrients in the soil more available, while fertilizer provides those nutrients directly. Applying both in a coordinated plan can yield stronger, more resilient turf and crops.
When selecting any lawncare product, it’s also worth considering application method and timing. Granular lime is easy to spread evenly with a broadcast spreader, while powdered lime may be better for quick absorption in certain soil types. Fertilizers also come in slow-release and fast-release formulas depending on how quickly you want results.
A good practice is to match the product to your soil needs and maintenance style. If you prefer fewer applications, slow-release fertilizer and a single lime treatment every year or two may be ideal.
Baker Lime’s quality limestone products offer a range of choices, from pelletized limestone to damp limestone options. Check out our products to find the right match for your lawn.
How Should I Prep My Lawn for Applying Lime or Fertilizer?
Good preparation can make all the difference in how well lime and fertilizer work for your lawn. The first step is knowing what your soil needs through a soil test.
Once you know what your lawn needs, clear away leaves, sticks and other debris. This step allows the lime or fertilizer to reach the soil surface instead of sitting on top of organic material. Mowing your grass to a moderate height before application also helps the product reach the soil more evenly.
Lightly watering your lawn a day or two before application can help with absorption. Avoid soaking the soil — you want it to be slightly damp so the product adheres well without clumping. If you’re applying both lime and fertilizer, follow the order and spacing recommended by your soil test or lawncare plan.
When handling any dry product, wear gloves to prevent skin dryness. If you’re spreading large amounts in a breezy area, a dust mask can help you stay comfortable. Baker Lime’s non-caustic products are designed for ease of use, making it simple to care for your lawn. Our products come with clear information, so even if you have never used lime or fertilizer, you can just follow the instructions.
After spreading, water your lawn lightly to help the lime or fertilizer settle into the soil. This step also helps minimize airborne dust and starts the process of nutrient absorption. Over time, regular, well-timed applications of lime and fertilizer will improve soil structure, encourage deep root growth and create a greener, healthier lawn.
By taking extra time to prepare, you set the stage for better results. Whether you’re working on a small backyard in York or tending to acreage elsewhere in the Northeast, the same principles apply. Healthy soil starts with the right preparation.
Should I Apply Lime or Fertilizer First?
In general, it’s best not to apply lime and fertilizer at the same time — but how do you decide whether to apply lime or fertilizer first to your lawn? The answer depends on your soil’s condition and the time of year. Generally, it’s best to apply lime before fertilizer so the soil’s pH can be adjusted, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more effectively. A soil test is the most reliable way to decide. If your pH is too low, start with lime.
Season matters, too. In fall, applying lime first gives it time to break down over winter and balance the soil before spring growth. In spring, you might apply fertilizer first if your soil’s pH is already in range and your grass needs an immediate nutrient boost.
Homeowners often face scenarios like thin grass, heavy foot traffic or overseeding. In each case, achieving long-term lawn health begins with understanding your soil’s pH.
The pH balance of your soil will largely dictate which of the two products you apply first. Keep in mind the goals of each growth supplement. Fertilizer is added to the soil to increase the nutrients available to plants, and lime is added to the soil to decrease acidity and make the nutrients easier and more accessible for plants to absorb. It’s crucial to take acidity into account when deciding between lime vs. fertilizer.
When to Apply Lime First
When you’re applying agricultural lime, you’re trying to get soil acidity reasonably balanced so grass (or other plants) can better absorb fertilizer nutrients. If your soil is high in acidity, it will not be able to absorb nutrients — especially nitrogen — effectively. This becomes a cycle, since the nitrates that don’t get absorbed become hydrogen ions, which increase the acidity of the soil.
As a result, you want to ensure the soil has reached an appropriate pH balance before applying fertilizer. In most cases, if soil tests reveal that your soil is high in acidity, applying fertilizer after lime will give you the best results. That way, you balance the pH first, and your investment in fertilizing is more likely to pay off.
There’s a saying: “Lime takes time.” Reducing soil acidity with lime is a gradual process, not an instant fix. The speed at which lime works depends on several key factors, including:
- The fineness of the lime particles
- The starting pH and composition of the soil
- How evenly and frequently the lime is applied
- The total amount used
- Whether the lime is blended into the soil or simply left on the surface
Lime that has been finely ground tends to react more efficiently with the soil, meaning you won’t need to apply it as often. Some lime products are manufactured to dissolve and act quickly, which can help speed up pH adjustments. If your soil is strongly acidic, a typical recommendation is about 100 pounds of lime per 1,000 square feet. For basic pH maintenance, a lighter application — around 50 pounds per 1,000 square feet — should be sufficient.
Fall is widely considered the ideal season for liming because the cooler, more stable weather allows the material time to react before winter sets in. This timing also avoids the stress of extreme summer temperatures or sudden frost.
To achieve faster results, it’s important to mix the lime into the soil as deeply as possible — ideally around 6 inches. When applied thoroughly and under the right conditions, lime can begin adjusting the pH within about 50 days. Because of this, it’s a smart idea to incorporate lime into the topsoil before planting. Doing so ensures better distribution and helps new seeds grow in a more balanced environment.
In addition, try to mix the lime securely (and at depth) into the surface of the soil, and only then plant seeds. This approach ensures the entire surface of your lawn has an even distribution of lime.
Optimal Timing for Lime Application
Fall is often the best time to lime your lawn because cooler temperatures, increased rainfall and reduced lawn activity create ideal conditions for lime to work into the soil. Applying lime in fall gives it several months to react, improving pH by the time spring begins.
Soil moisture also plays a role. Apply lime when the ground is neither too dry nor saturated. Mild, dry days with a forecast of light rain help move the product into the root zone. After application, wait at least one to two weeks before fertilizing to ensure the pH shift doesn’t interfere with nutrient uptake.
Different grass types also affect timing. Cool-season grasses like fescue and rye benefit most from fall liming, while warm-season grasses such as Bermuda may see better results from late winter or early spring applications.
When to Apply Fertilizer First
If you are planting new seeds, such as grass, the best option is to apply lime after fertilizer. This method can seem counterintuitive, but you’re trying to get nutrients in the soil to support seed growth. No matter what the acidity level of the soil, if no nutrients are present in the soil, plants won’t germinate to their fullest potential. In the case where you are at the seed-planting stage, it’s best to ensure soil is complete with proper nutrients.
Wait at least a week to 10 days before applying lime. Once plants have been given appropriate time to start absorbing the nutrients present in the fertilizer, apply lime to the soil. The addition of lime will increase the effectiveness of the fertilizer already present in the ground. The plants’ roots, which should have started growing by this point, will enjoy the extra boost provided by the lime.
When It’s Okay to Apply Lime and Fertilizer at the Same Time
Can you fertilize and lime at the same time? It’s possible, but applying both separately often ensures each performs at its best. Some products are designed for dual application.
Should you lime before or after seeding? It’s generally better to lime first. This technique prepares the soil to support healthy root development. It’s also wise to water lightly to help the lime settle before spreading seed.
If you choose simultaneous application, select a product formulated for that purpose and follow the label instructions carefully. Avoid using standard lime and fertilizer in the same spreader pass unless the manufacturer confirms compatibility, as certain chemical interactions can reduce effectiveness.
If your lawn or crop field’s pH level is already sufficiently neutral, there’s no need to apply fertilizer and lime at separate times. To save you time (and likely money), it’s okay to apply agricultural lime and fertilizer at the same time. The fertilizer with lime will provide an immediate supply of plant nutrients to the soil, and the lime will release slowly over time and maintain the appropriate pH balance. The effects of the lime are not needed immediately, so it’s not an issue that the effects of the lime come into play well after those of the fertilizer treatment.
To ensure a proper amount of both fertilizer and lime are applied evenly across your entire lawn surface, it’s recommended to apply them separately. Make an initial pass over the planting surface with fertilizer, and then repeat when adding lime.
What Should I Do After Applying Lime or Fertilizer to My Lawn?
Once you’ve applied lime or fertilizer, a light watering after application helps move the product into the soil, reduces dust and starts the nutrient absorption process. For lime in particular, moisture is key because it activates the process that balances your soil’s pH.
If you’re using a non-caustic limestone product from Baker Lime, you can expect it to work over time. Unlike quick-acting chemical treatments, lime improves soil conditions steadily, allowing for lasting changes that support stronger root systems. Watering right away and then allowing normal rainfall to do the rest is typically all that’s needed.
It’s also a good idea to limit heavy foot traffic for a few days after application. This helps avoid compacting the soil and ensures the lime or fertilizer stays evenly distributed. It also prevents tracking lime or fertilizer into areas where you don’t intend for it to go. If you’ve seeded along with your application, protecting the area from pets and frequent walking can help new grass germinate more effectively.
Monitor your lawn in the weeks that follow. You may notice grass looking healthier and soil feeling less compact over a season. Fertilizer results tend to appear sooner, especially regarding greener color and thicker growth.
Finally, plan your next steps. Depending on your soil test results, you may not need another lime application for a year or more. Fertilizer schedules are typically shorter, often requiring a few applications through the growing season. Keeping records of what you applied and monitoring your lawn’s health makes it easier to stay on track.
When Should I Delay Applying Lime and Fertilizer to My Lawn?
Timing plays a major role in how well your lawn responds to lime and fertilizer, and there are certain times when it’s better to delay application.
If your soil is too wet after heavy rain or snowmelt, for example, applying lime or fertilizer can lead to runoff and uneven distribution. This wastes product and prevents the nutrients from getting into the root zone, which is where they are needed most. Waiting until the ground is firm and only slightly damp allows for better absorption and prevents clumping.
Extreme heat can also affect results. During the hottest summer weeks, grass tends to be stressed, and adding nutrients at that time can be less effective. Cooler periods in spring or fall often give the best results because moisture levels are more consistent and temperatures are milder.
It’s also wise to delay if you’ve just seeded your lawn and the seedlings have not yet established roots. Overloading young grass with too much product too soon may cause uneven growth or stress. Give new grass a few weeks to mature before you introduce lime or fertilizer.
If you’ve recently applied one product, such as fertilizer, it may be best to wait before adding lime. This allows each product to work effectively without overwhelming your soil. A soil test can guide your timing by showing whether your pH level or nutrient balance is ready for the next step.
Delaying your application when conditions aren’t right helps your investment pay off. The goal is to give your soil the best chance to absorb nutrients and create a healthy environment for your grass to thrive.
Use Lime As a Fertilizer in Lawncare and Agriculture
If your lawn or crop field already has a neutral pH balance, it’s only necessary to apply lime once every two years. An excess amount of lime can result in iron chlorosis, which results in yellow or even dead grass. Over-applying fertilizer can result in chemical burns, thatch buildup and an increase of pests and diseases in your lawn.
When you need the best in AG-lime for your agricultural operation, trust us at Baker Lime. Our lime and fertilizer products combined with more than 125 years of experience give you what you need to help keep your grass, flowers, vegetables, fruit and more flourishing. Find and contact your local Baker Lime dealer for your AG-lime needs.
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