Question
I planted crawling red fescue in the fall. I hauled in a thin layer of topsoil and put out some lime before I seeded. I put what I thought was a thin, but sufficient layer of straw over it. The grass seed slowly came up and some of the blades grew tall and strong, but then died off. There is still a lot of tiny tender grass in the yard, but it doesn't seem to be growing as good as it could be. My neighbor planted the same type of grass one week after I planted mine and his grass is really tall and lush. He did however till and add cow manure. I am afraid of "burning up" my lawn with too much fertilizer, but I am beginning to think that maybe I didn't put out enough. Should I try to add some now or wait until spring?? Help!

Answer
Sarah,

If the manure you added was not thoroughly composted it will steal nitrogen from the surrounding soil.  You did not mention the area of the country you are in.  If you have not done so now would be a good time to get a soil test.  If you are in the south you can still apply an organic fertilizer now.  Otherwise I recommend you apply a 100% organic fertilizer ( watch for labels that say " organic based" these may still contain some chemicals you do not want)  Bradfields 4-1-4 for example.  You may want to also apply 2 pounds of additional grass seed per 1000SF.  If you have a local source of quality compost (or google "organic compost") you can topdress with 1/4 inch after you apply your seed. More than likely your slow growing grass is due to nitrogen tie up in the soil.  This is assuming the soil you brought in for your lawn was of good quality and free from residual herbicides.  Soil from wooded areas will also have a hard time establishing grass.  In time the soil will balance itself if you feed it the proper foods to encourage the microbes and fungi nessesary for healthy turf.